SDU Seva, Inc.

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SDU Seva, Inc.: "Social Issue TV"

Boca Raton, United StatesMumbai, India
Year Founded:
2013
Organization type: 
for profit
Project Stage:
Start-Up
Budget: 
$250,000 - $500,000
Website:
http://therealdeal.ketto.org
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Project Summary
Elevator Pitch

Concise Summary: Help us pitch this solution! Provide an explanation within 3-4 short sentences.

Social change and mainstream media do not have to be mutually exclusive. By creating and producing social issue tv, digital and news shows we inspire and incite action through awareness. The medium to create awareness, attitude change and action are through the multiple screens we see daily.

WHAT IF - Inspiration: Write one sentence that describes a way that your project dares to ask, "WHAT IF?"

What if social change was entertaining?
About Project

Problem: What problem is this project trying to address?

The lack of purposeful programming on our multiple screens is alarming. Popular shows serve a purpose to entertain but sometimes they are aimless and harmful to gender stereotypes, they perpetuate negative social constructs and leave viewers feeling empty. My TV shows inspire action through dynamic TV and my company exclusively makes entertaining tv shows on social issues.

Solution: What is the proposed solution? Please be specific!

I have the privilege of launching the world's first impact investing TV show airing on one of India's largest news channels, NDTV. While watching "The Real Deal" millions of viewers will be entertained via a reality game show that features and funds the 12 best for-profit social entrepreneurs of India. TV shows like The Real Deal find the grey between the black and white of raw entertainment and pure social impact. The takes the responsibility to infotain and become a 360 degree platform to sustain results of the show off season by hosting panel discussions, pitching events, courses and workshops and much more. "The Real Deal" is the first of a series on social change makers across the world. The Real Deal intends to be globally replicated.

Awards

TBD
Impact: How does it Work

Example: Walk us through a specific example(s) of how this solution makes a difference; include its primary activities.

With over 10 million people watching the show's 13 episodes we aim to impact both youth and business leaders through social media, three TV channels, digital platforms as well as our impact partners such as Artha, Intellecap, and Asha. The TV show will be comprehensive in educating Indians on the sector of impact investing. By bringing a brand onboard to lead the show, it raises even more awareness. By season 2, we will customize and produce this show internationally. At the most basic level, this show enables 12 social entrepreneurs of India to receive upwards of $50,000 each to fund their enterprises.

Impact: What is the impact of the work to date? Also describe the projected future impact for the coming years.

Until the show launches in Feb 2016 we can not count quantifiable impact. However, the sector of impact investment world wide is backing this show and excited about the visibility it will receive.

Spread Strategies: Moving forward, what are the main strategies for scaling impact?

1. To sustain and grow the show and the platform in India for the next 7 years 2. To grow the show internationally 3. To have an international competitive show 4. To launch the other digital and network formats domestically and globally
Sustainability

Financial Sustainability Plan: What is this solution’s plan to ensure financial sustainability?

TV shows rely heavily on brand sponsorship in exchange for visbility. Aligning with a brand for the next 5 years ensures security and sustainability for the platforms and properties I am launching.

Marketplace: Who else is addressing the problem outlined here? How does the proposed project differ from these approaches?

I believe I am one of 2 companies to exclusively create and produce social issue TV, news and digital formats. My goal is to collaborate with Participant media and the Skoll Foundation.
Team

Founding Story

During my final matches on the WTA Tour, I would think about hosting and creating purposeful programming on TV. I would wake up early in the morning not to train but to journal and ideate on how I could become the Oprah of India, or how my sister calls me "Oprah Chopra". I took a ten year leave of absence from Princeton University to pursue professional tennis. After 10 years on the tour and chasing a fuzzy yellow ball around a court, I decided I would go back and finish my undergrad and learn to become the best me, beyond tennis. It was an experience of a lifetime to attend Princeton as a 27 year old and discover my potential all over again. I founded my company during my senior year.

Team

At present, I am the sole person in my company.
Background
Please confirm how you heard about the Unilever Awards:

I was browsing online and came across it.

Please confirm your role in the initiative (eg Founder/co-Founder) and your organisational title:

Founder and President

Which of the 8 UN Global Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) pre-selected for this competition does your solution relate most closely to? [select all that apply]

No Poverty.

Leadership and the Unilever Awards
Please provide examples of any previous entrepreneurial initiatives you have pioneered.

I created a company in college called Tiger Hot! where I would train students and clients in tennis and personal fitness. I had over 30 clients on my own and managed 2 other jobs plus a full course load and leadership on campus at Princeton. I am currently the co-founder of Indi.com India.

Beyond your existing team, who else are you working with to achieve your objectives, eg partners, advisors, mentors?

My fiance is my partner and supporter. I have mentors in the TV industry here in India such as executives of large production companies, mentors from the impact investing sector and my professors at Princeton.

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