CSR Initiatives & Social Contribution

Message from the President

Whistling Woods International draws immense pride in the fact that our students, faculty and staff are passionate about helping the community and working towards making our world a better place. CSR initiatives and social responsibility is an essential part of our vision at WWI. As Asia’s largest Film, Communication & Creative Arts institute situated in the heart of Mumbai, WWI has a key role in the social welfare of the city and an ethical responsibility towards our environment.

As part of their academic journey with us, students are encouraged to not limit their learnings to their curriculum, but much more. Being future filmmakers and media professionals, they have the power to reflect their responsibilities through socially relevant content.

From woman empowerment to child welfare, organ & blood donation to drug abuse, tree plantation drive to clean India campaign, gender sensitisation to educating the underprivileged students, it is admirable to see WWI students, faculty and staff synergize to address social issues put together campaigns for several noble causes. The various CSR initiatives enlighten students & staff to be responsible and global citizens of the world at large.

Whistling Woods International, through its course of operation for the past decade, has proudly associated with several NGOs, namely, Salaam Baalak Trust & VIDYA Mumbai – VIDYA Integrated Development for Youth and Adults to offer scholarship to underprivileged students who are extremely passionate about making their careers in the media and entertainment industry. The institute has also partnered with initiatives like, Laadli – A Population First Initiative, creating awareness about gender equality, women empowerment, female foeticide and cherishing every child; KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, sensitising the larger public about LGBT issues and Be The Change – Varija Life Initiative, spreading awareness about the abilities of the physically & mentally differently abled individuals and including them in the mainstream society. WWI has been conducting various workshops, at regular intervals, for NGO children to make them well-equipped to face life at large. Apart, from associating with NGOs & social initiatives, WWI also involves in giving back to the society and mother nature through drives like Blood & Organ Donation and Clean India Campaign, respectively.

President Meghna Ghai Puri believes “There is no doubt that doing something socially responsible takes great commitment and we at WWI have a great opportunity to create a very socially aware institute and socially conscious graduates. The media of cinema is after all, an extremely powerful media. Many filmmakers have used the power of cinema to tackle some extremely relevant issues. The encouraging trend though is that today, several filmmakers are using a powerful social issue and making films that are seen by millions thus creating a large awareness of these issues and encouraging the media to discuss them. The latest being Guneet Monga’s oscar winning documentary from India called ‘Period’. We are proud of our filmmakers & professionals who take being socially responsible seriously.”

CSR Activities

JUNE 16, 2021: WWI IN ASSOCIATION WITH PRAYAG EK KOSHISH NGO CELEBRATED DOMESTIC WORKERS DAY BY DISTRIBUTING HYGIENE KITS

FEBRUARY 4, 2020: EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED WOMEN


An Embroidery Workshop for underprivileged women from the World Vision India, was conducted by WWI School of Fashion on February 4, 2020. They were taught techniques like Phulkari, Chikankari, French Knots, Satin Stitch with Minimal Embellishment Ideation. We believe that women across the country should be educated and empowered to meet their daily necessities by learning an art form and commercialise the same. In the same spirit, these aspects were taught in the workshop and was enjoyed by all.

JANUARY 28, 2020: TIE & DYE WORKSHOP FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED WOMEN


Tie & Dye Workshop for underprivileged women from the Srujna Charitable Trust, was conducted by WWI School of Fashion on January 28, 2020. We believe that women across India should be educated and empowered to meet their daily necessities by learning an art form as well as learning the art to commercialise the same. In the same spirit, these aspects were taught in the workshop and was enjoyed by all.

December 21, 2019: Meher Roshani Foundation Celebrated Their 7th Annual Happiness Event For 200 Kids At Whistling Woods International Along With Tree Plantations By Stamp Foundation


Whistling Woods International (WWI), Asia’s premier Film, Communication and Creative Arts institute, was proud to have the Meher Roshani Foundation’s (MRF) 7th Annual Happiness Event celebrated at the WWI campus this weekend.

Every year the Meher Roshani Foundation organises this event as a Christmas and New Year celebration for 200 underprivileged Prayas children from slum pockets across Mumbai. It was a day-long event that featured a host of activities that invoked the spirit of the season, including games, dance, learning workshops, Christmas cake, lunch, snacks, magic show, movie, educational and other gifts from Santa, and much more.

