The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Microsoft’s macro social campaign

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 02, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Microsoft’s macro social campaign

R. Ravikanth Reddy

Hyderabad campus’s “Giving Campaign” focuses on the underprivileged

Employees raise Rs. 1 crore including company’s contribution this year
They also gave their precious 600 work hours this month

-Photo G. Krishnaswamy.

Hands-on experience: Microsoft employee teaches schoolchildren on the usage of a computer at “Giving Campaign”.

HYDERABAD: Working on a computer was a distant dream for these kids hailing from poorer sections of the society but when they laid their hands for the first time on a computer it was in the plush office of the global computer giant Microsoft.

Nearly 200 students from schools run by orphanages and special schools are picking up the nuances of computers as a part of the Microsoft Hyderabad campus’s “Giving Campaign” where the employees give their time and donate money in order to give back to the underprivileged in the society. Training students in computers is one aspect of the programme where employees spend time teaching basic computer skills to select school students. “It’s an immensely satisfying experience to work with these children,” says Santosh Chandwani, senior programmer who took out time despite the deadline of his project approaching.

There are scores of such employees who were engaged in assisting children in creating personal email Ids or searching for information on the web. “The campaign is completely volunteer- driven,” says Chitra Sood, Staffing Director. “The idea is to increase employee awareness about social causes and encourage them to contribute money and time.” Ms. Sood says the unique programme is a part of Microsoft culture since 1983 but was launched in India in 2003. In fact, the campaign is celebrated throughout October.

Various events marked the month-long campaign this year. . Auction of cricket match tickets, paintings and other such programmes raised good amounts. A whopping Rs. 4.1 lakh were raised through the single auction of using a senior leader’s office for a day. The organisation makes matching contribution to the money donated to various organisations. This year the staff raised Rs. 1 crore including company’s contribution and gave their precious 600 work hours this month.

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