While every business comes into existence with the objective of maximising profits and creating more sustainable value, it is also necessary to see how the community at large can benefit from its existence. Such an initiative lays the ground for building a reputation as a socially responsible and admired corporate. Social responsibility is a commitment that has to don an important role in the overall corporate strategy of any organisation.

Orchid right from its inception has looked beyond commercial operations and balance sheet revenues and has strongly believed in the philosophy of giving back to the society. In its first year of operations (1994-95), Orchid put together a strong value system which incorporated social responsibility and community development activities as part of the overall business strategy. In 1996, a social responsibility and community development department was created. Most of the activities and programmes emerged gradually in response to both needs expressed by the community and an assessment of the situation by our team.

An independent trust called Orchid Trust was formed in the year 1998, to give a shape and a more meaningful objective to the social responsibility activities of Orchid. This non-profit organisation employs a collaborative and participative style of functioning by having members of the various adopted villages and select Orchid representatives as part of its project governing council. Contributions for the various schemes and initiatives that are under taken by the Trust come in from not only from Orchid but also from volunteering employees.

The key thrust areas that the Orchid Trust works on are Education, Health, Self-employment, Capacity building, Community Asset Development and Youth development. The Trust has adopted 12 villages and 5 Panchayats and works continuously in implementing several welfare schemes in its identified thrust areas.

In the area of education, the Orchid Trust undertakes several activities like sponsoring salaries of additional teachers in Government schools, providing financial and other resource support to economically backward students and initiating awards for teachers and students who excel in their areas. Infrastructure development in terms of building and maintaining school is also undertaken by the Trust. All these initiatives have been successful and have increased the results pass percentage from 30-40% to around 70-80%.

Similarly, in the area of healthcare, the Trust regularly conducts health education programs and health camps that help educate people on various diseases and other health related issues while also showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in the field of medical care.

The Trust also organises regular eye-camps in several rural areas in addition to the villages that it has adopted. More than 500 cataract surgeries have been organised by the Trust. ‘Quality health care for everyone’ is a key message that the Trust propagates through its health activities.

Capacity building and women empowerment has been another key focus area for the Trust. In the recent year, more than 300 women were trained in self employment fields like tailoring, embroidery and crafts.

For the youth, training programs in computer programming, hardware techniques and even car driving are sponsored.

Significant money has been invested in the area of community asset creation by evoking public participation. Infrastructure like school buildings, community halls, tuition centres, primary health centres, street lights, drinking water wells and water coolers have been provided by the Trust.

The Orchid Trust works on a tripartite approach by working closely with the Government and several other NGO’s and charitable institutions in building a stronger community.

For more information contact:
The Project Co-ordinator
Orchid Trust
2nd Floor, 'Crown Court'
128, Cathedral Road
Chennai 600 086 INDIA
Ph: 91-44-28110914
E mail: orchidtrust@orchidpharma.com