Mangaluru: The biggest risk in education today is to keep pace with the changing scenarios while preparing the students for their futures, lest the system of education becomes disoriented. Keeping this in mind, the Department of Special Courses at School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, launched the programme- the ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)’, on Wednesday, 16th January 2019.
The launch programme began with a prayer hymn by the students of II MSW. Mr. Kishore Attavar, Director of Extension Service Centre and the Course Coordinator, welcomed the dignitaries of the day: Dr. Olinda Pereira – President of Vishwas Trust, Mr. Purandar Shetty – Rtd. M.D. of BASF Mangaluru, Mr. Brian Fernandes – CEO of News Karnataka, Mr. Ronald Mascarenhas – Head HR of Syngene International Ltd., Dr. Juliet – Principal of Roshni Nilaya, and Dr. Jenis Mary – Vice Principal of Roshni Nilaya.
Mr. Brian Fernandes, an alumnus of the college, who has also volunteered as a guest faculty for the CSR course, provided an insight on corporate social responsibility by speaking about its emanation from the West. Deliberating over the need for the course on CSR, Mr. Fernandes said, “CSR is now becoming compulsory for certain categories of corporate organisations. Soon, the corporates might require personnel with talent, skills and knowledge to develop and implement the CSR activities in the organisation. This is where the course can help these graduates.” He also spoke about social entrepreneurship and its association with CSR.
Mr. Kishore Attavar, the course coordinator, elaborated on the ‘what’, ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of the course, emphasizing the need to educate and enlighten the graduates about corporate social responsibility. “With the help of the alumni who have many years of experience in the field of HR, while synchronising their experience with the community, this course will help all those who enrol for it, to further work in the area of CSR.” He said, while speaking in detail about the course, which is mentioned below.
The PGD course was then launched, with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries present. Thereafter, the Chief Guest – Mr. Purandar Shetty addressed the gathering. He applauded the initiative of starting this course, undertaken by Roshni Nilaya, which would open new avenues for those involved in social work. “CSR is not an easy task. Industry faces so much of pressure from the public representatives and authorities. This course, which offers practical content, is going to help a lot in gaining knowledge and experience in dealing with such scenarios. It will help to build a relationship between ecology and economy. This is going to be a great opportunity to learn to give something back to the society.”
Mr. Ronald Mascarenhas spoke to the gathering about the practical aspects of corporate social responsibility from the industry’s perspective. “Health care, rural development, art and culture, education, gender equality, support to differently-abled people, and the latest, skill development area are some of the areas where CSR can be implemented. With CSR becoming mandatory, there is a lot of scope for students in future to work in the field of CSR. And thus, new employment opportunities are going to open up for several candidates”
Mr. Kiran Urwa, who has worked for 13 years in CSR at GMR Thannerbavi, and Suzlon Bangalore, shared his experience and struggle faced with the gathering.
Dr. Jenis Mary, while addressing the gathering, expressed her gratitude towards the alumni of the college and appreciated their dedication and commitment towards their alma mater. While urging the gathering to spread the word about the course, Dr. Jenis, on behalf of the management, extended total support towards this new course.
Thereafter, in her presidential address, Dr Olinda Pereira, expressed her joy by acknowledging and encouraging the way in which Roshni Nilaya has taken up this initiative of imparting illuminating knowledge to all. Extending her support towards this programme, Dr. Pereira urged everyone to take up this opportunity, while saying, “Each of us can do something; there is nobody who can do nothing! All of us together will put in whatever we can and make it a big solid fixture for this institution, for the city and for the world around.” She concluded by wishing this programme a huge success.
Mr. Brian Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Kiran Urwa and Mr. Vincent Pinto were also present at this occasion.
About the Course
The Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a first of its kind in Karnataka, is a one-year programme, which will commence on the 19th of January, 2019. It will have classes in the evening, and would be a semi-contact programme, so it is more flexible for the ones having a job too. The course will teach students the fundamentals of corporate social responsibility and give them the knowledge they need to work for companies undertaking CSR activities, which is now mandatory under Companies Act 2013, for certain categories of corporate organisations. It is a profound area of Management that offers intriguing career opportunities too young aspirants with exciting job offers in private and public sector. There is tremendous scope for consultants on business responsibility reporting to both small and large scale commercial ventures.
This PG diploma course, with a fee of Rs. 20,000/-, consists of a total of 100 hours, when 60 hours would include theory sessions along with 40 hours of internship opportunity provided in organisations at Bangalore /Mysore/Mangalore.
The skill sets offered during this course are: Advisory and consultancy skills for high level strategic advice on CSR; conducting CSR Audit and preparing compliance reports; supervised or perform compliance under Companies Act 2013; develop strategies and CSR policy supporting the organisational objective; building strategies to raise funds for NGOs utilizing CSR funds.
Participants who successfully complete the course will obtain a certificate from Mangalore University; a team of leading experts from among the Roshni alumni and from reputed companies will guide the course; learning materials comprise of video discussion, study materials, checklist etc.; certification will be based on performance in test and internship programme (60% – 40%)
For more details, contact:
Ms. Evelyn Benis (PGD Director): +91 94831 39503
Mr. Kishore Attavar (PGD Course Coordinator): +91 93421 16645
Ms. Reshma Kotian: 0824 2435791, +91 8746847982
