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Inside Chezuba’s AI-Driven CSR Platform – CEO Sukhendra Rompally Shares Insights with ObserveNow

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have revolutionized various aspects of modern life, from personalized recommendations on streaming platforms to advanced medical diagnostics. At their core, AI and ML empower systems to learn from data, recognize patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. Leveraging this technology, corporations are now pioneering innovative approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Sukhendra Rompally, Founder & CEO, Chezuba.

One such example is the development of an AI-based CSR platform “Chezuba” designed to facilitate and streamline corporate volunteering and giving programs across more than 100 countries. This platform harnesses the capabilities of AI to optimize volunteer matching, program management, and impact assessment, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and reach of corporate philanthropic initiatives on a global scale. In regards to this ObserveNow Media  interacted with Sukhendra Rompally, Founder & CEO, Chezuba.

Below are a few edited excerpts from the interview:

Can you elaborate on the AI algorithms and methodologies employed within Chezuba’s platform to personalize and optimize philanthropic activities for users?

Chezuba uses AI algorithms and machine learning methods to customize the user experience for employees. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

  • During onboarding, we gather data on employee interests, including their preferred causes and skills.
  • We analyze this information to align their skills and interests with suitable volunteering projects from our extensive database.
  • Personalized recommendations are then displayed on the portal, reflecting their interests and skill sets.

How does Chezuba ensure the authenticity and effectiveness of the nonprofit organizations within its network, especially across diverse global regions?

Chezuba places a strong emphasis on ensuring the authenticity and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations within its network. By screening nonprofits meticulously, Chezuba guarantees that only reputable and impactful organizations are part of its network, enhancing trust and confidence among users.

Nonprofits undergo a registration process on Chezuba’s platform, where they upload essential documents, including registration certificates. These documents are manually verified by Chezuba’s team to confirm the authenticity of the nonprofit.

Chezuba conducts thorough checks to ensure that the nonprofit complies with legal requirements and has the necessary certifications. Any discrepancies or issues identified during this process are handled in onboarding call.

Please share an instance Chezuba significantly enhanced a company’s CSR initiatives, resulting in tangible social impact and employee engagement?

One notable instance where Chezuba significantly enhanced a company’s CSR initiatives is its partnership with Tata Group. Chezuba collaborated with Tata Group to increase the number of volunteering opportunities, especially focusing on skill-based projects.

  • Tata’s partnership with Chezuba resulted in a commendable project completion rate of 65% over the last 8 cycles.
  • With an average of 1600 employees volunteering with over 480 nonprofits, Tata’s employees had access to over 2000 projects, contributing approximately 51,200 volunteering hours valued at around $500,000.
  • Feedback from the survey conducted by Chezuba reflects the program’s success, with 100% of volunteers recommending it to their colleagues and 99% of nonprofits expressing interest in participating again.

Given the diverse range of companies and industries you cater to, how does Chezuba tailor its platform to accommodate varying organizational structures, cultures, and CSR goals?

Chezuba’s platform is designed to be highly customizable, allowing it to accommodate varying customer needs. Here’s how we tailor our platform for varying organizational structures, cultures, and CSR goals:

  • Customizable Framework: Our low-code foundation allows us to customize every aspect of our platform, from modules and user interfaces to workflows and access levels. This flexibility ensures that we can align our platform with the unique needs of each client.
  • Flexible Pricing and Features: We offer pricing plans and features that can be tailored to the size and CSR objectives of companies, whether they are small startups or large multinational corporations.
  • Industry-Focused Volunteering Opportunities: We collaborate closely with companies to curate volunteering opportunities that align with their specific industry focus and social responsibility goals.
  • Multilingual and Multicultural Support: With availability in 133 languages and acceptance of all currencies, our platform accommodates diverse linguistic and cultural norms. This inclusivity further enhances our ability to cater to diverse global clients.

In what ways does Chezuba leverage gamification techniques to incentivize and sustain employee participation in volunteering and donation activities over time?

