Social Entrepreneurship

Late G K Swamy | Founder | Purkal Youth Development Society, Dehradun

What is Social Entrepreneurship?

You may be curious about a Career in Social Entrepreneurship. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Social Entrepreneurship, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Social Entrepreneurship. The internet is a great source of information on Social Entrepreneurship, but it is second best to learning about the same from a real professional.

Founder Late G K Swamy is an experienced professional with 18 years & 1 month in Social Entrepreneurship. Founder Late G K Swamy defines Social Entrepreneurship as:

Social entrepreneurship is the use of the techniques by start up companies and other entrepreneurs to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. This concept may be applied to a variety of organizations with different sizes, aims, and beliefs.

How Founder Late G K Swamy got into Social Entrepreneurship?

I started Purakal Youth Development Society, a fee free school for poor children in 1998. The School has now grown to over 500 students.

Founder Late G K Swamy's Talk on Social Entrepreneurship

The Journey of Social Entrepreneurship What Is Social Entrepreneurship Social Entrepreneurship Social entrepreneurship is the practice of developing, funding, and implementing innovative solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. It combines the passion and mission of a social cause with the discipline, innovation, and determination commonly associated with entrepreneurship, aiming to create sustainable and meaningful change in society. Social entrepreneurship matters because it addresses pressing societal challenges that traditional business models or government interventions may overlook. Professionals in this field are driven by a desire to create positive change, often working in sectors like education, healthcare, or environmental sustainability. The impact of their work is measured not just in financial terms, but also in improved lives and communities. Three major benefits include the opportunity to make a tangible difference in society, the ability to innovate and experiment with new solutions, and the potential for personal fulfillment that comes from aligning one’s career with a meaningful mission. Social entrepreneurs often inspire others and help foster a culture of responsibility and empathy within the broader business community. A social entrepreneur might identify a lack of affordable, nutritious food in urban neighborhoods and respond by launching a community-based food cooperative. This cooperative sources produce from local farmers and offers it at reduced prices, making healthy food accessible to low-income families. The entrepreneur secures funding through grants and reinvests profits into educational programs about nutrition and cooking. By collaborating with local organizations and residents, the cooperative not only addresses food insecurity but also creates jobs and strengthens community ties. This example illustrates how social entrepreneurship leverages business principles to solve social problems, demonstrating the practical and transformative impact that professionals in this field can achieve. Education Contextual Knowledge Contextual Knowledge refers to the deep understanding of the specific social, cultural, economic, and political environments in which social entrepreneurship operates. It encompasses awareness of local norms, stakeholder dynamics, and systemic challenges, forming a crucial bridge between academic theory and practical application in the field of Social Entrepreneurship. Developing contextual knowledge is essential for social entrepreneurs because it enables them to design solutions that are both relevant and sustainable within the communities they serve. This subject forms the backbone of effective problem-solving, as it allows professionals to move beyond generic approaches and tailor their strategies to fit unique local realities. By mastering contextual knowledge, social entrepreneurs can anticipate challenges, build trust with stakeholders, and adapt to shifting circumstances. Over the long term, this expertise not only enhances the impact of their initiatives but also fosters credibility and resilience in their careers, positioning them as thoughtful leaders capable of driving meaningful change in complex environments. Consider a social entrepreneur working to improve access to clean water in a rural community. By applying contextual knowledge, they recognize that previous projects failed due to a lack of community involvement and misunderstanding of local water customs. Drawing on their understanding of local governance structures and cultural practices, the entrepreneur collaborates with community leaders to co-design a water management system that respects traditional roles and addresses specific needs. This approach not only increases the likelihood of project success but also empowers the community, demonstrating how contextual knowledge transforms theoretical understanding into practical, impactful action within daily operations. Management Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources—such as people, finances, and information—to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively. In social entrepreneurship, management bridges visionary ideas with practical execution, making it a cornerstone of both academic study and professional practice within the sector. Understanding management is essential for anyone pursuing a career in social entrepreneurship because it equips individuals with the skills to turn innovative ideas into sustainable impact. Mastery of management principles enables professionals to allocate resources wisely, build effective teams, and navigate complex stakeholder environments. This knowledge forms the backbone of organizational success, ensuring that social ventures can scale and adapt in dynamic contexts. Over the long term, strong management skills foster resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to measure and communicate impact, all of which are crucial for career advancement and for driving meaningful change in society. Consider a social entrepreneur leading a non-profit organization focused on improving access to clean water in rural communities. Each day, they