The MRF’s Annual Happiness Event has been hosted at WWI since its inception, with Meghna Ghai Puri, President of WWI, providing her support and backing as a Goodwill Ambassador. The event is organised through the generous efforts of a core team of Sparkling Angel volunteers of MRF, duly supported by WWI team, and spearheaded by the meticulous efforts of Roshani Shenazz, the founder and Managing Worker of MRF. Roshani is also renowned as an eminent spiritual healing medium, social entrepreneur and an author.

“We believe that the right values and mind conditioning is important for every child. Each year we conduct our Annual Happiness Event at year end, not just to bring more joy and smiles, but also to teach them innovative aspects to live a value-based life irrespective of their limitations,” said Roshani Shenazz, following the event.

This year also saw MRF joining hands for a lovely Hanky Painting Competition for all 200 kids sponsored by Pidilite Fevicryl colours along with Stamp Foundation, an NGO founded and headed by actress and humanitarian, Tanisha Mukherjee. To highlight the importance of living in harmony with our planet, Stamp Foundation distributed individual herb plant pots to all of the children at the event, in addition to planting 26 fruit and flower tree saplings within the Green Campus of WWI.

“We at Stamp believe that environmental consciousness should penetrate all strata of society for us to make a permanent and positive impact on our planet. At the 7th Annual Happiness Event of Meher Roshani Foundation, it is our pleasure to join hands to spread this message to the underprivileged children with a planting drive,” said Tanisha Mukherjee. “In addition, as a special initiative, we will be gifting each child an herb to encourage them to live sustainably by learning how to grow edible herbs and vegetables at their home. We hope this small gesture makes a big impact on the children – the future of our planet,” she concluded.

Speaking about the event, Meghna Ghai Puri said, “Our continued association with the fantastic work being done by the Meher Roshani Foundation is a point of pride for everyone at WWI. There can be no higher cause than uplifting the youth of our nation, and we look forward to continuing our association for years to come. By imparting a green message at this year’s event, we hope we’ve taken a step towards building a better tomorrow for us all.”

As a thought leader on corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the media and entertainment domain, WWI has been at the forefront of a number of key movements and causes. These efforts have fostered an atmosphere of generosity and caring amongst the staff and students of WWI, and seen them contribute their time and expertise towards the betterment of the nation and the environment.

December 9, 2019: WWI Donated School Uniforms To Underprivileged Children In Mumbai


Whistling Woods International donated school uniforms to around 175 children at St. Catherine of Siena School and Orphanage, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai.
Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods along with her mother Mrs. Mukta Ghai distributed the uniforms to underprivileged children, encouraging them to receive formal education, follow their dreams and work hard to turn their passion into reality.

September 23, 2019 : Skit and Music performance by WWI students


Students of WWI School of Performing Arts – Actors’ Studio performed a skit on dementia awareness for senior citizens which was followed by a performance by the students of WWI School of Performing Arts – Department of Music Production and Composition at Second Innings, Marol, Mumbai.

September 21, 2019 : Celebrate Cinema - NGO workshops


WWI organised workshops on photography and animation for around 90 NGO Kids from 5 NGOs  (Jeevan Aadhar Transformative Aftercare Services,  Salaam Baalak Trust, Dhai Akshar Educational Trust, World Vision India and Teach for India) followed by screening and refreshments. Two NGOs (World Vision India and Movement India) had put up stalls for selling their products. Special fun activities session was arranged for volunteers and members of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI).

September 21, 2019 : Whistling Woods International awarded NGO kids with Subhash Ghai Vidya Daan scholarship

Whistling Woods International awarded the following NGO Kids with Subhash Ghai Vidya Daan scholarship on September 21,2019

Sanjay Kharwa (The Salaam Baalak Trust) – BSc in Filmmaking

Kartik Parmar (The Salaam Baalak Trust) – BSc in Filmmaking

Sagar Shivsharan (Dhai Akshar Educational Trust) – BSc in Filmmaking

August 31, 2019: Acting and Filmmaking workshops for kids from VIDYA, Dhai Akshar Educational Trust and Prayas Ek Koshish


Acting & Film making workshop was conducted for kids from the VIDYA, Dhai Akshar Educational Trust and Pyras Ek Koshish on August 31st, 2019. The workshop was conducted by two of our eminent faculty Ms. Nivedita Bhargava and Ms. Rabiya Nazki.

August 25th, 2019: Acting & Filmmaking workshop for kids from Salaam Baalak Trust and Vision Rescue


Acting & Filmmaking workshop was conducted for kids from Salaam Baalak Trust and Vision Rescue on August 25th, 2019. The workshop was conducted by two of our eminent faculty Ms. Nivedita Bhargava and Ms. Rabiya Nazki.