Chezuba uses gamification techniques in several ways to motivate and retain user engagement:

  •  Rewards: Users earn points and badges by participating in volunteering tasks, completing micro-tasks, and contributing donations. This fosters a sense of achievement and friendly competition among colleagues.
  • Leaderboard: The platform features company-wide leaderboards highlighting top performers based on volunteering hours, donation contributions, and social impact generated. This feature encourages healthy competition and motivates employees to create greater impact.
  • Social Recognition: Chezuba allows employees to share their volunteering experiences and achievements through social media integration within the platform. This helps them build a sense of community and recognition for their contributions.

 

 

[24]7.ai appoints Nina Nair as CHRO for global BPO business

[24]7.ai, a company offering digital business services and customer experience solutions, has promoted Nina Nair to the role of Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) for its Global BPO division.

In this capacity, Nina will oversee all aspects of human resources management within the Global BPO Business. Prior to her appointment as CHRO, Nina held the position of Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources for India & Americas.

Previously, Nina held the role of Chief People Officer at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements from 2011 to 2015 and served on the board of trustees for the Live Love Laugh Foundation, an NGO dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, from 2015 to 2018.

 

Key for tomorrow’s designers lies in artistic vision says Nien Siao, Dean, JS Institute of Design

With the National Education Policy (NEP) paving the way for innovative approaches in the education landscape, universities are gradually integrating its new principles into their curriculum. NEP 2020’s emphasis on nurturing students’ creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through a holistic education is being reflected in various design courses such as UI and UX. Also, according to reports, the global User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.13% between 2022 and 2028.

Nien Siao, Dean, JS Institute of Design

To discover the future of design courses and the potential of creative career prospects, Sheeba Chauhan from ObserveNow Media interacted with Nien Siao, Dean, JS Institute of Design.

Here is an edited excerpt:

What are the various offerings of JSID in collaboration with École Intuit Lab — a French institute of design and creative strategy to address the dynamic demands of the evolving design landscape?  

Our partnership with the École Intuit Lab is a game-changer for our design programs. It allows us to offer a global perspective you won’t find elsewhere. Students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in Visual Communication, Game Art and Design, and Digital Product Design or opt for postgraduate studies in Advertising Design and Visual Communication. They’ll even have the chance for workshops and semester-long studies in France. This immersive approach ensures that our graduates leave with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need to build successful careers and make their mark in the dynamic design world.

According to reports, the global User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.13% between 2022 and 2028. How will the JS Institute of Design (JSID) leverage these numbers and make them beneficial for students? 

The booming UI/UX design software market is a huge opportunity for our students. That’s why our partnership with École Intuit Lab is so important. Our specialized digital design programs directly address industry needs. Our focus on current skills and trends means our graduates hit the ground running—they’re ready to make an immediate impact in this dynamic field.

With a legacy of 22 years, École Intuit Lab has an outstanding 98% placement rate. How has it impacted the placement of students in JSID and given them an edge in placement in comparison to other aspiring designers? What are the various organization JSID’s students get placed in?

École Intuit Lab Paris has been a leader in design education for over 22 years (since 2001), establishing itself as one of France’s most prestigious design schools. Their successful 13-year presence in India boasts a strong placement track record. While the New Delhi campus is relatively new, we leverage the institute’s network of over 1,000 industry partners. Our postgraduate students have secured internships and placements at renowned companies like TATA 1mg, Studio Volume, and Group Bayport. This strong industry connection, combined with the institutes’ focus on real-world projects and internships, gives our students a competitive edge in the job market over other aspiring designers.

Being a dean of a Design institute, how do you see the future of careers in the creative domain? 

As a dean with extensive experience in design education, I’m incredibly excited about the future of creative careers. Our digital world is constantly transforming the very nature of design—visual communication, product design, everything! This means talented, innovative designers will be in higher demand than ever. The key for tomorrow’s designers lies in combining artistic vision with powerful technological tools.

That’s where institutions like JSID and École Intuit Lab excel. We prepare our students for this incredible future. Our programs champion innovation, critical thinking, and the kind of adaptability that keeps designers on the leading edge of their industries. It’s a thrilling time to be involved in design!

With alignment to NEP and the new curriculum regulations, how have you implemented these in your institute, and how has it transformed your courses from the previous courses? 

The NEP emphasizes holistic student development, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and experiential learning. JSID’s commitment to this mandate is reflected in its multidisciplinary approach, flexible course structure, and emphasis on skill development for employability. The curriculum is continuously updated to align with industry trends, ensuring graduates possess the knowledge and skills required for success in the dynamic design field.

