– Uzma Afreen, PGDM 2015
“Giving back to the society” is a mantra Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM), Hyderabad follows and instills in its students since the first day of their stepping on the campus. In keeping with its CSR commitment, on 27th of September, 2014 the institute collaborated with the FCO club to host a blood donation camp on its campus. A total of 120 people, which included VJIM’s students, staff and administration, donated blood and contributed to the noble cause. Interestingly, the FCO club was initiated by the 18th batch of VJIM students themselves.
Blood donation has always received significant attention and participation at this B-school. This year, the 21st and the 22nd batch became a part of the event with extreme vigour and enthusiasm. Swathi, a student of the 18th batch and one of the founders of the FCO club was present on the occasion and shared the incidents that shaped the club on the VJIM campus. “It all began with Kishore, the first student organizer who had dreamt about something of this scale. He asked around if people were interested in the initiative. The proposal was received and accepted by a small number of students initially and then it attracted other members. Today, there are about four organizers and 120 participants”, highlighted alumnus Swathi. She said that FCO was incepted at VJIM but went viral through mutual friends thereafter.
Every campaign, however, needs support and Swathi believes VJIM has been extremely encouraging, “It’s amazing how VJIM has always been a support. Whenever we come here they clear out a schedule for us and help us organize the blood donation camp. In fact, with every year, it is only getting better.” She shared that funding was a problem in the initial days but now they have enough financial support as well and that has been a welcome change for the club. She thinks that problems are a part of every venture but initiatives like this are life saving. “I would like to advise the young generation that it would be really good for them if they took out some time from their busy lives and come together to initiate more clubs whose primary objectives are equally social by nature”.