In India, Blue Yonder’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/BYCares team is actively engaged in community activities throughout the year. It is a very efficient and strong team that works together, sharing a common interest: work for the betterment of fellow beings. As part of this initiative, the Blue Yonder India Project Management (PM) team recently visited the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in Bangalore. Blue Yonder associate Mayurika Dutta reflects on the enriching experience in this DIVE In blog post.

The Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is a leading nonprofit organization in India working for people with disabilities. Its diverse initiatives focus on providing quality education, accommodation, nutritious food, vocational training, and placement-based rehabilitation. Blue Yonder has partnered with the Samarthanam Trust for over a decade, and even had the opportunity to host the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind in Dallas during the last week of August 2024.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, a group from one of our PM teams had the pleasure of visiting the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in Bangalore as part of our quarterly team meeting. Consisting of 34 team members, we actively engaged as a group and raised funds to support the organization, distributed stationaries, and sponsored lunch for one day as part of our CSR initiative, reflecting our commitment to making a positive impact on our community.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by an atmosphere of warmth and positivity. We had the opportunity to meet with all of the children. The staff and volunteers were enthusiastic and eager to share the incredible work being done to support individuals with disabilities. The teachers spoke to us about the unique educational process they employ to help the children learn to become independent in their own way and carry on with their day-to-day activities. The facility is thoughtfully designed, making it accessible to everyone. The smiling faces of staff and students alike reflect the Trust’s core values of respect, dignity and support.

We were particularly impressed by the range of initiatives offered by Samarthanam, from educational programs for children with disabilities to job placement services for young adults. Watching a group perform world-class music brought joy to our hearts. Their laughter and excitement were visible, and it was evident that they were thriving in an inclusive environment.

The organization has a diverse range of programs. From vocational training to skills development workshops, the organization equips individuals with the tools they need to lead independent lives. Their commitment to inclusive education is particularly inspiring, as they provide tailored support to children with disabilities, ensuring they receive quality education alongside their peers.

We also learned about the Trust’s partnerships with local businesses and organizations, which help create job opportunities for graduates. Samarthanam also works with local volunteers to support their initiatives, and is currently seeking individuals to help them convert books into accessible formats, which we hope to assist them with on a later visit. Hearing about these successful collaborations emphasized the importance of community involvement in driving sustainable change. It was a testament to how collective efforts can create pathways for individuals to achieve independence and success.

Visiting the Samarthanam Trust was a profoundly enriching experience that left a lasting impression on all of us, and we look forward to working with them again in the near future.