rely on their management expertise to coordinate project teams, allocate limited funds, and set measurable objectives. When unexpected challenges arise, such as supply chain disruptions or shifts in donor priorities, their grounding in management theory allows them to quickly assess risks, reassign resources, and communicate transparently with stakeholders. By applying management principles, the entrepreneur not only ensures the organization’s daily operations run smoothly but also builds a foundation for long-term growth and sustained social impact. Law Law is a system of rules and principles created and enforced by governmental institutions to regulate behavior, resolve disputes, and protect rights within society. For social entrepreneurs, understanding law is essential, as it governs organizational structures, compliance, contracts, and the ethical boundaries within which social ventures must operate. A solid grasp of law is indispensable for anyone pursuing a career in social entrepreneurship. Legal knowledge ensures that social ventures are established on a legitimate foundation, whether as nonprofits, cooperatives, or hybrid entities. It empowers professionals to navigate regulatory requirements, draft effective contracts, and safeguard intellectual property, all of which are crucial for sustainable impact. Understanding law also helps social entrepreneurs avoid legal pitfalls, manage risks, and build trust with stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and partners. Over the long term, this expertise enhances credibility, supports ethical decision-making, and enables the scaling of innovative solutions within the boundaries of legal frameworks, ultimately contributing to the lasting success and integrity of social enterprises. Imagine a social entrepreneur launching a community-based recycling initiative. Their knowledge of law guides them in selecting the appropriate legal structure, such as forming a nonprofit or a social enterprise, and ensures compliance with local environmental regulations. When partnering with local businesses and municipalities, they draft clear contracts that define roles, responsibilities, and revenue-sharing agreements. If the initiative develops a unique recycling process, legal expertise allows them to secure intellectual property rights, protecting their innovation. By understanding employment law, they also ensure fair labor practices for staff and volunteers. In daily operations, this legal foundation helps the entrepreneur navigate challenges, resolve disputes amicably, and maintain the trust of the community and stakeholders. Accounting Accounting is the systematic process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions of an organization. It provides essential information about financial health, enabling informed decision-making. For social entrepreneurs, accounting forms a crucial part of academic and professional knowledge, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability in mission-driven ventures. Understanding accounting is indispensable for anyone preparing for or working in social entrepreneurship. It equips professionals with the ability to track income and expenses, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with legal and donor requirements. Mastery of accounting principles allows social entrepreneurs to demonstrate financial responsibility to stakeholders, attract funding, and measure the impact of their initiatives. Over time, this knowledge fosters strategic planning and resource allocation, helping organizations scale their operations and achieve long-term sustainability. By integrating accounting into their skill set, social entrepreneurs build credibility and trust, which are essential for forging partnerships and maintaining the confidence of beneficiaries, investors, and regulatory bodies. Consider a social entrepreneur managing a nonprofit that provides educational resources to underserved communities. Each day, they must allocate funds to various programs, track donations, and report expenditures to donors and regulatory agencies. By applying their accounting knowledge, the entrepreneur can create accurate financial statements, monitor cash flow, and ensure that resources are used efficiently. This enables them to identify cost-saving opportunities, justify funding requests, and maintain transparency with stakeholders. Ultimately, their ability to interpret and utilize accounting data directly supports the organization’s mission, ensuring that every dollar spent maximizes social impact and aligns with both short-term goals and long-term sustainability. Skills Networking Networking is the intentional process of building and nurturing professional relationships to exchange information, resources, and support. In social entrepreneurship, networking connects individuals with diverse stakeholders, including funders, partners, beneficiaries, and experts. This skill enables professionals to access opportunities, share knowledge, and collaborate effectively to drive social impact and innovation. Networking significantly enhances a social entrepreneur’s performance by opening doors to funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Clients and employers value this skill because it demonstrates the ability to mobilize resources, foster collaborations, and stay informed about industry trends. Over time, one can cultivate networking by attending industry events, engaging in online communities, and maintaining genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. Consistent follow-up, active listening, and a willingness to offer support to others help build trust and credibility. As a result, social entrepreneurs who invest in networking are better positioned to identify emerging opportunities, overcome challenges, and scale their impact, making them invaluable assets to any organization or initiative. Imagine a social entrepreneur facing a sudden funding shortfall for a community health project. By leveraging their established network, they quickly reach out to contacts in philanthropic organizations and fellow entrepreneurs. Through these connections, they are introduced to a new grant opportunity and a potential partner with complementary resources. The entrepreneur’s ability to mobilize support and share their vision leads to securing