At TCS, the idea of giving back to society is in our organizational DNA.
It is a value that many of us carry quietly and deeply. It finds expression in small gestures, everyday choices, and at times, in collective movements that bring us together for something larger than ourselves. Sadhana Samarpan Month is one such spontaneous celebration, where we come together to contribute to the world around us with our time, our talent, and most importantly, our intent.
It is this belief that forms the foundation of Sadhana Samarpan Month—a dedicated time each year when tens of thousands of TCS associates across locations join hands to serve, engage, and contribute meaningfully to causes that matter. It is a deep personal expression of volunteerism, an outpouring of the quiet strength of collective compassion.
Rooted in the values of perseverance (Sadhana) and selfless dedication (Samarpan), this month-long volunteering event reflects who we are—not only as professionals, but as people who care, who act, and who are passionate about sharing their time and talent for the greater good. The evocative expression Sadhana Samarpan carries a deep significance that instinctively resonates with each one of us. Sadhana speaks to sustained effort—our ongoing journey of learning and growing by serving our society. Samarpan is about dedicating that altruistic effort in service of a noble cause. Together, they also remind us that giving back is not always about grand gestures, but often about quiet perseverance and sincere engagement.
This initiative began in 2015, when our then CEO N. Chandrasekaran inaugurated the first Sadhana Samarpan Month.
What started as a simple idea—to create space for focused social volunteering—has since evolved into one of the most enduring expressions of community commitment within TCS. Each year, associates from across the organization come together to volunteer for social causes that are close to their hearts—ranging from environmental action and health awareness to education and wellbeing.
From its roots as an associate-driven volunteering campaign, Sadhana Samarpan Month has grown into a culture of engagement with society. It is about stepping into the lives and realities of others, even if briefly, and allowing those moments to shape our own lives and perspectives.
Whether it is assisting in classrooms, supporting healthcare initiatives, mentoring students, or simply spending time in companionship—these experiences are rooted in a desire to connect, to understand, and to help in whatever way we can. Sadhana Samarpan has reminded us that even the smallest actions can leave the most lasting impressions.
Over the years, associates have contributed over 3.8 million hours of volunteering, touching more than 4.5 million lives. These numbers are remarkable, but what truly matters is the spirit behind them—the countless, deeply treasured moments of presence, empathy, and care.
The impact of Sadhana Samarpan is unfolding across multiple dimensions.
In the area of education, volunteers have supported underserved schools offering academic help in subjects. In health and hygiene, our efforts include health check-up camps, eye screening initiatives, and the provision of basic sanitation facilities.
Another meaningful strand of volunteering has been caregiver support. Volunteering at hospices and health centers, associates have focused on the emotional wellbeing of those who offer care—recognizing the quiet strength it takes to look after others, often without pause or recognition.
At the heart of this month-long effort is a broader understanding of sustainability—not only in environmental terms, but in how we sustain empathy, inclusion, and connectedness in our lives and work. The guiding thought— ‘Only one livable planet, with no plan B’—defines our approach to planetary and societal well-being. It reminds us that the responsibility for positive change lies with all of us, as individuals and as a collective.
This perspective aligns closely with global goals for health, education, and environmental care. But it is not a top-down approach. It is driven by a belief that the smallest grass root level actions, when done consistently and with intention, can be truly impactful.
Our recent visit to Karunashraya Bengaluru (Bangalore) Hospice Trust was one such deeply humbling experience.
We spent time volunteering across different areas—assisting with medical supply preparation, helping with the upkeep of the green restorative spaces, and lending a hand in the kitchen to prepare meals. Each act, though simple, carried the weight of care. Having seen firsthand during earlier visits the trauma and emotional challenges that terminally ill patients and their caregivers face, we continue to respond in the only way we know how – with heartfelt concern we share, we reach out, and we care.
A most special experience, as always, is our volunteering with several cow shelters across India. The indigenous cow, called the “Kamadhenu” – “the wish-fulfilling cow” is symbolic of mother earth and is at the heart of sustainable agricultural practices. Establishing cow shelters is an essential step in not only reestablishing chemical-free natural farming, but also in biodiversity conservation of indigenous species. Associates contributed to activities such as feeding and cleaning the cow shelters while absorbing the lessons of living in harmony with nature.
We also visited the Garudacharpalya Higher Primary School, where we have been supporting access to quality education for over 15 years—especially for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our volunteers step in with extra classes in mathematics, science, and English, organize educational trips, sports events, and celebrate special occasions with the children. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, the volunteers remained engaged to prevent dropouts. We inaugurated a much-needed handwash area, sharing the children’s excitement as they used it for the first time.
The transformational power of Sadhana Samarpan Month is in its ability to reshape how we see the world—and our place in it.
When we engage with communities, listen to their stories, and witness their resilience, it creates a shift within us. We come back with a deeper sense of humility and gratitude. We realize how much even a few hours of sincere attention can mean to someone.
In the rhythm of busy workdays and full calendars, Sadhana Samarpan becomes a grounding force. It helps us reconnect with the human side of leadership and enterprise. It reminds us that our roles go beyond delivering outcomes and extend to showing up for others, building trust, and fostering hope.
Whether we are part of a tree plantation drive, supporting a student’s learning journey, or simply sitting beside a caregiver to share a moment of comfort, the value lies not in the act alone, but in the intention behind it.
Over the years, “Sadhana” has brought home to us the indispensability of the thought and vision of “One livable planet – live sustainably, leave no one behind” - a vision that inspires us to explore our fullest potential in experiencing life fulfilling moments. As we look forward, the spirit of Sadhana Samarpan continues to guide each one of us - as a way of being and rightful living.