To mark the Christmas period and season of goodwill, we’re spotlighting the volunteering stories and experiences of colleagues across OneAdvanced to learn how they’ve been 'giving back’ in 2024 and making a difference in their communities.
Colleagues across our India offices have been involved in various charitable projects and volunteering activities this year, which included the creation of a modern toilet facility in Bengaluru during August, as a part of our CSR project and a donation drive organised by India colleagues to provide study materials and other necessary items during Diwali in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Bengaluru
Vineeth Mukunda, Admin and Travel Logistics Manager, Gaurav Oza, Senior Software Engineer, and Khushbu Shah, Test Team Leader, spoke to us about volunteering events they were a part of along with other colleagues in India.
Read below to learn about their volunteering experiences.
CSR project in Bengaluru - Vineeth Mukunda
Vineeth was involved in the charity funds for the building of a modern toilet facility that opened earlier this year at Somasandrapalya Government School in Bengaluru. The new facility was supported financially by OneAdvanced as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project.
The new facility now provides more adequate hygiene and sanitation facilities for adolescent girls, which removed significant barriers to their education and enhanced their employment opportunities.
What inspired you to get involved in this CSR project, and how was your experience on the inauguration day?
I was inspired to get involved because seeing others happy gives me immense joy. It's just my way of living life, and the experiences on the day of the inauguration was very fulfilling.
I was extremely happy to be around the kids; they brought out my inner child and reminded me of my school days. I played with them, took selfies, and enjoyed their dance and drama performances that highlighted the importance of having toilets in schools, and we also distributed chocolates to the kids.
Have you been involved with any other charitable projects or volunteering activities, both personally and with OneAdvanced
Yes, I work in a group called Anveshana – a local volunteer group which helps people find employment and helps recruiters find eligible candidates for specific roles. The team visits schools and colleges in the area to give sessions on career guidance, prepare students for interviews, and offer career consultations.
Additionally, I am part of the FunCatalyst Group at OneAdvanced which organises various events for all colleagues in India, helping them unwind and engage in team building activities.
In the spirit of giving back, what’s your advice to others who are thinking about volunteering?
My advice to others would be to just take the plunge and get involved. Volunteering is incredibly rewarding and offers a chance to make a positive impact on others' lives. It also brings a sense of fulfilment and joy that is hard to find elsewhere. So, don't hesitate—your efforts, no matter how small, can make a big difference.
Diwali Danostav initiative
‘Diwali Danotsav’ is a voluntary initiative planned by colleagues across all office locations in India (Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Vadodara) to spread the cheer of Diwali by partnering with local NGOs near each office.
The initiative took place in November 2024 and colleagues supported it by donating educational materials and other necessary items to charities.
Gaurav Oza
Gaurav was involved with the Diwali Danostav initiative where every colleague in the Ahmedabad office donated study materials to local schools to support students in need. Gaurav helped to organise and distribute the donations for Ambli Primary School in Ahmedabad on the day.
What inspired you to get involved?
I’ve always believed in the power of education and wanted to contribute to a cause that helps provide students with the tools they need to succeed. Diwali Danostav was the perfect opportunity for me to give back and make a difference.
How did you find your experience on the day?
I had a really positive experience on the day. I enjoyed seeing the excitement and gratitude from the students as they received the study materials, and it was so fulfilling to see the impact it had on the children’s enthusiasm for learning.
Have you been involved with any other charitable projects or volunteering activities recently?
This is actually my first opportunity to get involved in a volunteering project. I’ve not been involved in any other volunteer initiatives before, but I’m really glad I got the chance to participate in Diwali Danostav. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I’m definitely looking forward to getting involved in more projects in the future.
In the spirit of giving back, what’s your advice to others who are thinking about volunteering?
My advice would be to simply take the first step – get involved! Volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge commitment, but even small actions can have a big impact. It’s incredibly rewarding and a great way to connect with others and contribute to something meaningful.
Khushbu Shah
Khushbu Shah was involved with a unique street-to-school program aimed at providing education to underprivileged children called the Ashe Deep Foundation. This NGO in Vadodara sets up learning centres under flyovers, on footpaths, and in slum areas, bringing education directly to these youngsters.
What inspired you to get involved?
I believe that education should not be defined by where you come from, where you live, or your background. The vision behind the Ashe Deep Foundation inspired me to seize opportunities to help people learn and make a difference in their lives.
How did you find your experience on the day?
We met many talented kids, each unique in their own way, yet their dedication and ability to learn deeply inspired us to do more for them. One moment that truly touched our hearts was meeting a few children who were colouring Diyas in preparation for Diwali—it was incredibly heartwarming.
I would also like to thank every colleague in Vadodara who donated along with Krishna Mehla, Udit Mehta, Kiran Patel, Nilesh Vaghasiya who helped carry out this drive.
In the spirit of giving back – what’s your advice to others who are thinking about volunteering?
In my opinion, a small act of kindness goes a long way. Every bit helps and the impact you make, no matter how big or small, can truly change someone's life.
Diwali Danotsav in Bengaluru
Team Bengaluru organised the Diwali Danotsav charity drive in collaboration with the educational NGO Shifting Orbits. A Wish Tree was set up in the Bangalore office, listing essential items required by the beneficiaries. Employees selected and fulfilled these wishes. The beneficiaries visited the office, participated in a Q&A session, toured various departments to understand their functions, and engaged in an ice-breaking session. The event concluded with a lunch, providing an insightful and meaningful experience for all involved.
Interested in volunteering? Use your paid volunteering day!
Volunteering is an important part of our Bettering Society ethos and commitment to ensure we support the people within our organisation to succeed and foster meaningful connections within our communities.
92 colleagues used their paid volunteering day this year to spend time supporting a cause they care about, and more than one thousand hours of volunteering leave was used by colleagues in 2023.
All OneAdvanced permanent and fixed term employees are entitled to one paid day of volunteering leave per year, so if you want to embrace the spirit of giving by supporting a charity or community project then we encourage you to do so.
Read the Volunteering Leave Policy for more information.
Share your volunteering stories
We’ll be sharing more volunteering stories and experiences from colleagues throughout the week, which will be posted on The Hub and the Giving Something Back page for updates.
We'd love to hear about your experiences, so please share photos or stories from your volunteering day via ours Giving Something Back Teams channel.