the necessary funding and forming a strategic alliance. This collaborative effort not only saves the project but also expands its reach and effectiveness. In this scenario, networking proves to be the critical factor that transforms a potential setback into a significant success, highlighting its indispensable role in social entrepreneurship. Communication Communication is the process of effectively exchanging information, ideas, and emotions through speaking, writing, listening, and nonverbal cues. In social entrepreneurship, communication enables professionals to articulate their vision, engage stakeholders, build partnerships, and mobilize resources, making it a fundamental skill for driving social change and achieving organizational goals. Strong communication skills directly enhance a social entrepreneur’s ability to inspire teams, secure funding, and foster collaboration with diverse groups. Clients and employers highly value professionals who can clearly convey complex social issues, listen actively to community needs, and adapt their message for different audiences. Effective communication builds trust and credibility, which are essential for long-term impact. To cultivate this skill, individuals should seek feedback, practice public speaking, engage in active listening, and continuously refine their written and verbal abilities. Over time, these efforts lead to more persuasive storytelling, stronger relationships, and greater influence within the social sector. Imagine a social entrepreneur leading a project to provide clean water in rural communities. When a sudden funding shortfall threatens the initiative, the professional must communicate transparently with stakeholders, explaining the situation and outlining a clear plan for moving forward. By actively listening to concerns, addressing questions with empathy, and presenting compelling evidence of the project’s impact, the entrepreneur reassures donors and partners. This open and strategic communication not only helps secure emergency funding but also strengthens trust and commitment among all involved, ultimately ensuring the project’s continued success and positive social outcomes. Motivation Motivation is the internal drive that compels individuals to take action, persist through challenges, and strive toward meaningful goals. In the context of social entrepreneurship, motivation fuels the passion and resilience needed to address complex social issues, inspiring professionals to innovate and create lasting positive change within communities and organizations. Motivation directly enhances performance in social entrepreneurship by sustaining energy and focus, even when faced with setbacks or limited resources. Clients and employers highly value motivated professionals because they demonstrate commitment, initiative, and the ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of social impact. Cultivating motivation involves setting clear personal and organizational goals, regularly reflecting on the purpose behind one’s work, and seeking inspiration from successful social ventures. Over time, building a supportive network and celebrating small achievements can reinforce motivation, ensuring that professionals remain driven and resilient as they navigate the unique challenges of the social sector. Imagine a social entrepreneur leading a project to provide clean water in a remote community. When initial funding falls through and logistical barriers arise, the professional’s motivation becomes the key to progress. Instead of giving up, they draw on their passion for improving lives, rally their team, and seek alternative funding sources. Their unwavering motivation inspires others to contribute ideas and resources, ultimately enabling the project to move forward. By staying focused on the mission and refusing to be deterred by setbacks, the social entrepreneur not only overcomes immediate challenges but also sets a powerful example of perseverance and dedication for their team and stakeholders. Positives Self Actualization Self Actualization is the process of realizing and fulfilling one’s own potential, talents, and purpose, leading to a deep sense of personal growth and authenticity. In social entrepreneurship, this means aligning your work with your values and passions, which fosters a profound sense of meaning and satisfaction in your professional journey. The pursuit of self actualization in social entrepreneurship transforms work into a source of inspiration and personal fulfillment. When professionals see their efforts directly contributing to positive social change, they experience a unique sense of purpose that goes beyond financial rewards. This alignment between personal values and professional actions enhances job satisfaction, resilience, and motivation. Social entrepreneurs often find themselves growing both personally and professionally, as each challenge they overcome and each community they impact reinforces their sense of accomplishment. The daily experience of making a tangible difference nurtures continuous learning and self-improvement, making the journey as rewarding as the outcomes achieved. Imagine a social entrepreneur who launches an initiative to provide clean water solutions in underserved rural areas. Each day, they witness the transformative effects of their work as children attend school healthier and families thrive. The entrepreneur’s vision, skills, and compassion converge, allowing them to see their personal values reflected in real-world impact. This daily affirmation of purpose and the visible improvement in people’s lives create a deep sense of fulfillment. The entrepreneur not only grows their organization but also experiences a profound internal growth, knowing their efforts are meaningful and aligned with their highest aspirations. This is self actualization in action, making every challenge worthwhile and every success deeply rewarding. Self Transcendence Self Transcendence is the process of rising above personal interests to connect with a greater purpose, fostering a sense of meaning and fulfillment beyond oneself. It involves dedicating energy and passion to causes that benefit others, leading to profound personal growth and a deep sense of contribution to society. In social entrepreneurship, self transcendence is a driving force that