At Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability are foundational to our academic ethos, exemplified through initiatives like the Social Internship Program (SIP). Launched in 2017, SIP has emerged as a transformative platform that integrates academic rigor with real-world impact, fostering socially responsible leaders equipped to address global challenges. SIP aligns deeply with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9). 

Central to SIP’s success is its collaboration with Social Sector Organizations (SSOs). Students work on impactful, need-based projects over a 15-day period, guided by faculty mentors and SSO managers. These projects range from household and village-level surveys in UBA-adopted communities to gender equity initiatives like AI tools training for young girls through Gullaq and workshops conducted under the FIIB Girl Up Club. Such engagements emphasize not only student sensitization to societal issues but also the creation of sustainable, long-term solutions.

Before SIP’s inception in 2017, FIIB’s involvement in CSR and sustainability was limited to theoretical explorations and sporadic initiatives, with minimal hands-on engagement for students in addressing real-world challenges. The lack of structured programs aligning with UNSDGs meant missed opportunities for fostering impactful change and student development.

Since its launch, SIP has evolved into a powerful platform bridging academic learning with practical societal contributions. It has engaged over 5,000 individuals through impactful dialogues, workshops, and on-ground actions. By strategically aligning with 4 UNSDGs (SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SIP has addressed critical global challenges.

Under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) initiative, FIIB adopted five villages—Ghittorni, Kusum Pur, Chhawala, Kapashera, and Sambhalka—where it tackles issues like water scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, and employability gaps through regular surveys, education workshops, health and sanitation programs, and vocational training. These interventions have brought visible improvements in community development and sustainability.

Additionally, partnerships like the one with Gullaq have led to significant outcomes, such as AI-skills workshops where FIIB students mentored over 350 underprivileged students, equipping them with technological skills for future careers. Collaborations with corporate CSR departments, such as those at PVR, have further enriched student experiences by integrating social good into corporate practices. 

In addition, FIIB has strengthened its commitment to responsible management education and social inclusivity through global partnerships with PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) and RRBM (Responsible Research in Business & Management). Collaborations with UN Girl Up and the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneurship Association further emphasize FIIB’s dedication to promoting gender equality and supporting ecosystems for individuals with disabilities. These partnerships ensure that the impact of SIP extends beyond the classroom, fostering meaningful real-world change.

SIP has also driven long-term intellectual contributions, with 59 research projects, 3 teaching initiatives, 12 new partnerships, 33 dialogues, and 7 organizational practices, showcasing FIIB’s unwavering commitment to responsible management education and societal impact. Through these initiatives, SIP has become a cornerstone for nurturing responsible leadership and driving meaningful change. What sets SIP apart is its focus on intellectual outcomes and the usability of recommendations, rather than mere volunteering hours. FIIB empowers students to become business-ready leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility, driving meaningful change and contributing to a future defined by education, equality, and innovation.