Hive, founded by Zabi, is redefining the role of businesses by integrating social responsibility into their daily operations. With a focus on merging profit with purpose, Hive helps companies seamlessly align their values with impactful causes, ensuring that activism becomes a natural part of their culture
Tejal Sinha
In a world where businesses often prioritise profits over purpose, The Hive is pioneering a movement that merges corporate success with social responsibility. Founded by activist Zabi Khan, Hive is an initiative dedicated to making companies more socially responsible in ways that are both meaningful and beneficial to their brand. Khan’s journey into activism began at a young age, driven by a deep empathy for animals. Losing his first pet was a defining moment that set him on a path of animal welfare.
For the next decade, he devoted himself to animal welfare. But as he grew, he realised something crucial—activism wasn’t understood by many and those who did appreciate his efforts treated it as something extraordinary. “People would tell me I was doing something ‘special,’ but in reality, I was only fulfilling my duty as a human being. Activism shouldn’t be seen as an exception—it should be an integral part of everyone’s life,” he explains.
This realisation led him to a bigger vision. He wanted to make activism more accessible—something that people could incorporate seamlessly into their daily lives. Zabi observed that companies had the power to either harm or heal the world. He wanted to create a system where businesses could operate sustainably and responsibly while also benefiting from it. That’s how Hive was born!
“I wanted to help companies become socially responsible in a way that also contributes to their brand image. When a business does good, people respect them more, and that respect translates into loyalty.” Hive collaborates with businesses to identify causes that align with their values and industry. The goal is to make social good a natural part of their operations rather than a forced CSR activity.
One of its key collaborations is with iGym, a wellness and fitness brand. Zabi has designed initiatives that tie fitness to social impact, ensuring that gym members don’t just work on their physical health but also contribute to the greater good.
For instance, Hive and iGym have launched an eco-run, where participants pick up plastic waste while jogging through selected locations. “We know we can’t clean Hyderabad in one or two runs, but that’s not the point. The goal is to shift mindsets. When a family participates in the run, they start thinking twice before littering themselves. That’s how change begins,” Zabi emphasises. Beyond fitness, Hive is planning collaborations with diverse industries, such as dermatology clinics to provide free treatments for burn survivors and car resale companies to donate ambulances to NGOs. Hive’s long-term vision includes launching an application called Karma Meter, an innovative platform designed to encourage volunteerism among college students. “Students will be able to select causes they resonate with—animal welfare, climate action, women’s empowerment, orphanages, and more. Each cause will have specific tasks and students can log their activities in the app to earn karma points.” These points can be redeemed for tangible rewards, such as a free gym membership at iGym or a free dermatology treatment.
“In this way, students contribute to social causes, businesses build trust and credibility and society as a whole benefits,” says Zabi. At the core of Hive’s mission is the belief that businesses should be accountable not just for how they make money, but how they use it. “All of us will leave this world one day, but what truly matters is the legacy we leave behind,” Zabi reflects. “Not the money, not the luxury—but the impact we create. If you have the power to make the world a better place, why wouldn’t you?”
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Empowerment Through Wellness
In the competitive world of fitness, where most businesses focus solely on profits and expansion, IGYM stands out for its commitment to social responsibility. Founded by Vamshi Reddy, it is more than just a premium fitness centre—it is a movement that integrates physical wellness with meaningful community initiatives. In an exclusive interview, Vamshi shares his vision, the impact of social initiatives on his brand and how he balances business growth with giving back to the community.
For IGYM, collaborating with Hive was a strategic decision driven by shared values. “Collaborating with Hive, led by the inspiring animal activist Zabi, was a natural choice for us. Hive’s commitment to social causes and innovative approach to social media marketing aligns perfectly with IGYM’s mission to foster a healthier and more compassionate community. This partnership will enable us to leverage Hive’s expertise in reaching a broader audience and promoting our initiatives effectively. Together, we aim to create a supportive environment that encourages both physical wellness and social responsibility, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole.”
The partnership with Hive has not only boosted IGYM’s visibility but has also reinforced its commitment to social change. “Zabi and his team at Hive have had a profound impact on IGYM. Their passion for animal welfare and social causes has transformed IGYM into more than just a place for physical fitness—it’s now a hub for social change. Their innovative marketing strategies have significantly elevated our engagement, leading to better results for our clients and greater community involvement. His dedication to making a positive impact has inspired us to integrate more social initiatives into our core operations, enhancing our brand’s identity and purpose.”
Unlike many entrepreneurs who focus solely on business expansion, he firmly believes in giving back. His philosophy is simple: businesses should contribute to the communities that support them. “My commitment to social responsibility is driven by a deep belief that businesses must give back,” he explains. “While business growth is essential, it is equally important to address societal issues and contribute to the well-being of our community. Whether it’s through community fitness programs, educational workshops, or charitable activities, we ensure that our growth positively impacts those around us. This holistic approach enhances our brand and fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment within our team.”
One of IGYM’s most impactful initiatives is its commitment to empowering young girls through self-defence training. “We wanted to give something back to society and the inspiration to adopt an orphanage and teach self-defence to girls initially came from Zabi. We quickly echoed this sentiment and showed a strong desire to empower the most vulnerable members of our society.”
IGYM’s dedication to this cause is not just symbolic—it is backed by expertise. “We are proud to be the most premium gym in India, with membership fees of almost Rs 3 lakh annually. Our training plans are unparalleled, led by Branko Teodorovic, Mr. Universe 2023 and a six-time world champion in bodybuilding. We brought Branko from New York, where he trained Hollywood stars, socialites and HNIs,” he shares.
For Vamshi, the goal is to create lasting change. “I believe that every child deserves a safe and supportive environment and self-defence training is a crucial skill that can enhance their confidence and security. By taking this step, we aim to create a lasting impact on their lives, giving them the tools they need to protect themselves and pursue their dreams fearlessly. Our goal is to instill a sense of empowerment and resilience in these young individuals, fostering a brighter and more secure future for them.”
Another significant initiative by IGYM is the upcoming Eco Run, a 5K run designed not just for fitness enthusiasts but for those passionate about environmental conservation. “The Eco Run is designed to be a vibrant and engaging event that promotes fitness and raises awareness about environmental conservation. To make it engaging, we have incorporated various activities such as eco-friendly challenges, educational booths, and fun runs for all age groups. Participants will also receive eco-friendly merchandise as a reminder of the importance of sustainability.”
The impact of the Eco Run goes beyond the event itself. “We aim to create a lasting impact by encouraging participants to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. By combining fitness with environmental advocacy, we hope to inspire a broader movement towards cleaner and greener communities.”
When asked what message he hopes to spread through IGYM’s social initiatives, Vamshi is clear: “If I could rally the community around one key message, it would be: ‘Empowerment through Wellness.’ At IGYM, we believe that true wellness encompasses physical fitness, mental health, and social responsibility. By fostering a culture of empowerment through our social initiatives, we aim to inspire individuals to take charge of their health, support one another, and contribute positively to their communities. Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient society.”
With IGYM at the forefront of both fitness and social change, Vamshi’s vision is proving that a gym can be more than just a place to work out—it can be a force for empowerment, awareness, and lasting impact.