transforms work into a mission. By focusing on the well-being of communities and the planet, social entrepreneurs find motivation that goes far beyond financial gain. This mindset not only enhances their own sense of purpose but also inspires those around them, creating a ripple effect of positive change and collective empowerment. The presence of self transcendence in social entrepreneurship is a powerful catalyst for both personal and professional fulfillment. When individuals are motivated by a purpose larger than themselves, their work becomes inherently meaningful, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and resilience. This sense of purpose helps social entrepreneurs navigate challenges with optimism and determination, as their goals are anchored in making a tangible difference. Daily, professionals in this field witness the impact of their efforts on individuals and communities, reinforcing their commitment and fueling continuous growth. The alignment between personal values and professional actions creates a harmonious work environment, where passion and purpose drive innovation and sustained impact. Imagine a social entrepreneur who launches a venture to provide clean drinking water in underserved rural areas. Each day, they witness the transformation in the lives of families who no longer suffer from waterborne diseases. The gratitude expressed by the community and the visible improvement in children’s health offer a profound sense of fulfillment. This entrepreneur’s motivation transcends personal achievement; it is rooted in the joy of seeing others thrive. The daily experience of contributing to something greater than oneself not only sustains their passion but also inspires their team and partners. Through self transcendence, their work becomes a source of lasting happiness and a testament to the power of purpose-driven action. Challenges Challenges of Entrepreneurship Challenges of Entrepreneurship in social entrepreneurship refer to the complex hurdles professionals face while balancing social impact with financial sustainability. These challenges are demanding because they require innovative solutions, resourcefulness, and adaptability in environments often marked by limited funding, stakeholder expectations, and unpredictable market conditions. The challenges of entrepreneurship permeate the daily work of social entrepreneurs, often manifesting as financial uncertainty, resource constraints, and the constant need to justify both social and economic value. This environment demands exceptional resilience, as setbacks and failures are frequent and can threaten the mission’s viability. Successful professionals manage these constraints by cultivating strong networks, seeking mentorship, and maintaining a clear vision that guides decision-making. They often embrace adaptive strategies, learning from failures and iterating on their approaches to overcome obstacles. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within their teams, they are able to navigate uncertainty and sustain their social mission even in the face of adversity. Consider a social entrepreneur who launches a community-based recycling initiative in an underserved urban area. Initially, the project faces significant challenges, including limited funding, skepticism from local stakeholders, and logistical hurdles in waste collection. Instead of being deterred, the entrepreneur actively seeks partnerships with local businesses and applies for small grants to secure initial funding. By engaging community leaders and transparently communicating the project’s benefits, trust is gradually built. The entrepreneur adapts the business model based on community feedback, introducing incentives for participation and streamlining operations. Through persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to the social mission, the entrepreneur overcomes early obstacles and establishes a sustainable, impactful program that benefits both the environment and the local community. 100% Surrender In Social Entrepreneurship, "100% Surrender" means dedicating oneself entirely—emotionally, mentally, and physically—to a cause, often at the expense of personal comfort and stability. This level of commitment is demanding because it requires constant resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to face uncertainty, setbacks, and resource constraints without guaranteed success. The challenge of 100% surrender can permeate every aspect of a social entrepreneur’s daily life. The pressure to remain fully committed, even when progress is slow or obstacles seem insurmountable, can lead to burnout, self-doubt, and emotional fatigue. This relentless demand for resilience tests one’s ability to maintain motivation and clarity of purpose. Successful professionals manage this constraint by setting clear boundaries, seeking support from mentors and peers, and regularly reconnecting with the mission that drives their work. They learn to balance passion with self-care, allowing themselves moments of rest and reflection, which ultimately sustains their long-term impact and prevents exhaustion. Consider a founder of a nonprofit working to provide clean water in remote communities. Despite facing repeated funding rejections and logistical setbacks, she remains unwavering in her commitment. By building a supportive team, celebrating small wins, and practicing mindfulness, she manages the emotional toll of 100% surrender. She also carves out time for personal well-being, understanding that her effectiveness depends on her own health and resilience. Over time, her dedication inspires trust among donors and partners, leading to new opportunities and eventual breakthroughs. Her journey illustrates how embracing the challenge of total commitment, while also prioritizing sustainability, enables social entrepreneurs to persevere and create lasting change. Personal priorities at backseat In social entrepreneurship, "Personal priorities at backseat" refers to the frequent necessity for professionals to subordinate their own needs, ambitions, and well-being to the pressing demands of their mission. This challenge is demanding because the drive to create social impact often requires sacrifices in personal time, relationships, and self-care. This difficulty permeates daily work as social entrepreneurs