 

 

 

 

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Indian and Russian Education Officials Meet to Enhance Collaboration in Education

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, recently convened a significant meeting with H.E. Denis Gribov, Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation. The agenda centered on fostering mutual collaboration in various educational domains between the two nations. Notable attendees included Additional Secretary Anandrao V. Patil, Joint Secretaries Archana Sharma Awasthi, Amarpreet Duggal, Neeta Prasad, and Prachi Pandey, alongside other Ministry officials.

Kumar underscored the expansive scope of India’s education system, spotlighting key aspects of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He highlighted the integration of skill education from Class VI onwards, in alignment with policy recommendations, along with initiatives promoting experiential learning, innovative assessment methods, and support frameworks for gifted students.

In turn, Gribov elucidated the distinctive features of the Russian education system, emphasizing comprehensive student assessment methodologies, specialized grading systems, and a keen interest in fostering Russian language instruction within Indian educational institutions, alongside facilitating teacher exchange programs.

The Russian delegation sought counsel on implementing value education, as outlined in India’s NEP 2020, and received invaluable insights from Kumar, particularly regarding the role of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in developing pertinent curriculum content. Neeta Prasad underscored the collaborative opportunities between the two nations, particularly in light of India’s G20 Presidency, expressing eagerness to advance bilateral initiatives. She urged the delegation to furnish a concept note to expedite actions pertaining to teacher exchange programs and language instruction.

Furthermore, discussions delved into the pivotal role of technology in India’s education landscape, elaborated upon by Patil, while Awasthi shed light on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) initiatives, emphasizing the significance of teaching in local languages. Prachi Pandey expounded on the integration of skill education, commencing from Class VI, ensuring students acquire a practical skillset by the time they complete secondary education.

 

MMMOCL appoints Rubal Prakhar Agarwal, IAS as MD

Rubal Prakhar Agarwal, IAS officer from the 2008 cadre, has been appointed as Managing Director at the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation LTD (MMMOCL). She succeeds Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, a distinguished IAS officer from the 1996 cadre, in this crucial role.

Before her new assignment, Agarwal served as the Commissioner of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme in Maharashtra, where she gained substantial expertise in administrative matters. With her vast experience and professional background, she is expected to lead MMMOCL towards its ambitious objectives.

Her appointment is anticipated to play a pivotal role in MMMOCL’s endeavors to oversee the operation and maintenance of metro lines and the Mumbai Monorail, as well as to undertake the construction of 337 kilometers of metro lines in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

 

Acer hits double century; launched 200th store in Noida

New Delhi: Acer reached a notable achievement with the opening of its 200th store in the DLF Mall of India, Noida. This new store offers an immersive setting for customers to fully explore Acer’s advanced range of products, including sleek laptops, powerful desktops, monitors, immersive gaming devices, and various accessories. Indian Actress Mouni Roy graced the inauguration ceremony and unveiled two AI laptops – Swift Go and Predator Helios 16 series.

The launch of the 200th store in DLF Mall of India, Noida, marked a significant moment for the brand. The store promises customers an interactive and lively shopping experience, aligning perfectly with Acer’s vision of creating inspiring retail spaces. 

By expanding its presence to diverse locations, Acer aims to democratize technology and empower people from all backgrounds. This strategic initiative reflects Acer’s ambition to broaden access to cutting-edge technology, thereby fostering digital inclusion and socio-economic advancement.

We are thrilled to have reached this significant milestone with the opening of our 200th store in DLF Mall of India, Noida. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Acer team and the unwavering support of our customers and partners. As we continue to expand our retail presence, we remain committed to delivering innovative products, exceptional services, and memorable experiences that enrich the lives of our customers” said Sanjeev Mehtani, Chief Sales Officer, Acer India.

With this launch, Acer is edging closer to its ambitious goal of establishing over 300 exclusive stores by the onset of 2025.

 

 

A Global Odyssey: India’s Thrust Towards Educational Globalization

Indian economy’s transition to globalization in 1991 has changed the face of trade and forging international connections for business. It has been a testament to how internalization can accelerate growth and leave an ineffaceable mark on the world. Today, India stands at 5th position in the world economy and it can’t be possible without the decision that transcended the boundaries of Indian trade.

