Walking the talk: UPES prioritises inclusion on campus

With the altruistic mission to empower the community and foster a meaningful social impact, UPES inaugurated Project Grow on December 21, 2023, in collaboration with the School for Life. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of UPES housekeeping staff by providing them with three months of communicative English training. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Sharad Mehra, Chairman, Hydrocarbons Education Research Society (HERS), Mr. Manish Madaan (Registrar), Col. Sanjay Washington (Director CSR), Mr. Rahul Nainwal (Director – School of Business), and Ravi S. Kumar (Deputy Director HR). Their enthusiastic support for the initiative underscored the university’s commitment to inclusivity on campus.

Project Grow signifies UPES’ commitment to the comprehensive development of its entire community, recognising the pivotal role played by support staff in the university ecosystem. The collaboration between CSR and the School for Life aims to equip housekeeping staff with essential English language skills, crucial in today’s globalised world.

Dr. Sharad Mehra, in his speech, acknowledged the challenge of learning a new language, especially in the later stages of life. However, he emphasised, that with perseverance and grit, this challenge could be overcome. He stressed the importance of mutual motivation and encouragement, making the language-learning journey both easy and enjoyable.

Dr. Sharad Mehra, Chairman, Hydrocarbons Education Research Society (HERS), addressing the audience

UPES believes in providing a level playing field and equal opportunities to everyone in the community and dismantling barriers of class and hierarchy.

Project Grow is not just about language proficiency; it aims to bring about holistic development for the housekeeping staff. The program promises several benefits, including:

• Supporting Children’s Education: Participants will be better equipped to comprehend and assist their children with their school homework.
• Boosting Confidence: Housekeeping staff will gain confidence through enhanced communication skills.
• Digital Literacy: The program will enable staff to use smartphones more effectively, navigate digital payment apps, and stay informed through online news.
• Effective Communication: Participants will learn the art of conveying difficult messages efficiently, contributing to better workplace communication.

Project Grow reflects UPES’ forward-thinking approach to community development, transcending traditional boundaries to uplift every member of its community. This initiative not only addresses language barriers but also fosters a sense of empowerment, confidence, and skill development among the housekeeping staff. As UPES continues to set new benchmarks in education, Project Grow stands as a shining example of its commitment to helping people become a better version of themselves and rising above their limitations.