Recent changes in the Company Act 2013 which make it mandatory for the companies to spend a fixed proportion of their profits in CSR activities have given a much needed impetus to the social sector in the country. Although the changes look promising on paper, the reality has been quite different, mainly due to the fact that companies have little expertise in implementing CSR activities and spending their CSR quota funds judiciously.This gap between the companies looking to implement CSR activities and the social sector which dearly needs CSR funds is now being filled by Project Heena.
Himanshu Chanda, the founder of Project Heena describes his initiative as"an online platform similar to social network like LinkedIn, but only meant for social work through volunteering platform."Project Heena allows the users to go online and donate, advocate, volunteer, collaborate and market. Himanshu made this platform to allow the corporate houses to"give back to the society".
Although the name 'Heena' doesn't seem related to CSR funding, it has a deeper meaning. "The word Heena is similar to Mehndi in Hindi. So when you apply Heena to somebody you are not just coloring other person's hand but also coloring your own hand, indicating that good karma always comes back!", explained Himanshu.
One of the factors that result in major delays during project implement is the documentation and registration process that is ensued by most of the organizations. However, this is not the case with Heena. In order to volunteer at Heena,"there is no age bar, no minimum degree requirement, no prerequisite skills".Project Heena tries to identify the possible beneficiaries for all the services being offered by the volunteers. Everyone can do something with the help of Project Heena. Himanshu explains
"For example, if a singer wants to do some social work for Girl child then definitely he can, at projectheena we will try to find your ability and provide you that kind of work. Even the location does not matter all that is required is your willingness to work."
All you need to do in order to start helping is to create a profile at Project Heena. Also, for those doing it to gain something in the future, Himanshu makes it very clear that "there is no certificate from our end, our only aim is to connect the needy with those interested in helping them selflessly. Your profile is your certificate."
With office in Mumbai, Project Heena has Pan India coverage, allowing the people interested in giving their services to make a profile without worrying about the location. Himanshu reiterates that this platform is free for all the users and he does not intend to charge any fee in the future too.
There is much more to Himanshu than Projectheena. Though not associated with any other organization, he has helped several startups shape their technology and take off. In his own words,"I am on ProjectHeena to help startups test their products, improve user experience and reach their market in a better/faster/cheaper way. I can help NGOs with their online presence. Whether it is helping on the websites or improving their social media/ branding I can assist NGOs with my tech & functional skills."
Himanshu urges people to come forward and make use of Project Heena to change the lives of others.
"The younger you are, the better prepared you are to give back to the society. Everyone has something to offer to the society, be it education, interests or his or her own hobby", explains Himanshu.
True to his nature, Himanshu says"knowledge is important but not the education". He further adds,
"Degree is not of matter, what matters is your experience in that particular sector". This is why he struck a chord with Brainbuxa. Impressed by the site's design, he says, "It is very informative and can help develop knowledge in multiple stream of students. Programs like campus ambassadors in colleges are also appreciable".
We, at Brainbuxa, urge everyone to check out ProjectHeena and make a personal profile so that you can give back to the society even if it is in the minutest terms.If you think you have an equally inspiring story that can strike a chord with the readers and encourage them to aim for something bigger and more meaningful, you can write to us at Brainbuxa and we'll make sure that it reaches across the country.