BANGALORE, INDIA: The IT biggies seem to look as much down as they are soaring high. While most of the employees of Syntel Inc. are busy helping create new opportunities for their clients in the global IT and Outsourcing industry, a separate CSR division called 'S'Prayas' is dedicated in imparting education to the under-privileged children living in slums. 

S'Prayas inaugurated its new e-learning centre running under the name of 'Project Yantra' at a Local Talawade School, "Raja Shiv Chatrapati Vidyalaya" in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation ( PCMC), Pune. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Syntel CEO & Chairman- Bharat Desai, Syntel COO & President- Keshav Murugesh, Chief Mentor of S'Prayas- Shamini Murgesh and other senior officials of PCMC and Syntel. A separate Library and Computer Lab has been dedicated for this project.

The infrastructure as regards to the lab, computers, books and the program cost is completely sponsored by Syntel. The interiors of this facility is designed by S'Prayas volunteers. Shamini Murugesh said, "The primary objective of this engagement is computer literacy; however the broader vision is to equip them with learning that will aid in securing a better future for themselves. This program will benefit around 550 students each year and will impart computer education to children within the age group of 6 to 16. It will take complete responsibility for their education upto 10th standard." 

The mission statement of S'Prayas, a CSR initiative of Syntel Inc. a US head quartered global IT and Outsourcing organization is 'Enriching Young Minds'. Shamini Murugesh further said, "The main focus area of S'Prayas is to imparting education to under-privileged children. This mission is carried out through non-academic education, providing real life skills, computer literacy, spoken English programs.

S'Prayas believes in empowering these children to believe in themselves by giving them the key to open doors to the world outside. We started our mission in 2006 in Mumbai with a resounding success and now we've spread our wings to Chennai, Pune and now USA. The uniqueness of the programme lies in the fact that it is a completely hands on CSR programme with full time employees of Syntel sparing their precious time to enrich the minds of economically weak children. S'Prayas truly represents the heart of Syntel."

With learning cum computer centers' across all it's locations and a volunteer base of over 800 dedicated people, S'Prayas mentors and guides thousands of under privileged children through it's various programs. The Saturday club where the children interact and learn from S'Prayas volunteers is the most popular. This runs every Saturday through out the year across locations with the unstinting support and help of S'Prayas volunteers. Other programs include computer literacy classes, remedial education, art and sport classes, health awareness campaigns etc.

Proud for this success, Shamini Murugesh says with a triumphant smile, "S'Prayas runs various Projects like Aakar, Sankalp, Muskaan, Kiran, Yantra, ALC, TLZ etc. As all S'Prayas projects are located in the community itself, it caters to each community's specific requirements, thereby taking knowledge and enrichment to the doorsteps of the economically challenged communities.

In the future, S'Prayas looks to multiplying its learning centers for greater reach.  It intends to increase the scope of the present activities and expand into setting up full fledged skill centers. Working in semi-rural areas is also a cherished dream; as is ensuring that the 12,000 rich (and growing) employees of Syntel join hands in making a difference to the community."