Vodafone India has been one company that has tried to integrate sustainability into their business process. The use of mobile technology for socio-economic issues like education, health, banking and rural entrepreneurship has brought about a phenomenal change in the way the society functions. In a short span, it has transformed the lives of over 850 million people in India, thus contributing significantly to the nation’s socio-economic development.
For example, Vodafone India announced a unique initiative to help lakhs of pilgrims undertaking the annual padayatra from Dehu to Pandharpur. Starting from Saswad, Vodafone deployed two ‘Vodafone Mobile Trucks’ that travelled with the Warkaris all through their journey to Pandharpur to help them remain connected. The ‘Vodafone Mobile Trucks’ were equipped with mobile charging points, vouchers for recharge and free calling facilities to help the Warkaris stay in touch with their loved ones throughout the duration of their arduous trek.
Vodafone also launched a special VAS offering through which customers could listen to bhajans dedicated to Lord Vitthala, view a virtual aarati of the Lord at the revered Pandharpur temple, and know about the history behind the Pandharpur yatra and the traditions of the Warkaris, at a price of INR 1/min.
This is the true essence of CSR. Activities that bring goodwill while at the same time helping the company remain profitable.