Digital Gramin Seva Celebrates 78th Independence Day with a Focus on Women’s Empowerment

16th August 2024, New Delhi: Digital Gramin Seva (DGS) marked the 78th Independence Day with a grand celebration centered around the theme of women’s empowerment. The event, was a resounding success, highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering financial independence for women in rural India. On this auspicious occasion, DGS launched several groundbreaking schemes aimed at empowering women to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, helping them become self-reliant and financially secure.

DGS Event

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mr Om Narayan Singh, the esteemed founder of Digital Gramin Seva, and Mr. Chintu who is the manager at DGS. His presence underscored the significance of the day and the organization’s dedication to uplifting women in rural areas. His leadership leads the whole company on the path to creating opportunities for women to thrive as entrepreneurs from the comfort of their own homes.

Speaking at the event, Mr Om Narayan Singh expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiatives, stating, “We are thrilled to announce these special schemes for women on the occasion of our 78th Independence Day in which DGS is giving a special discount to women in which women can register themselves as a merchant with just at 250/- rupees which is 1000/- Rs for men. At Digital Gramin Seva, we believe that empowering women is crucial for the overall progress of our nation. These schemes are designed to provide women in rural India with the tools and resources they need to start their businesses, become their bosses, and achieve financial freedom. This Independence Day, we not only celebrate our nation’s greatness but also take a step forward in ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to contribute to India’s growth.”

The Independence Day celebrations at DGS were filled with a series of engaging activities. The day began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by an inspiring speech by Mr Singh on the importance of women’s empowerment in building a stronger India. The event also featured a variety of activities, including a musical chair competition, dumb charades, and vibrant performances of patriotic songs and dances. Additionally, a spirited debate competition was held, encouraging participants to voice their thoughts on the role of women in India’s future.

Working with the government offers several benefits to Digital Gramin Seva Company. Association with the government can provide access to new markets and customers, particularly in rural areas. Through government initiatives, services can be delivered to a broader audience along with this it also enhances the company’s credibility and trustworthiness, most importantly Complying with government policies and guidelines becomes easier, helping you avoid regulatory issues.

Through Digital Gramin Seva, government schemes and services are efficiently delivered in rural areas and Digital platforms enable the government to collect and analyze real-time data. It also creates employment opportunities for those who are not very educated and skilled. It enhances transparency and accountability and through this government schemes become more accessible to rural citizens.

Digital Gramin Seva is effectively implementing government schemes and programs in rural areas as it brings financial and banking services to rural areas it also provides e-governance services, such as online registration, application processing, etc. The company has more than 200,000 merchants who are associated across India. The company’s head office is in Sarita Vihar, Delhi, and offers franchises. Currently, they have 15 zonal heads, more than 200,000 active retailers, over 5,000 distributors, and more than 500 super distributors who are working unanimously with the company. The company is moving towards adding new services and successfully expanding its reach in rural areas.

The event concluded on a high note, with participants expressing their excitement about the newly launched schemes and their potential impact on women’s lives in rural India. Digital Gramin Seva remains committed to its mission of driving social change through digital empowerment, and this Independence Day celebration is a testament to its unwavering dedication to the cause.

Changing Lives, Championing Sustainability

Merino Industries has embarked on a transformative journey in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aiming to change lives and champion sustainability. With a legacy of nearly 60 years, Merino has diversified its business interests into Interior & Architectural Products, Information Technology, and Food & Agro business. Throughout its journey, Merino has prioritized exceptional product quality and stakeholder engagement, earning the trust of consumers, channel partners, and employees.

no poverty

At the heart of Merino’s CSR efforts lies a commitment to sustainability and societal welfare. The company is aligning its economic pursuits with positive outcomes, ensuring a complete sync with its CSR values. Merino’s leadership takes pride in its history, which is characterized by humble beginnings and ambitious forays into new ventures. Guided by its mission of “Universal Weal through Trade & Industry,” Merino is dedicated to benefiting the environment & society at large.

Drawing inspiration from the words of Swami Vivekananda, “Don’t be afraid of a small beginning, great things come afterwards. Be courageous!”, the Merino Group is actively engaged in structured programs for education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and conservation of natural resources to ensure environmental sustainability.