July 18, 2019: WWI Founders’ day celebration with kids from an NGO


On July 18, 2019, the staff and faculty of WWI celebrated its Founders’ Day with kids of Prayas Ek Koshish (Gender Equality and Human Rights Organisation) at Meenatai Udyan, Jogeshwari. The Senior acting faculty, Ms. Nivedita Bhargava conducted a workshop for the kids followed by gifts distribution and refreshments.

July 5, 2019: Tie & Dye Workshop for underprivileged women

Tie & Dye Workshop for underprivileged women from the Meher Roshani Foundation, was conducted by WWI School of Creative Arts – Fashion Design on July 5, 2019. We believe that women across India could be educated and empowered to meet their daily necessities, by learning an art form as well as learning the art to commercialise it.

June 3, 2019: Stop-motion Animation Workshop for the children off the Dhai Akshar Educational Trust

WWI School of Animation conducted a stop-motion animation workshop for the children of the Dhai Akshar Educational Trust. They explored the techniques of character animation by animating the puppet characters, developing the idea, managing the team, animating frame by frame and manipulation by hand, to get the illusion of movement.

May 22, 2019: Acting Workshop for underprivileged children and volunteers from the Movement India

WWI Acting students conducted a workshop on acting with under privileged children and volunteers of the Movement India on May 22nd 2019.

May 21, 2019: Acting Workshop for underprivileged children from Dhai Akshar Educational Trust

WWI Acting students conducted a workshop on acting with under privileged children of Dhai Akshar Educational Trust on May 21st 2019.

May 20, 2019: Acting Workshop for underprivileged children from the Salaam Baalak Trust

WWI Acting students conducted a workshop on acting with under privileged children of Salaam Baalak Trust on May 20th 2019.

April 5, 2019: Bag-making Workshop for underprivileged women

Bag-making workshop for underprivileged women from Meher Roshani Foundation, was conducted by WWI School of Fashion on April 5, 2019. In the workshop they learned making different variation of bags which are useful in our daily errands.

March 2, 2019: Tie & Dye Workshop for underprivileged women

Tie & Dye Workshop for underprivileged women from the NGO- VIDYA Integrated Development for Youth and Adults, Mumbai, was conducted by WWI School of Fashion on March 2, 2019. We believe that women across India could be educated and empowered to meet their daily necessities by learning an art form as well as learning the art to commercialise the same. In the same spirit, these aspects were taught in the workshop.

January 31, 2019: Students of WWI School of Design participate in Misaal Mumbai

The students from Whistling Woods International School of Design volunteered for an initiative conceived by Artist and Social Worker, Rouble Nagi, called ‘Misaal Mumbai’ on January 31, 2019 held at Reti Bunder, Mumbra. The students had the privilege to connect with the community and interact with various residents as well as people who made their living within the slum. They created engaging visuals that uplifted the surroundings and gave it a new life.

January 19, 2019: WWI hosted an Annual New Year Party for the Kids and Staff of Meher Roshani Foundation

WWI hosted the 6th Annual New Year Party for the Kids and Staff of Meher Roshani Foundation, on January 19, 2019. Students of WWI conducted various art and craft workshops for the kids.

December 14, 2018: VIDYA Pomegranate Reading Wings Finale 2018

Whistling Woods International hosted the VIDYA Pomegranate Reading Wings Finale on December 14, 2018 in the campus. “Reading Hats 2018” was a culmination of a teachers’ capacity building program VIDYA, Mumbai, the event included book readings and enactments, and skits by our children, youth, and teachers.

October 15, 2018: Session on Elderly Care by Mrs. Vidya Shenoy

Whistling Woods International in association with Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society Of India (Ardsi) Mumbai Chapter, hosted a session on Elderly Care by Mrs. Vidya Shenoy.

August 23 – October 5, 2018: Donation Drive for Kerala flood relief

Whistling Woods International conducted a Donation Drive for Kerala flood relief in association with GOONJ

October 2, 2018: WWI students & staff participated in cleanliness drive at Vasai Fort

Whistling Woods International staff and students led and executed a cleanliness drive at Vasai Fort. WWI associated with Durgveer Pratishthan for this cleanliness drive.

September 29, 2018: Scholarship provided by Whistling Woods International (WWI) and Motion Picture Association (MPA)

Scholarship provided by Whistling Woods International (WWI) and Motion Picture Association (MPA) on September 29, 2018 was awarded to Ms. Jyoti More from Salaam Baalak Trust.