routinely face long hours, emotional labor, and unpredictable challenges, often leaving little room for personal pursuits or rest. The relentless focus on societal goals can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and diminished personal fulfillment. Navigating this constraint requires significant resilience, as professionals must continually balance their passion for impact with the risk of self-neglect. Successful social entrepreneurs manage this by setting clear boundaries, practicing self-reflection, and seeking support from mentors or peers. They learn to delegate responsibilities, prioritize essential tasks, and carve out intentional time for personal well-being, understanding that sustaining their own health is crucial for long-term impact. Consider a founder of a social enterprise working to provide clean water in rural communities. Initially, she found herself working late nights, missing family events, and neglecting her health, believing that her sacrifices were necessary for the cause. Over time, she recognized that her exhaustion was affecting her decision-making and team morale. By intentionally scheduling personal time, engaging in regular self-care, and empowering her team to share leadership responsibilities, she restored balance in her life. This shift not only improved her well-being but also enhanced the organization’s effectiveness, demonstrating that addressing personal priorities is essential for sustainable social impact. Personal Conduct Personal conduct in social entrepreneurship refers to the consistent demonstration of ethical behavior, transparency, and integrity while balancing personal values with organizational goals. This is demanding because social entrepreneurs often face complex, high-stakes situations where their actions are scrutinized by diverse stakeholders, requiring unwavering self-discipline and moral clarity. The challenge of maintaining exemplary personal conduct permeates every aspect of daily work in social entrepreneurship. Professionals must constantly make decisions that align with both their ethical standards and the mission of their organization, often under intense public scrutiny. This ongoing pressure can lead to emotional fatigue and ethical dilemmas, demanding a high level of resilience and self-awareness. Successful social entrepreneurs manage this constraint by cultivating strong personal values, seeking mentorship, and fostering a culture of accountability within their teams. They prioritize open communication and reflective practices, allowing them to navigate difficult situations without compromising their integrity or the trust of their stakeholders. Consider a social entrepreneur leading a nonprofit focused on community health who is offered a substantial donation from a corporation with a questionable environmental record. The entrepreneur faces pressure to accept the funds to expand vital programs but recognizes the potential reputational risk and ethical conflict. By engaging in transparent dialogue with their board and community, the entrepreneur ultimately decides to decline the donation, prioritizing the organization’s values and long-term credibility. This decision, though difficult, reinforces trust among stakeholders and sets a clear example of principled leadership, demonstrating how personal conduct can be upheld even when faced with significant short-term sacrifices. A Day Of Social Entrepreneurship The sun is barely up, but the city is already humming—a fitting backdrop for a social entrepreneurship professional whose days are anything but ordinary. In this world, every hour pulses with purpose, blending the urgency of business with the heart of social impact. The pace is brisk, the environment is dynamic, and the nature of the work demands adaptability, empathy, and relentless problem-solving. Whether navigating community partnerships, innovating sustainable solutions, or rallying a team around a shared mission, each moment is a step toward meaningful change. Here’s how a typical day unfolds beyond the desk. As the day begins, the first order of business is a quiet moment of reflection and review. With a fresh cup of coffee in hand, the social entrepreneur scans overnight emails, reviews the day’s agenda, and checks in on key metrics from ongoing projects. This early hour is reserved for aligning personal intentions with organizational goals, ensuring that every action taken today will drive both social value and operational progress. It’s a time to recalibrate, prioritize, and set the tone for a day that will be as demanding as it is rewarding. By mid-morning, the energy shifts from planning to action. This is when the heart of the work takes place—meeting with community partners, leading workshops, or facilitating brainstorming sessions with the team. The social entrepreneur might be pitching a new initiative to stakeholders, gathering feedback from beneficiaries, or collaborating with local leaders to troubleshoot challenges on the ground. These hours are intense and interactive, requiring quick thinking, deep listening, and the ability to bridge diverse perspectives in pursuit of sustainable solutions. The afternoon brings a renewed focus on collaboration and execution. It’s time to regroup with colleagues, debrief on the morning’s developments, and dive into hands-on project work. This could involve coordinating logistics for an upcoming event, refining a social impact report, or overseeing the rollout of a pilot program. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of shared purpose, as every team member contributes their expertise to move the mission forward. Problem-solving is a collective effort, and adaptability is key as new challenges and opportunities emerge. As the day winds down, attention turns to reflection and preparation for what’s next. The social entrepreneur reviews progress made, documents outcomes, and updates stakeholders on key milestones. This is also a time for research—scanning industry news, exploring potential partnerships, and identifying new funding opportunities. Administrative tasks are wrapped up, and a plan for tomorrow begins to take shape. With a final glance at the day’s achievements and lessons learned, the workday closes, but the mission continues—ready to pick up momentum again with the next sunrise.

