

Shaping the future of software driven business
62
•
Annual Report 2018-19
canals and streams. This has helped enable more
water storage during the rains and increase in
the groundwater table. These initiatives have
shown very encouraging and tangible results. Most
villages are more prosperous, more aware, and
knowledgeable about proper use of water, and are
able to cultivate an extra crop. The stored water
also lasts for a longer period and can be used for
most part of the summer as well.
The Foundation’s initiative of construction of Solar
PV plants at Pune and Nampalli railway stations has
profitably helped the Railways save a significant
amount of money in terms of consumption
of electricity.
Tree plantation has also been a very rewarding
activity. We have seen enthusiastic participation
from the employees and their families. We feel good
that we have contributed in a significant manner
towards making Mother Earth greener.
The Foundation team is a very young, energetic,
and dedicated group who is forever looking out
for new and interesting projects that we can be a
part of. It has been their hard work and integrity
that have brought us to this point of success.
The team members at our locations in Nagpur,
Goa, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, have been our
Ambassadors and have motivated their colleagues
through the monthly donation drives and the
various volunteering activities conducted at their
respective centers. They have been pioneers of the
concept of Individual Social Responsibility.
Here, I would like to acknowledge the contribution
of the employees of Persistent Systems. Over the
years, they have played a key role in shaping the
size and scope of many of the projects we have
undertaken. The financial contribution has been
tremendous and overwhelming. The hours they
have contributed to volunteering towards projects
has been sincere and committed. As a result, we
have been able to achieve greater impact. Our
volunteering commitment is truly noteworthy, and
I truly believe that employees are the true assets
of any organization aspiring to achieve excellence
in CSR.
As a result of these Herculean efforts contributed
by everyone, the Foundation has received many
accolades and prestigious Awards.
1.
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practices
by Global CSR Excellence & Leadership Awards
in 2012.
2.
Best CSR Strategy by India Human Capital
Awards 2012.
3.
Award for HR Practices in Corporate Social
Responsibility by ET NOW Talent HR Leadership
in 2013.
4.
Late Shri. B.G. Deshmukh IAS, Corporate of
Social Responsibility Excellence Award by
MCCIA in the year 2017.
5.
CSR Award — Environment & Sustainability by
HYSEA in the year 2017.
The Board of Trustees is a very significant part of
the Foundation. Each Trustee has individually been
a guide and mentor to us and has given timely
advice and suggestions whenever any of us has
needed them. I am truly indebted to them for their
close involvement in the proceedings and for their
timely encouragement and appreciation of our
efforts.
Looking forward, I feel extremely energized,
invigorated, and motivated to take the Foundation
forward towards the next decade of operations.
I sincerely believe that we are ready and restless
to take on the society and the world at large. I feel
no project is too small or no cause too big. We are
ready to face all adversities and are well equipped
to overcome any challenges that come our way; to
overcome them and move towards our goals. We
are inspired by the good and noble people around
us and we aspire to do our best to reach higher
and conquer the skies. I have unshakable faith that
the Foundation will continue to do more exemplary
work in the future and make all of us proud of being
a part of the Persistent family.
Thank you,
Sonali Deshpande
Chairperson, Persistent Foundation