2009
The 4th REX Karmaveer forum in 2009 was on the issue of citizens rising against corruption and organized by iCONGO and REX Karmaveer Volunteers and founders in partnership with UNODC, NNFI and the Professionals Party of India.
In March 2009, with industry associations, corporate leaders, we also organized the REX Humane Capitalism CONCLiVE, with business leaders from around the globe.
At the REX Humane Capitalism CONCLiVE, we announced the 100 most humane businesses and business leaders ratings, which in later years influenced the mandatory 2% for CSR companies act 2013.
In 2009 we also launch the NAHI campaign to create awareness about Fundamental Duty #5 of the Indian Constitution to RENOUNCE Practices derogatory to the dignity of women. A slapstick humorous campaign, the video went viral on FB, TWITTER and LinkedIn. (was later pulled down for being too BOLD and now we know what FB etc. does with us)
Impact & Outcomes
- This led to India against Corruption,where citizens pledged to say NO to corruption and the UN started the global ACT -Against Corruption Today movement.
- In partnership with UN we also announced
hallabolo.comsimple mobile and web-based tools and weaponry, to help common citizens fight corruption on a daily basis. This idea was adopted by several Ministries and Political parties like Aam Aadmi Party and BJP in subsequent years. Coincidentally, Manish Sisodia of AAM AADMI Party first presented their campaign strategy for RIGHT TO INFORMATION at the first REX CONCLiVE in March 2007. The thought leadership in our REX CONCLiVE in 2009 inspired the Indian Against Corruption movement. - In 2010 when India Against Corruption was being planned by Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal, the REX Karmaveer founder Jeroninio (Jerry) Almeida was approached and met by Anna Hazare to seek iCONGO and the REX Karmaveer communities’ partnership in the movement.
- Jerry told Anna that we at REX Karmaveer, believe in influencing change slowly and silently, but SURELY and SUSTAINABLY. He told Anna that we do not believe in unnecessary rabble-rousing and attention-seeking protests on the street. Anna Hazare, who was nominated for the Karmaveer award in 2010 was also informed by Jerry that while he trusts Anna and his intent, he did not trust the intent of many people in Team Anna, like Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and others.
- REX Karmaveer community members and founders are also engaged with the UN as a part of the working group, to work on the UN Convention against Corruption and represent the REX Karmaveer community in the global convention in Geneva regularly.
- In 2009,Jerry gave an impassioned talk at the UN about how the UN Millennium Development Goals were more like a daydream, as they would not be fulfilled by 2015. In his talk he also spoke about how the GOALS need to be realistic and SMART and that they can only be achieved when Citizens around the world owned and acted on the goals in partnership with the UN.
- Jerry was then invited as a Key Member of several UN Advisory Panels to draft the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Corporate Integrity Index and the strategy to involve citizens in the International Year of Volunteering in 2011.
- The REX Humane Capitalism Conclave with Ms. Anu Aga as the Chief Patronof the conclave and the Humane Business movement (nomenclature was suggested by Ms. Anu Aga Karmaveer award recipients and the first captain of Industry to announce 2% of profits for CSR in 1998), advocated 2% of profits from all businesses for CSR and how business needs to go beyond lip-service CSR.
- After 5 years of petitioning, the Government of India passed a mandate (The 2% CSR Bill, Companies Act 2013, passed in 2013 and implemented in 2014) that all business have to contribute 2% of profits for CSR.
- The Humane Capitalism Index also inspired the world’s most ethical companies listing and the UN Integrity Index for businesses.