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How to get into

Social Entrepreneurship?

If you are want to get into Social Entrepreneurship, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Social Entrepreneurship is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

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Links for this Talk

Founder Late G K Swamy's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/gkswamy

LifePage Career Talk on Social Entrepreneurship

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/social-entrepreneurship-1

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20161128-0001

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC97QEMyudM

(Social Entrepreneurship, G K Swamy, Purkal Youth Development Society, Dehradun, Helping, Education, Societal Impact, Nonprofit, Team Work, Social Change, Fee free School, Social Work )

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"I was working in a 5 star hotel when I went on a bike trip to Ladakh and realised that my interest lied in travel photography. I started travelling intensely doing travel photography. It is then that I realised that unlike hotels, homestays in India were not organised. I wanted to work on this problem and co-founded Homestays of India in 2017."

NGO Management

Bharat Sharma
Project Manager | The Friends of Doon Society

[ 11 years Experience ]

Non government organizations, commonly referred to as NGOs, are usually non-profit and sometimes international organizations independent of governments and international governmental organizations that are active in humanitarian, educational, healthcare, public policy, social, human rights, environmental, and other areas to effect changes according to their objectives. To achieve success, NGOs have to continually improve and professionalize their work, which puts more and more demands on the management and leadership of an organization.

"After completing my BA in Sociology from Meerut University, I worked with various manufacturing companies for 12 years. I am working with The Friends of Doon Society as the Project Manager since 2016."

Social Entrepreneurship

Himanshu Pundir
Founder & President | Apna Roti Bank Charitable Trust

[ 4 years Experience ]

Social entrepreneurship is the use of the techniques by startup companies and other entrepreneurs to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. This concept may be applied to a variety of organizations with different sizes, aims, and beliefs.

"I did my schooling from GRD,Dehradun. After that I did my BBA from UPES. I also did my Post Graduation in Oil & Gas. I worked in Delhi & Dubai as a Sales Manager. I founded Apna Roti Bank Charitable Trust in 2013."

Social Work

Mercy Phuntsog Nath
Social Worker | Open Arms, Dehradun

[ 13 years & 10 months Experience ]

Social work is an academic and professional discipline that seeks to facilitate the welfare of communities, individuals, families, and groups. It may promote social change, development, cohesion, and empowerment. Underpinned by theories of social sciences and guided by principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversities, social work engages people.

"I have been doing social work since 2003 and started Open Arms in the year 2011. As a social worker, I am educating migrant labourers in construction sites."

Social Work

Indra Shekhar Singh
Campaign Manager | Navdanya

[ 2 years Experience ]

Work carried out by trained personnel with the aim of alleviating the conditions of those people in a community suffering from social deprivation.

"After completing my Schooling from Mayo, I did my Graduation and Post Graduation from St Stephen's, Delhi University. I worked with Hindustan Times for 2 years. Today I am a Campaign Manager at Navdanya."

Social Entrepreneurship

Anand Sankar
Founder | Kalap Trust, Dehradun

[ 5 years & 7 months Experience ]

Social Entrepreneurship is the use of the techniques by startup companies and other entrepreneurs to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. This concept may be applied to a variety of organizations with different sizes, aims, and beliefs.

"After completing my graduation in Computer Science from Bangalore University, I started my career as a journalist and worked with various newspaper like The Hindu, The Business Standard and many more. There after, I started an NGO called Kalap Trust where I help people for their education, health-care and livelihood in Uttarakhand."

Social Work

Rahul Shaniya
Founder | Yuva Volunteer

[ 4 years & 5 months Experience ]

Social work is a profession concerned with helping individuals, families, groups and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. Central of social work is Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities.

"After doing my schooling from Air Force Senior Secondary School Delhi, I did my BA from Delhi College of Arts & Commerce and MBA from New Delhi Institute of Management. I founded an organization by the name Yuva Volunteers in 2014."

Social Entrepreneurship

Deshna Mamgain
Founder | Kauthik

[ 3 years & 6 months Experience ]

Social entrepreneurship is the use of the techniques by start up companies and other entrepreneurs to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. This concept may be applied to a variety of organizations with different sizes, aims, and beliefs.

"After doing my schooling, I did Textile Designing from NIFT. Post that, I worked with NCDPD on Government Projects for some time. I always wanted to promote the crafts of Uttarakhand, so started a self help group and later formed an NGO by the name Kauthik."

Social Work

Jai Sharma
President | Just Open Yourself

[ 18 years & 8 months Experience ]

Social work is an academic discipline and profession that concerns itself with individuals, families, groups and communities in an effort to enhance social functioning and overall well-being.

"As I was always interested in doing social work and I realized my passion for this field and started working for the upliftment and betterment of the society and after completing my Mechanical Engineering from JBIT, I started an NGO called, Just Open Yourself. In this journey I have found many like minded people who look forward to an egalitarian society which has solidarity. These young individuals spare time to work for the society and have been able to witness change in their lives too. I have also been working for United Nations as an Indian Representative for almost more than 1.5 years."

RTI Activism

Sujata Paul Maliah
Social Activist | Inspirations Prerna

[ 7 years Experience ]

RTI Activist is a person who uses Right to Information Act 2005. It helps us to get the information from a public department for example, Police Department, Electricity Board etc.

"I am a social activist who feel that it is my duty to be concerned about my environs- be they, people, flora or fauna. I have studied at CJM, Dehradun, St. John’s College, Agra and Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, I have earned myself two post graduate degrees in Chemistry and English Literature, a B Ed degree with specialization, Advanced diploma in Computer Applications, presently studying law. I conduct workshops in the field of theatre, stress management, leadership skills, RTI, teaching methodology, legal literacy. I have been working with the administration in the field of waste management and tree plantation for many years. I have written for national newspapers like Pioneer and Swatantra Bharat. I believe in working quietly and sincerely for anything and everything that concerns living beings so that man and nature can live in harmony. My first letter was in 2010 to Police Department and after that have written many RTI Applications to various departments."

