"Employees Come First Before Customers": Aravind Melligeri, Chairman And CEO, AEQUS
AEQUS is a manufacturing facility in and around Belgaum, Karnataka. An SEZ with desire to expand their export beyond a million dollars, they have not forgotten their responsibility to the society and environment.
They have a strong community connect. For example, Aequs Foundation has recently launched ‘Hamara Gaon Project’ to reach out 5000 children in partnership with Pratham Education Foundation. Additionally, they have a 10,000 sq. ft. facility in Hubli, named Anasuya Melligeri Science and Technology Center. The agenda is to provide hands-on science training to students in the local area. In Belagavi, they run two mobile science laboratories, not only enabling hands-on learning of STEM education for students but also aiding in Teacher Training Programs, organizing Science Fairs and Digital Learning.
AEQUS CSR Focus Areas
In addition to shaping young minds, they have strong focus on health and hygiene as well. Some of their notable programs include Nirmal Shale Hygiene Program and the Spandana Health Program, both of which focus on building health infrastructure and providing healthcare checkup facilities, in and around the area.
A Niche Project
Few of us would have heard about Kinnal toys and their origin. They are manufactured locally in Karnataka, and acquired Geographical Indication (GI) tag recently.
Kinnal Toys
AEQUS has taken up a unique initiative as a part of its CSR activity to keep this dying art form alive. Partnering with VIT, they have set up a separate space for developing this art form on their Hubli campus.
Giving a broad idea about the AEQUS approach to CSR, Aravind Melligeri, Chairman And CEO, AEQUS Notes, "If you look at our mission statement, employees come first before customers because we have to create value to these people. It is a part of our DNA here at AEQUS, which incidentally means equal in Latin." AEQUS is spreading its wings far and wide, with activities in every domain one can ley a fingure on.