The Indian education system is already making noise in world education with its new education reforms, excellent academic institutions, and global collaboration to enhance academic excellence in India. With the expansion plans, Indian institutions are already planning joint degree programmes, establishing their campuses overseas and even inviting foreign universities to establish campuses in India.

In a major shift early last year, UGC announced the regulations to invite foreign campuses in India, given the same, Deakin University became the first foreign university to set up an International Branch Campus in GIFT City, Gujarat. Malaysian Lincon University has shown interest in setting up a campus in India. Additionally, IIT Madras and IIT Delhi settled their overseas campus in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi respectively.

Raghuvir Singh, Vice Chancellor, KR Mangalam University

“Internationalization is something that has been missing for a long time from the Indian Education Ecosystem. Our higher education Institutions operated in isolation & vacuum for a long time. It was a no-go zone for many reasons, especially the lack of vision, government intervention and unfavorable legal & market conditions, It has been inward inward-looking focus. Internationalization can happen in three ways, one way is our Universities/HEls establishing campuses abroad, the second way is foreign Universities establishing their campuses in India, and the third way is Indian HEls attracting foreign students and teachers to Indian HEI campuses in India”, shares Raghuvir Singh, Vice Chancellor, KR Mangalam University to express his thoughts on globalization of higher education institutes of India and how it can impact the Indian education system as a whole.

The world is also recognizing the status of India in the global education landscape and as a result of the same, World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) has given the nod to  World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) for students who have graduated from medical schools in India can now practice in foreign countries. Many such developments are on their way and will make a great impact on the proliferation of HEIs across the globe.

 

 

 

Kuldip Narayan joins NCRTC as Managing Director

 

Senior IAS officer Kuldip Narayan (IAS:2005:BH) has assumed the charge of Managing Director (MD) of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). He is currently serving as Joint Secretary in Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. NCRTC oversees the execution of Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS) project. Narayan is govt nominee director since December 2022 in NCRTC.

Earlier to Narayan, VK Singh was handling the position of MD, NCRTC.

 

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IIT Kanpur’s IFACET and Skyy Skill Academy Collaborate to Launch Technology Courses Online

IIT Kanpur’s IFACET and Skyy Skill Academy have collaborated to introduce state-of-the-art technology courses online. Through this strategic partnership, they aim to offer a range of online certification programs focusing on cutting-edge technologies. These courses will encompass various areas including Electric Vehicle Technology, Powertrain, Autonomous Vehicles and ADAS, Embedded Systems, Vehicle Design and Analysis, ANSYS, and SOLIDWORKS, among others. The goal is to equip learners with industry-specific knowledge and skills.

Leveraging the esteemed research and innovation expertise of IIT Kanpur, IFACET will work closely with Skyy Skill Academy to develop high-quality educational content. Experts in the respective technological domains will meticulously craft the course materials.

Set to commence in the coming months, interested individuals will soon find registration details and comprehensive course information on both Skyy Skill Academy and IFACET websites. Given the ongoing global trend towards digitalization, initiatives like this are instrumental in democratizing education, thereby promoting innovation and enhancing the capabilities of the global workforce.

 

 

Unisys appoints Ruchi Kulhari as Senior VP and Chief HR Officer

Unisys has appointed Ruchi Kulhari as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Kulhari will assume her responsibilities immediately and report directly to Unisys Chair and CEO Peter Altabef. With nearly two decades of diverse experience in human resources management, Kulhari brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Her extensive background encompasses various facets of HR leadership within the IT services industry, such as organizational design, staffing, training and development, succession planning, retention strategies, employee relations, coaching, and workflow optimization. Additionally, she has contributed to shaping short and long-term business and HR strategies, overseeing their implementation, and measuring their effectiveness.

Prior to joining Unisys, Kulhari served as the Chief People Officer at Coforge, where she spent over four years in various leadership capacities. Her earlier career includes holding progressively senior HR positions at Infosys and EXL Services. Kulhari holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with honors from the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education (IEHE), Bhopal. Furthermore, she has obtained a certificate in organizational change management and human resources development from Harvard Business School Executive Education.

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