Waves of Change with Cisco Time2Give in India
Author – Saumya Dubey
Growing up in India, I had never heard of surfing. It was a sport that seemed distant, unspoken of, and we had no international athletic representation. Surprisingly so, considering our country’s long coastline and breathtaking islands. It’s only very recently that ocean-related sports are beginning to crest the wave of popularity. This is what I discovered a few years ago in the heart of a small coastal town in India. A place where a remarkable transformation is underway thanks to the work of the Surfing Swami Foundation, an organization that empowers children through the sport of surfing and education. Picture this: kids running around, surfboards under their arms, carving on their skateboards across the road, where the salty breeze mingles with the rustling of coconut palms, dreaming to be a part of the World Surf League. They are local village children, many from families straddling the poverty line. Well, this is not exactly how it all started, but this is where we are now. It started with a spark—an idea that would ripple through time and touch lives, including mine.
Discovering Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation
My discovery of Mantra Surf Club in Mulki, India, and the Surfing Swami Foundation marked the beginning of a life-changing encounter. Throughout my extensive travels across India, I remained oblivious to the existence of this unique place where the local community has been practicing and teaching surfing and yoga for over 20 years. When I first embarked on what I thought would be a simple surf holiday in Mulki, little did I know, it was going to be much more than that. It unfolded into an experience filled with inspiring transformations. Mulki was special, not just for the exhilarating surfing experience it offered, but for the heartwarming stories from the local kids. Among the heartening tales of local youth was a boy who once sold peanuts on the beach to aid his struggling family. Today, supported by the Surfing Swami Foundation, he excels as a national athlete, works as a surf instructor at the Mantra surf club, and pursues an economics degree. A girl, previously fearful of the ocean, now triumphs in national surf contests.
Their stories of overcoming adversity to excel in surfing and education inspired me to get involved and contribute to this wave of positive change. Thus began my journey, not just as a surfer, but to be a part of the transformative power of sport and the community spirit along with Surfing Swami Foundation and Surfing India. My commitment to the Foundation grew as I deepened my engagement, volunteering and running workshops for local children. Despite relocating to Spain, I made it a tradition to return to Mulki during my winter breaks, dedicating my Cisco Time2Give to furthering the Foundation’s mission.
Cisco Time2Give: Unlocking the Power of Giving Back
Passionate about the Surfing Swami Foundation’s mission and what a special place Mulki is, I decided to gather a group of Cisco colleagues to join me on a Time2Give volunteer project with the Foundation in Mulki. This is how we launched the “Waves of Change” initiative, capturing the essence of our efforts to foster positive transformation both in and out of the water.
Together with a group of few Cisco employees, we dove into a week of meaningful engagement. We led workshops, participated in beach cleanups with local schools, and shared knowledge—all aimed at bolstering the Foundation’s efforts and supporting the kids in their surf journey. Surf sessions with the local youth weren’t just about riding waves; they were a bridge between cultures and a shared joy that brought us all closer. We understand that this is merely the onset of a remarkable, inspiring journey.
This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of giving back, and I am so thankful that Cisco gives us the time to do so. I carry with me the unforgettable memories and the knowledge that our collective efforts have sparked a lasting impact. Connection with the local kids and Community: “Each day, as we merged with the local rhythm, the joy on the children’s faces as they stood on their boards reflected the community’s commitment to protecting them. Hearing about the kids’ individual stories and ambitions, I grasped the profound impact of sports on their personal development. Sport and surf were more than competition— it was a medium of transformation, resilience, and self-belief, instilling invaluable life skills.” – Lauriane Giet, Public Relations Manager, Head of EMEA Public Policy Communication at Cisco Resin Art Workshop: “Those wild, beautiful waves, we all wanted to remember tem, to take a vivid picture of them. We did exactly that when we sponsored a Resin Art Workshop with local artist Sharan Shetty (@wai.inc) to capture memories forever in resin. With resin, creativity can really spur. It’s a good way for kids to get familiar with art, let their imagination wonder and learn new skills while having fun.”- Diane Mievis, Director EU Public Policy, Government Affairs at Cisco
Beach Clean-up : “Each year, 4.8 to 12.7 million tonnes of plastic flood into oceans, a garbage truck’s worth every minute, devastating wildlife and ecosystems. Beach cleanups, like our Time 2 Give program’s event, remove tonnes of debris, from sandals to fishing nets. Engaging Mangalore college students boosted our efforts, showing the importance of involving youth for environmental awareness. Yet, long-term solutions demand enhanced waste management, education, and collaboration among startups, industries, and communities for cleaner beaches worldwide.” – Tiziano Canovai, Success Programs Manager
Design Thinking Workshop: “It was a pleasure to lead the Design Thinking Workshop with the Surfing Swami Foundation’s and the Cisco volunteers, participants from various sectors including entrepreneurship, athletics, and government tourism came together to innovate. The workshop’s main objective was to spark collaborative solutions to advance the foundation’s goals. The outcome was a burst of creative, actionable ideas. Attendees reported a highly positive experience, with the diverse mix of backgrounds fostering a strong sense of community and collaborative spirit. This event marked a step forward in the foundation’s commitment to progress and innovation.” – Esther, EMEA Sustainability Lead
Workshop for Kids: How does Internet Work? : “While surfing instills values of environmental stewardship and sustainable coastal tourism, the foundation goes the extra mile by supporting the parallel careers of these young surfers. Some may pursue professional competitions or coaching. However, they also nurture their dreams beyond the waves. Encouraging every child to pursue education alongside their passion for surfing, Surfing Swami Foundation opens doors to a myriad of career possibilities. From university pathways to vocational training, they ensure that each child has the tools to navigate life beyond the shoreline. During our time with the kids, we introduced them to the world of internet and routing through interactive games. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm as they grasped complex concepts in a fun and engaging way. Explaining how messages traverse the globe as “packets,” we emphasized how even the most challenging pursuits are within reach.” – Hector, Customer Delivery Software Architect, Cisco
Final Day Waves of Change Event : “As the sun sets on our incredible adventure with the Surfing Swami Foundation, we culminated the journey not only with an opportunity to give back but also a chance to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Mulki. We were truly fortunate to have experienced their local dance, called Huli Vesha (Tiger Dance), which set the perfect beat for our thrilling surf sessions alongside the local children.
Our closing day was stunning, as we came together to reflect on our collective experiences. We highlighted the impactful moments of our collaboration, celebrated the bonds we’ve formed, and recognized the contributions that made this event a success. Music and dance added an extra touch of magic to the day, boosting our mood and bringing us all closer together. The ‘Waves of Change’ initiative had not only made a tangible impact on the community but had also transformed us, reaffirming our commitment to giving back and fostering positive change wherever we go.” – Carlos Javier, Consulting Engineer @ Professional Services Enterprise R&S
For me personally, it was more than just a project; it was a deeply personal experience that touched my heart. Being a part of this transformative journey, supported by Cisco’s Time2Give, held profound significance for each of us here. It wasn’t just about volunteering. It was about making a genuine impact in the community and leaving a lasting positive change. Together, we’ve learnt that when we come together with passion and dedication, we can truly make a difference in the world, little by little. That for me, is the most exciting part of it all.
