Inspiring minds and saving lives, the motto for six offices across India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai and Hyderabad, saw some 75 employees devoting 300 hours of their time to various community development activities. While Delhi office took to improving the condition of a municipal school, the employees of Hyderabad worked with the Missionaries of Charity. The Calcutta team ran a free health check-up camp at Diamond Harbour, the Bangalore team worked with The Spastics Society in Kerela, and Mumbai team gave its time to students of St Michael's school.

Agilent, a global company focusing on life-sciences, healthcare industries, electronics and communications had its spin-off with Hewlett Packard, its parent company on June 2. And soon after, Ned Barnholt, CEO and president, Agilent Technologies, announced the kick-off of Agilent Action Week.

And the effort has been worth an applaud. The Delhi experiment, for example, has been very successful. Nagar Nigam Vidyalaya, a municipal school in Kalkaji, which houses some 400 students, which has lost out on its basic amenities like clean water and hygienic conditions, over the years, saw the restoration of the facilities. Agilent undertook the work of improving the conditions in the school. An underwater tank of 4,000 litres capacity, 3 booster pumps, GI pipes, installation of flushes, urinals and wash basins were all provided for. In addition, the school was provided with a public address system and sports equipment and the blackboards were repainted. The highlight of the programme was the health awareness camp, conducted by the doctors and staff of the company. Some 350 students were screened and a diagnostic report given to them. Some cases were referred for treatment as well.

The programmes in the various centres were also pretty successful. Says Keval Khanna, country general manager of Agilent Technologies, "It is not just about giving some time, it's about making a difference. And this programme is a great opportunity to showcase the kind of commitment we have for our community." And the company promises to be as agile with such programmes in the future.