Bringing Art to CSR: Corporate Outreach Through the Chittara Program
Employee engagement becomes truly meaningful when it goes beyond routine activities and connects people to a larger purpose. The HF Chittara Program does just that—bridging the gap between corporate employees and grassroots education through the power of art.
In collaboration with The Bodhi Tree Foundation, which helps companies make a real impact with their CSR initiatives, Hongirana Foundation engaged employees in a unique initiative—personalizing Desk-Bags for children in rural schools. This year, HF partnered with two different corporate teams, giving employees an opportunity to express their creativity while making a difference.
Unleashing Creativity at Anand Marga School with Epsilon
The first event took place at Anand Marga School, where employees from Epsilon India came together for a day of creative expression. Despite an overcast sky and a slightly smaller turnout than expected, over 40 enthusiastic employees arrived, ready to put their artistic skills to work.
After a brief introduction about the activity, employees eagerly picked up their brushes and began painting intricate Gond motifs of fishes and birds on the Desk-Bags. The event was filled with laughter, conversation, and the joy of creating something meaningful. Teachers and school staff also joined in, helping complete nearly 60-70 beautifully decorated bags by the end of the day.
A Fulfilling Day at Arodi Government School with GE Healthcare
The second event took the HF and Bodhi Tree teams on a long journey to Arodi Government School in Chickballapur Taluk, GE Healthcare was aiming to create an impact. The setting was remote, but the spirit of the day was vibrant, with 100 volunteers arriving, ready to engage in a full-day creative session.
The challenge? Painting around 300 bags with traditional Gond art. Employees embraced the task with dedication, each aiming to complete at least 3-4 bags adorned with colorful patterns. The day was more than just an artistic endeavor—it sparked meaningful conversations and a genuine interest among many employees to continue making a difference beyond this single CSR event.
More Than Just a Day of Painting
These events were more than just an opportunity to paint; they were an avenue for employees to connect with education at the grassroots level, understand the challenges faced by rural schools, and contribute in a way that felt personal and impactful.
A huge thank you to Epsilon, GE Healthcare, The Bodhi Tree Foundation, and all the employees who participated with such enthusiasm. It is through such meaningful engagements that corporate outreach transcends checkboxes and becomes a truly enriching experience for both employees and the children who benefit from their efforts.