i 45 Our Synergy can Redefine Social Entrepreneurship to make a Better Tomorrow Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Ahmedabad, Gujarat, IndiaRATIONALE Mega corporate houses are, today, stepping forward ina big way to address certain deep rooted ‘societal problems’, But one also cannot ‘overlook, the obstactes that sometimes frustrate their endeavours ~ these could come either in the garb of organisation's own priorities or bureaucratic hassles or problems in connecting with the target group and many others. If these gaps addressed, there Is a scope towards making a stronger impact with interventions, which, over time, Would become sustainable. Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI), which has been working with the basic intent of training and developing people to adopt sustainable livelihood options in India as also In other developing countries, looks forward to forging strategic alliances’ with corporates so that corporate social responsibilities are carried out in association, ensuring results that acquire sustainability. EDT is not looking forward to raising funds alone but inviting corporates for stratecic association to deal with ‘societal problems’ together. The Institute, given its network and strengths, would play the role of an active, and result-oriented implementation agency. VIVID INSIGHTS INTO OUR SOCIAL WORLD Challenges in society manifest themselves in several ways ~ ‘unemployment eating into the self confidence of youth’; ‘non-availability of basic education depriving children from a better life ahead’; ‘inaccessibility to health services making everyday life miserable; ‘women in the clutches of domestic unrest’; ‘the lesser privileged sections yielding to the privileged ones’; besides several other turmoils expressed in one form or the other, What makes these concerns yet more painful is the fact that the society is nat laden with one or two of them but several of them together, making the larger community at the helm of deprivation. These pressing problems call for attention and support. Advantages of global changes are not reaching a vast section of the society. Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI) calls out to stand up, hold hands and address circumstances.? EDI'S STRATEGIC VISION EDI looks forward to placing the social responsibilities of corporate houses in a different perspective. Leading corporates have today come to play a very important role in creating developed, wholesome societies. Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), as an area, has appealed to the sensitivities of many a big national business hero. EDI plans to support corporate houses, by partnering with them in promoting social development, by implementing projects under their corporate social responsibility segment. All activities would be publicised using 3 variety of publicity modes, such as; articles in newspapers, advertisements, presentations, radio announcements, brochures, ete. wherein the sponsoring agency’s support would be prominently highlighted. Proposed Areas of Association > Centre for Social Entrepreneurship This Centre's primary aim would be to bring about sacial well-being by implementing activities targeted at one or more problems ensconced in the society, The centre would function asa full fledged entity, completely devoted to social entrepreneurship. It would work out aetivities that bring about social changes despite odds, Institute invites organisations and corporate houses setting up of such centre at EDI. The centre would be hailed by the name of the organisation/corporate house sponsaring it. Sponsorship can cover the cost of setting up the centre (on EDI campus) with the needed infrastructural facilities, its day-to-day functioning cost as also the salary of professionals employed for various activities. EDI would monitor formulation of activities and their implementation, thus ensuring its maximum reach. >» Chai in Social Entrepreneurship : In the name of a sponsoring agency/corporate house, a Chair in Social Entrepreneurship could be created, An eminent professional can be appointed to carry out training and research activities, Case studies and success stories on social entrepreneurs could be developed and published so that they become a valuable learning resource. The research in social entrepreneurship would go a long way in capturing the problems and prospects and help us formulate maximum impact-creating strategies. The Chair in Social Entrepreneurship by the spansoring organisation can bear the cost of annual salary of this sentar professional.