September 29, 2018: Whistling Woods International awarded NGO kids with Subhash Ghai Vidya Daan Scholarship

Whistling Woods International, awarded Mr. Sanjay Khade and Mr. Abhishek Gupta, students from NGO, VIDYA – Integrated Development for Youth and Adults, Mumbai with Subhash Ghai Vidya Daan Scholarship, on September 29, 2018.

September 28, 2018: Workshops conducted for kids from various NGOs

Workshop was conducted for kids from various NGOs during Celebrate Cinema 2018 on September 28, 2018. The kids belonged to Salaam Baalak Trust, Vidya, Dhai Akshar and Aseema Charitable Trust. The workshops were conducted by:

Acting workshop- Sonali Bharadwaj

Painting workshop- Dnyaneshwar Jagdale

Dance workshop- Terence Lewis Academy’s Instructors

September 21, 2018: School of Music students perform for the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind

School of Music students performed for the Victoria Memorial School for the Blind on September 21, 2018. This was conducted on occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day 2018, in association with Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society Of India (Ardsi) Mumbai Chapter.

September 10, 2018: Masterclass on awareness regarding dementia & active ageing by Vidya Shenoy

Masterclass was conducted on awareness regarding dementia & active ageing by Vidya Shenoy. Vidya Shenoy is the Secretary General of Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India and Honorary Secretary of its Mumbai Chapter.

September 8, 2018: Eco-friendly Ganesha Idol Making Workshop for kids from Meher Roshani Foundation

An Eco-friendly Ganesha Idol Making Workshop for kids from Meher Roshani Foundation was conducted.

September 7, 2018: Stop motion animation workshop for kids of the NGO, Dhai Akshar Educational Trust

Stop motion animation workshop was conducted for kids of Dhai Akshar Educational Trust (a Mumbai based NGO)

September 4, 2018: WWI School of Music students perform at Café Arpan

WWI School of Music students performed at Café Arpan on September 4, 2018, at an event organized by Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) Mumbai Chapter.

August and September, 2018: Versova Beach Cleaning Drive

Versova Beach Cleaning Drive in association with Afroz Shah was conducted in the months of August & September, 2018.

August 21, 2018: WWI School of Music students perform at Smriti Vishvam Dementia Daycare Centre, Dadar

The Students from School of Music performed at Smriti Vishvam Dementia Daycare Centre, Dadar on 21st August 2018. The “Smriti Vishvam: Universe of Memory” is the only specialised Dementia Daycare centre in Mumbai where people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia are given complementary therapies on a one-to-one basis.

July 28, 2018: Acting & Filmmaking Workshop for kids from Hamara Foundation and Aseema Charitable Trust

Acting & Filmmaking Workshop was conducted for kids from Hamara Foundation and Aseema Charitable Trust on July 28, 2018.

July 21, 2018: Acting & Filmmaking Workshop for kids from Vidya and Salaam Baalak Trust

Acting & Filmmaking Workshop was conducted for kids from Vidya and Salaam Baalak Trust on July 21, 2018.

July 21, 2018: Food Donation Drive at Sneha Sadan

Acting & Filmmaking Workshop was conducted for kids from Vidya and Salaam Baalak Trust on July 21, 2018.

July 14, 2018: Acting & Filmmaking Workshop for underprivileged girls from Sakhi - for Girls' Education

Workshop for kids from a Mumbai based NGO – Sakhi was conducted on July 14, 2018. The aim of this event was to find the hidden talent in a child who comes from a less fortunate background and give a livelihood in the field of Media and Entertainment Industry. These workshops were conducted by two of our eminent faculty Nivedita Bhargava and Rabiya Nazki, covering the important elements of filmmaking like writing, acting and shooting a short film, based on skills set of each child.

June 22, 2018: Tree Plantation for the Government of Maharashtra

Students of Whistling Woods International made a video clip on Tree Plantation for the Government of Maharashtra.

December 27, 2017: Christmas Celebration for kids from Meher Roshani Foundation

Whistling Woods International hosted Christmas Celebrations for kids from Mehere Roshani Foundation on December 27, 2017.

February 22, 2017: Fellowship of the Physically Handicapped (FPH) visited WWI

Fellowship of the Physically Handicapped (FPH) visited Whistling Woods International on February 22, 2017.

February 17, 2017: WWI hosted a Panel Discussion in association with Varija Life

WWI hosted a Panel Discussion in association with Varija Life on February 17, 2017.