Mentor Story: Rajesh Swami Narayanan - Cadence Scholarship Program

The Cadence Scholarship Program is the flagship CSR program of Cadence India, introduced five years ago. Many meritorious students from under-served sections of society drop out of the education system after school because of the lack of finances. The project addresses this issue by retaining such students in the academic cycle through funding and support. Cadence employees come forward to serve as mentors for these students to guide them in their studies and career aspirations. They meet their mentees regularly for them to understand their issues and help solve their problems, which help students complete their course with good marks, improve their communication skills, overcome their fears, and emerge with a great personality and positive outlook towards life.

Meet Rajesh Swami Narayanan, Design Engineering Director, one of the senior mentors for the Program in Bangalore, and hear about his experiences and association with the Scholarship Program.

Asim: What’s your perspective on this program?

Rajesh: Supporting meritorious students in need for their higher education through CSR is an under-valued one-liner. This program is one of the thoughtful initiatives of Cadence, a personification of giving back to society.

 

Asim: Why do you think so? What’s so unique about it?

Rajesh: Many helpings hands are around to pay college fees, but this program focuses on complete enlightenment of the students by holding their hands through all phases; pursuing the education of their interests, guiding on course selection, equipping them to get there (a simple example, helping them acquire skills in English if they’re weak in the medium of instruction), coaching them during their studies, mentoring them to choose the right career, as well as supporting them financially.

 

Asim: How long you’ve been participating in this program?  What excites you the most?

Rajesh: Since the very beginning of the program, I’ve been a part of this. I do a lot of charity activities in general, but this is much beyond… A matchless sense of fulfillment.  One of my mentees called me and said, “Rajesh Sir…I got the job in the company that I wanted. You’re the first one in the world that I’m sharing!” Frankly, it was the happiest moment for me, as I did not even feel this much happiness when I got my first job offer! Being instrumental in making CAs, civil servants, doctors, engineers, scientists, and teachers is a proud feeling. Thanks to Cadence for this great gift!

 

Asim: Amidst your workload, how do you manage? 

Rajesh: Undoubtedly, this program is a stress-buster for me. Though we exhibit professionalism in every bit of activities that we do in this program, working with core members like Madhavi Rao, Raj Gutta, and you, Asim, is fun. Joining hands with the younger mentors is certainly an energy-booster!

Asim: Finally, what are the challenges that you faced?

Rajesh: During the pandemic, choosing the right beneficiaries through WFH has been a bit of a challenge in the last two years. Thanks to the Joining Hands team for finding innovative ways. When we started this program, the number of students was 20-odd in number, but over the years, it shot up many-fold. Finding mentors is sometimes a challenge, but we hope to get many more employees to sign up!