Social Entrepreneurship

Krishna
Founder & President | Humanity Trust

[ 6 years & 4 months Experience ]

Social entrepreneurship is the use of start-up companies and other entrepreneurs to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues.

"I started working for social cause when I was in school with organization named Leo Club International as Founder Secretary and worked with them for 3-4 years. In 2013 I started my own organization with the name of Humanity Trust. Humanity trust works with orphanage and old age homes providing food, cloth and shelter. I am working as Founder President in Humanity Trust."

Social Work

Ignacio Riaden
Social Worker | Municipality of Concepcion

[ 2 years & 2 months Experience ]

A Social Worker is a person who develops his profession in constant interaction with other people, individuals as well as groups, communities and families. In the accompaniment of processes that challenge their daily life and in the administration of resources and needs.

"I studied at the National University of Tucumán and got my degree in social work in 2015. I had different work experiences while studying and after graduating, I also did workshops and trainings. I was also a pollster for different programs both National and International including the World Bank and for educational purposes in universities for the production of knowledge. I am currently working in the municipality of Concepción developing my profession in social assistance such as working with families, attention to complaints, working with difficult cases, court practice, and interviews with families and all issues that include the professional intervention of a social worker."

Social Work

Saswati Singh
Founder | Nav Prerna Foundation & Inspiration

[ 22 years Experience ]

Social work is an academic discipline and profession that concerns itself with individuals, families, groups and communities in an effort to enhance social functioning and overall well-being

"After completing my Schooling from Pratt Memorial School, Calcutta, I did my Graduation in Botany from Presidency College. I also did MSC from Presidency College itself. I did my M Ed from Annamalai University, Chennai. Apart from that I did my Special Education from IGNOU University. I worked at various places, as a principal and a Biology Teacher. I have been doing Social Work since 1995."

Gender Specialist

Zarina Bhatty
President | IAWS

[ 43 years & 6 months Experience ]

Gender equality is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision making; and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations and needs equally, regardless of gender.

"After doing my schooling I got married and moved to London where I studied Sociology. After coming back to India, I worked as a Professor with Delhi University for 10 years. Later I worked with US Aids and UN as Gender Specialist focusing on women empowerment. I was one of the founding members of IAWS and have written a book about my journey called Purdah to Piccadilly."

Social Work

Dana M Crider
Founder | KEEN

[ 14 years & 3 months Experience ]

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.

"I did my Schooling from Semi Urban Education, South Central Pennsylvania in 1969 and Graduation from Messiah College, Pennsylvania in 1996. Following which I came to India and became a Mathematics Teacher at Woodstock School in Mussorrie. I simultaneously started an NGO in year 2005 which is now known as KEEN (Keeping the Environment Ecologically Natural)."

Human Rights Protection

Hemlata
Retd IAS & Member | Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission

[ 4 years & 10 months Experience ]

Human rights are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behaviour, and are regularly protected as natural and legal rights in municipal and international law.

"I have done Bachelors and Masters in Law. I have also done Ph D in Law. I worked as a Lawyer for some time before appearing for IAS exam. I served in Indian Administrative Services for 40 years. I took retirement and became a member with Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission."

Animal Welfare

Disha Ramanan
Animal Rescuer & Social Worker | Various Assignments

[ 5 years & 1 month Experience ]

Animal welfare is the well-being of non human animals.Animal welfare science uses various measures, such as longevity, disease, immunosuppression, behavior, physiology, and reproduction, although there is debate about which of these indicators provide the best information.Animal welfare science uses various measures, such as longevity, disease, immunosuppression, behavior, physiology, and reproduction.

"I did B Sc in Mathematics from University of Delhi and M Sc in Environment Science from The Global Open University, Nagaland. Meanwhile I started working for stray animals taking care of them, feeding them and providing medical assistance. Through social media I also provide assistance for adoption of the animals and finding them foster homes."

Social Development

Tanvi Rawat Bahuguna
Manager of Special Projects | Foundation for Excellence

[ 2 years & 6 months Experience ]

Social development is about improving the well-being of every individual in society so that they can reach their full potential. It means investing in people. It requires the removal of barriers so that all citizens can journey towards their dreams with confidence and dignity.

"Coming from a journalism background, I had very closely encountered the suffering of the underprivileged section of our society. After working and gaining experience in the corporate, I decided to dedicate my time for the upliftment of such people. Work experience in both media and corporate came in handy in networking and finding a platform, which could utilise my skills and experience required in this field."

Social Enterprise

Kavita Chaturvedi
Secretary | Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society (Space)

[ 9 years & 8 months Experience ]

A social enterprise is an organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being. This may include maximizing social impact alongside profits for external shareholders. Social enterprises can be structured as a for-profit or non-profit, and may take the form of a co-operative, mutual organization, a disregarded entity, a social business, a benefit corporation, a community interest company or a charity organization.

