- Unveils The Light That Lives On, a curated collection of real-life stories of resilience and transformation
- Pune marks the concluding event in the Foundation’s pan-India celebrations commemorating 20 years of meaningful work in the country
PUNE: Cognizant Foundation India marked a significant milestone of 20 years of transformative social impact across the country with a commemorative event at Cognizant Technology Solutions India (Deccan Campus), Pune. The event brought together over 300 attendees, including partner NGOs, Cognizant leaders, associates, Cognizant Outreach volunteers, and key stakeholders to celebrate the Foundation’s enduring legacy of collaboration, innovation, and lasting social change.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of The Light That Lives On, a commemorative book featuring real-life stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted through the Foundation’s initiatives in education, healthcare, and livelihoods. These powerful narratives highlight the transformative change that can happen when communities, technology, and purposeful action converge.
“Real change doesn’t happen overnight—it happens when people unite around a shared purpose and stay committed over time,” said Kasturi Balaji, Director, Cognizant Foundation. “For me, that’s what Cognizant Foundation stands for: two decades of unwavering dedication to transforming lives through healthcare, education, and livelihood initiatives. Today’s theme—Inclusive Education. Empowered Future is more than a statement; it’s a call to action.“
This commemorative event in Pune marks the successful conclusion of the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, which spanned across India, beginning with Chennai, followed by Gurugram, and Bengaluru. These celebrations collectively recognized two decades of powerful impact, during which Cognizant Foundation implemented over 600 projects in collaboration with more than 300 NGO partners, touching the lives of millions across India.
“The Light That Lives On is more than a commemorative book—it’s a testament to our shared purpose and progress,” said Narayanan T, General Counsel, India & APAC, Cognizant, and Director, Cognizant Foundation. “As we unveil it today, we reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive futures and ensuring that the light we celebrate continues to shine.”
The event featured inspiring personal stories from individuals whose lives have been positively transformed through the Foundation’s initiatives.
The event culminated with a special ceremony –Celebrating Shared Impact – honoring partner NGOs and agency partners for their outstanding contributions to the Foundation’s mission of enabling access, equity, and excellence in education. Participating organizations included:
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan, Bright Future, Pratham Education Foundation, Y4D Foundation, Committed Communities Development Trust, Hyderabad Eye Institute (LV Prasad), PBMA’s H V Desai Eye Hospital, Pune, R Jhunjhunwala Sankara Eye Hospital, Sankara Jyoti Eye Institute, SGS India Private Limited, Lok Bharti Education Society, Muktangan Education Trust, Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind, Room To Read India Trust, Vidnyanvahini, SoulAce, SGS, Adsvita, Shobiz, AVIAN We.
Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included Narayanan T, General Counsel, India & APAC, Cognizant, and Board of Directors, Cognizant Foundation, Kasturi Balaji, Board of Directors, Cognizant Foundation, and Abhijit Datar, Global Delivery Head, IOT Practice, Cognizant.