Merino Group’s social initiatives are focussed on uplifting the lives of people from economically weaker sections, bringing joy, hope, and prosperity among them. Merino Industries’ philosophy revolves around the interconnectedness of business success and societal advancement. At Merino, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a mindset that leverages expertise and resources to foster positive change in marginalized communities, while also prioritizing environmental welfare.

When we talk about corporate social responsibility (CSR) at Merino, we are working for socially responsible thinking and formulating strategies to utilize our skills and resources to create a positive change in the lives of the underprivileged. Merino is deeply committed to fostering social development through education and healthcare initiatives. These efforts are carried out through the Shri Hara Kasturi Memorial Trust, which has been specifically established for this purpose.

The Educational Program is designed to address key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing quality education and reducing inequalities. Initiatives such as the Swami Vivekananda Arunoday Vidyalay (SVAV) and the Yogakshema Scholarship Program have empowered numerous underprivileged children, giving them access to quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.

Additionally, SVAV ensures the nutritional needs of its students by offering them three nutritious meals daily, fostering their holistic development. Merino also extends its support to two other low-income schools in Hapur, by providing nutritious mid-day meals, catering to over 100 children.

These initiatives have not only delivered quality education and nutritional assistance to underprivileged children but have also played a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. Top of Form

Merino’s CSR initiatives yield a multiplier effect. By offering educational and nutritional support to students, parents are empowered to educate their other children, expanding the reach of education. Additionally, these efforts have instigated fundamental changes in over 250 households associated with Swami Vivekananda Arunoday Vidyalay (SVAV) and 100 households associated with Yoga-Kshema Scholarship. These families now embrace positive values such as cleanliness, sanitation, honesty, social responsibility, and healthy living.

Merino is also extending support to Savera School in Jhajjar, near its manufacturing location at Rohad, catering to mentally challenged children, and to Bal Griha in Bahadurgarh, an orphanage for girls, in Jhajjar district, Haryana. Through these programs, Merino has been able to serve 85 inmates (50 boys and 35 girls) of Savera School and 23 girls of Bal Griha, positively impacting their lives.

Yogakshema is a scholarship program designed to support bright and needy students, currently implemented in the eastern part of India, specifically in Kolkata, West Bengal. Launched in September 2018, Yogakshema aims to assist poor and disadvantaged yet meritorious students. The scholarship is offered for two years to students who have scored over 80% in their 10th Board Examination. These students receive a scholarship of Rs. 4000 per month to help them complete their studies up to Higher Secondary (Class XII). The scholarship covers expenses for their studies, provides for some nutritional needs, and includes a Mediclaim policy for the family. The students of Yogakshema also gets the benefit of special online coaching, by expert teachers on 6 different subjects like, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English and Bengali.

Shri Prem Chand Lohia Health Centre (SPCLHC) caters to Merino’s healthcare initiatives, that plays a crucial role in addressing public health challenges, particularly tuberculosis (TB). Through strategic partnerships and focused interventions, Merino has made significant contributions to the successful treatment of over 6,250 TB patients. These efforts represent significant progress towards the goal of TB elimination by 2025. The health centre currently operates three dispensaries with doctors and supporting medical staff, providing general outpatient services and specialized treatment for tuberculosis (TB). These dispensaries are located in Achheja, Garhmukteshwar, and Hapur town, catering to the healthcare needs of the underprivileged in nearby areas. Apart from allopathic healthcare facilities, the centre also offers Ayurvedic medicine treatments.

Merino Industries’ women empowerment program is dedicated to achieving Gender Equality. With economic autonomy as a key focus, our initiatives include a Stitching Centre in Rohad, Haryana, nurturing female skills since September 2017. To date, 200 female have benefited from successfully completing 14 training batches. Presently, 16 girls are honing their stitching skills at this centre under the guidance of two skilled trainers.

Merino’s CSR strategy champions the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), aligning business practices with global sustainability targets. Through technological advancement and innovation, Merino promotes renewable energy, efficient water management, soil enrichment, emission reduction, and also promoting circular economy via effective waste management. Today, Green Energy makes up 74% of Merino’s total energy requirements. This reflects Merino’s commitment to fostering positive change and shaping a more sustainable future.

Merino stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the corporate sphere. As we gaze ahead, let us draw inspiration from its remarkable leadership and collaborate to build a more sustainable and inclusive world for generations to come.