"After graduating in Arts from Meerut University, I did Travel and Tourism Management from Delhi. I came to Dehradun after marriage and started working as an Event Manager in social cause events. It was in 2009 that I joined Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society as Secretary with a vision to remove plastic from the environment."

Social Work

Prerna Singh
Managing Trustee | Nav Prerna Foundation

[ 7 years & 5 months Experience ]

Work carried out by trained personnel with the aim of alleviating the conditions of those people in a community suffering from social deprivation

"I did my Schooling from Welham Girls School, Dehradun. After that I did my Graduation from Christ University, Bangalore.I did my MA in Social Work from TISS. I have been working as a Managing Trustee in Nav Prerna Foundation since 2011."

Social Entrepreneurship

Dr. Divya Negi Ghai
Founder | Youth Rocks Foundation

[ 4 years & 3 months Experience ]

Social entrepreneurship is the use of start-up companies and other entrepreneurs to develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. This concept may be applied to a variety of organizations with different sizes, aims, and beliefs.

"I hold degrees in B Com, M Com, MA Economics, MBA Finance & B Ed. I also hold a Ph D in Commerce and a Diploma in Entrepreneurship. I have taught at various schools in the past. It is there that I realised the importance of addressing the problems that the youth is facing. I then founded an organisation by the name Youth Rocks Foundation in 2014, with an aim of encouraging the youth to open up about their problems."

Social Development

Sehjo Singh
Mission Specialist | Various Assignments

[ 32 years & 7 months Experience ]

Social development refers to the process by which a child learns to interact with others around them. As they develop and perceive their own individuality within their community, they also gain skills to communicate with other people and process their actions.

"After doing my schooling from St. Thomas Girls Senior Secondary School Delhi, I did BA & MA in Political Science from Delhi University and then did my MA in Mass communication from Jamia Milli Islamia. Since my college days I became active in social movements on Women's rights and secular democracy. I worked as an independent film maker for more than twenty years. The subject of my movies revolved around critical issues of land struggles and right to education, trying to find newer and different ways of connecting social movement and society. Thereafter, I worked for renowned organizations like National Centre of Advocacy Studies as an Executive Director and ActionAid India as Director Programmes and Policy for 9 years. I am working as a Mission Specialist for Industree Foundation and International Trade Centre, Ethiopia, Africa."

Social Work

Bhuwan Chaturvedi
Co-Founder | Transformng Uttarakhand

[ 8 years & 1 month Experience ]

Social work is an academic discipline and profession that concerns itself with individuals, families, groups and communities in an effort to enhance social functioning and overall well-being. Social functioning is the way in which people perform their social roles, and the structural institutions that are provided to sustain them.

"After completing my schooling I started working in a hotel. Later on I shifted to Delhi and was introduced in to the field of Social Work. I started with my program Skills Zone and later on joined Skills India. We also started Transforming Uttarakhand for the education upliftment. I am currently working in Signado Foundation as well."

Social Entrepreneurship

Dev Aditya
MD | Otermans Institute

[ 3 years & 3 months Experience ]

Social entrepreneurship is an approach by individuals, groups, start-up companies or entrepreneurs, in which they develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues. This concept may be applied to a wide range of organizations, which vary in size, aims, and beliefs. For-profit entrepreneurs typically measure performance using business metrics like profit, revenues and increases in stock prices. Social entrepreneurs, however, are either non-profits, or they blend for-profit goals with generating a positive "return to society".

"I did my schooling from St Pauls School Darjeeling in India and went on to complete my LLB and LLM in Brunel University London, UK. I am a strong believer in Creativity through experience and work towards long-term high impact social projects through community involvement with my current enterprises Otermans Institute and DAPO social enterprises which also provides free mentoring to selected social enterprise startups mainly in the South Asian education space"

Social Work

Sunil Gupta
Social Worker | Brijmandal Trust

[ 4 years Experience ]

Social work is an academic discipline and profession that concerns itself with individuals, families, groups and communities in an effort to enhance social functioning and overall well-being.

"I did B Sc in Physics, LLB University and an Advanced Diploma in German Language from University of Delhi. I worked in Law profession for 2 years before joining IBP in 1975 which later was taken over by Indian Oil Corporation. I retired as Deputy General Manager-Human Resource from Indian Oil Corporation. After my retirement I started working with Brijmandal Trust as social worker which focuses on Sports & Educational development of underprivileged children."

Social Edupreneurship

Kanika
Director | Saarthi Education Hub

[ 4 years Experience ]

An edupreneur or an educational entrepreneur is a social entrepreneur who is involved in changing the way things function in any public education system.

"After my graduation, I came back to my home town Dehradun to become an educationist. I pursued B Ed from HNB Garhwal University to become eligible for teaching. I started a learning centre by the name Saarthi Education Hub which prepares students for board examinations and also a school for under privileged section of the society called Kites Pre & Remedial School. I am President at Silver Lining Society."