SCMHRD, Pune is a premier institute honing world class leaders and entrepreneurs. Established in 1993, SCMHRD’s MBA program is one of the most prestigious programs in India.
A few talented students from this institute came together 9 years ago and decided to take up a matter of grave concern in the human society, that of Human Trafficking. They named themselves S.H.A.P.A.T.H. – Symbiosis Headstart for Awareness, Prevention and Action against Trafficking of Humans which means to take a pledge, and they did exactly that, they took a pledge to act. This initiative of theirs led them to associate with an NGO, Saheli, which helps nurture abandoned kids of trafficked women and a few others.
Unlike other issues, this wasn’t something everybody would address, and hence it remained neglected. These brave hearts went ahead to service this issue, and help those still in the dark. Needless to say, even though the team works for various social causes, human trafficking remains the centre of their focus till date.
They did not believe in donations, and as they say necessity is the mother of invention, these minds came up with a unique idea called E.A.R.N., where first year management students of the institute leverage their managerial skills, add value to organizations and in turn help raise funds (through the stipend earned) for the rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. This event takes place across the stores of Pune and the first edition of E.A.R.N. turned out to be a huge success. Along the inception of E.A.R.N., also came the association with Snehalaya, an NGO that focuses on the victims of human trafficking and their revival. Having joined hands with Snehalaya, it was an important realization that E.A.R.N. definitely is about the funds, but more than that, it’s about the awareness of the cause. They analyzed and understood that there are so many people that do not know that human trafficking happens under their noses, in their neighborhoods, not many miles away from them.
E.A.R.N. is back again! Bigger and better! To empower, rehabilitate and most importantly, to create awareness amongst the masses. 13th, 14th and 15th of August 2017 will witness enthusiastic students across Pune dawning their S.H.A.P.A.T.H tees doing their part for the cause. It is time for us to do our part towards the upliftment of our society.