Daily CSR
Daily CSR

Daily CSR
Daily news about corporate social responsibility, ethics and sustainability

Work-from-Anywhere with Lenovo: Empowering Communities Through Technology and Social Impact



05/13/2023


Introducing Lenovo's India Edition of Work For Humankind: Reviving Millet Cultivation with Smarter Technology
 
Experience the incredible success of Lenovo's globally renowned Work For Humankind initiative! Now, Lenovo proudly presents the launch of its India Edition, dedicated to reviving millet cultivation in the picturesque village of Kanthalloor, Kerala, using the power of Lenovo's cutting-edge technology. Partnering with Dream India Network and local student volunteers, Lenovo employees will create a lasting positive impact on the millet farming community while working remotely from the serene village of Kanthalloor.
 
Nestled amidst the majestic Western Ghats mountains, Kanthalloor is a hidden gem enveloped in mist and lush evergreen forests, offering a fertile haven for agriculture. Once boasting over 18 varieties of millet, this region has sadly witnessed a decline to just two types today. Climate change and limited market access have caused the local farmers to abandon traditional millet cultivation. However, a solitary tribal community, nestled deep within the protected forests, still holds on to this ancient practice for self-consumption.

To revive millet farming in this secluded community, Lenovo's smarter technology will play a pivotal role in improving accessibility, raising awareness about the benefits of millet farming, and enhancing local agricultural knowledge and practices. Establishing crucial market linkages is vital for transforming the millet food system into a profitable and sustainable model that supports rural livelihoods. This journey begins by fostering digital inclusion for local farmers.
 
Lenovo has handpicked a team of passionate employees, student volunteers, agricultural experts, and influential individuals with diverse skill sets to join this extraordinary initiative. These dedicated individuals will support the local community in millet cultivation while seamlessly continuing their regular day jobs from the enchanting village of Kanthalloor. Leveraging Lenovo's extensive portfolio of devices such as ThinkPad, Yoga, motorola edge, tablets, as well as solutions and services like Lenovo's CO2 Offset Service and cloud solutions, the project aims to establish the 'Lenovo Digital Centre for Kanthalloor Millets' at IHRD College Kanthalloor. This innovative center, powered by Lenovo's state-of-the-art devices, services, and solutions, will serve as a hub providing farmers with critical information and best practices on millet farming. Furthermore, it will enable Work For Humankind volunteers to gather and analyze data on the impact of implemented solutions, cultivate early adopters in millet production, and raise awareness about market linkages.

Lenovo volunteers will tirelessly work to provide digital access to government programs and millet cultivation methods for key stakeholders within the local community. This intervention aims to bridge the technological divide in the region, improving overall access and connectivity for the community.
 
In 2023, the United Nations declared it the 'International Year of Millets,' bringing significant productivity gains and momentum to the national and global millet value chain. However, marginalized farmers operating smaller independent farms across India have struggled to harness these benefits due to various barriers such as lack of awareness, skills, market linkages, and limited access to the latest agricultural technology.

To overcome these challenges, Lenovo employees and student volunteers will collaborate with partners to conduct an in-depth analysis of the local millet food system and prototype a model that empowers farmers to cultivate millet through sustainable farming practices. By the end of this initiative, the students at IHRD College will be trained to continue this work, ensuring that the insights gained are utilized effectively and that positive changes endure for years to come.
 
Unlocking the Power of Technology: Work-from-Anywhere with Lenovo
Discover the groundbreaking insights from Lenovo's global research on the extraordinary connection between technology and humanity. We understand that modern employees crave the freedom to work remotely, while also yearning for opportunities to make a positive impact in the world. That's why we've pioneered the revolutionary 'Work-from-Anywhere' model, catering to the aspirations of today's workforce, especially the socially conscious Gen Z employees who prioritize philanthropy and community engagement.
 
Lenovo's extensive research has revealed an inspiring statistic: a remarkable one-third of respondents in India expressed their eagerness to utilize their spare time while working remotely to volunteer and contribute to local communities. At Lenovo, we wholeheartedly embrace this belief, which serves as the driving force behind our transformative initiative, Work For Humankind. This visionary program blends our commitment to deliver smarter technology with the dedicated volunteer work of our talented employees, all with the sole purpose of addressing the most pressing needs of the millet farming community in Kerala.
 
Work For Humankind represents our unwavering dedication to empower communities through the power of technology. By harnessing the remarkable capabilities of our innovative solutions, we aim to uplift the millet farming community in Kerala, creating a brighter future for all. With every contribution, Lenovo ensures that the vital needs of these farmers are met, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly challenging world.
 
Join us in this remarkable journey as we unite technology, passion, and purpose to shape a better tomorrow. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most, all while embracing the flexibility and freedom of the 'Work-from-Anywhere' model. Lenovo is proud to lead the way, proving that when technology and humanity come together, remarkable transformations are possible.
 
“With India gearing up to become the global millet hub, Lenovo’s Work For Humankind initiative will help Kanthalloor’s farmers to make millet cultivation more profitable and sustainable. By bringing together the right expertise and Lenovo’s cutting-edge tech devices, solutions and services, we aim to mobilize the local community and make millet farming more commercially viable for them. At Lenovo, we are committed to leaving a lasting legacy with the community work we undertake and for the benefits to be felt long after the Work For Humankind initiative is complete. That’s why we are partnering with Dream India Network, Organic Kerala, and the Gram Panchayat in Kanthalloor to bring this vision to life. We are also thankful to the College of Applied Science, IHRD, Kanthalloor, and the Forest Department for their ongoing support of this initiative,” said Shailendra Katyal, Lenovo India’s Managing Director.
 
“We look forward to contributing our expertise in developing the infrastructure and agricultural training programs to benefit the farming community in Kanthalloor. Lenovo’s Work For Humankind India program seeks to engage farmers and the local youth, and build awareness of the benefits they can reap from millet cultivation. Access to information on farming best practices that are rooted in science is key to transforming the current food system into one that is commercially viable and desirable. Dream India Network will work closely with the student and Lenovo volunteers to capture learnings on-the-ground and report the progress of the interventions introduced,” commented Dr. Saju Parackal, a Board Member of Dream India Network.

“Kanthalloor welcomes Lenovo’s partnership to create a one-year roadmap to boost local millet cultivation. Millet is part of Kanthalloor’s history, and we must revive our traditional farming practices with the help of modern interventions. Technology, accessibility, and market avenues are necessary to create a profitable model for millet farming. The Gram Panchayat will support awareness-building activities, and work with Lenovo volunteers to increase the production of millet and market linkages in Kanthalloor. We look forward to hosting various local millet-themed events and seeing our farming community thrive,” said Kanth Mohandas, President of Kanthalloor Gram Panchayat.
 
“The IHRD College of Applied Science is partnering with Lenovo for its Work For Humankind campaign and will host the Kanthalloor Millet Tech Centre on our campus. Our students will be volunteering to monitor and develop opportunities for local millet farmers by manning the Tech Centre, powered by Lenovo technology. We are excited to play a key role in enabling digital inclusivity in the region and to build on shared synergies for millet cultivation in Kanthalloor,” said Dr. S. Sindu, IHRD College Kanthalloor’s Principal.