IBM celebrates Centennial

IBM celebrates its centennial in a novel way, IBM has released a book, 'Making the World Work Better: The Ideas That Shaped a Century and a Company' debuted a new film 'Wild Ducks' along with ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange today.

Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Samuel J. Palmisano noted, “For IBMers, long-term thinking means continually moving to the future.” He said. “IBM has survived and thrived for 100 years by remaining true to our core values, while being ready to change everything else. This has allowed us to transform technology, business and society through our first century, and we believe it will enable us to achieve even more in our second.”

Shankar Annaswamy, Managing Director, IBM India Private Limited, said, “It has been an exciting journey for IBM in India. Starting with just a small office, we have grown to become a microcosm of the IBM Corporation with presence and leadership across all segments." He also added, "As we move ahead towards the next century, we will take forward this legacy of innovation and growth and continue to contribute to the economy and society in India.

As part of the celebration, IBM undertakes a series of CSR activities, such as:

* Retina India where 100 IBMers will put together a website (with specific capabilities) which will match volunteers as scribes for people who are visually challenged and registered in with Retina India. IBMers will also volunteer as scribes

The National Entrepreneurship Network where around 400 IBMers will be available as experts to guide and advise start up as well as seasoned entrepreneurial ventures on different aspects like HR, Marketing, Finance, technical solutions etc across 12 mentoring melas in six cities - NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune

* Center for Sustainability Development where IBMers will work with CSD to present a citizen perspective on Environment related issues. This will include an in-depth survey and preparing a report for submission to the Government a smarter city development

* Pratham Foundation where IBMers will conduct workshops on the use of technology across 13 centres in Mumbai

* Spastic Society of Karnataka where IBMers will provide communication skill training to children

* Akshara Foundation where close to 15000 IBMers will volunteer at 1500 schools

* Agasthaya Foundation for hosting science fairs in Hyderabad and Chennai. Over 20,000 children are expected to participate in these fairs

* Nanhi Kali, an NGO that supports education for the girl child. As part of this initiative, several IBMers will visit colleges for women and highlight diversity initiatives at IBM as well as employment opportunities

* SRF Foundation who support a literacy program in Mewat. Over a 1000 IBM volunteers will go to Mewat and take the children enrolled in the literacy program through any one of the 4 modules that have been short listed for school children