CSR Times – From the Leaders’ Desk brings together a compelling collection of voices, insights, and perspectives from leaders driving change. Marking Earth Day, this edition amplifies voices, that unite communities, ignite dialogue, and encourage conscious action, because building a resilient and sustainable world requires participation, persistence, and purpose from all of us.
"A healthy planet and thriving communities go hand in hand. Yet access to clean energy, safe water, and fertile land remains uneven, especially across rural India. Efforts to bridge this gap must focus on strengthening natural resource management through initiatives such as expanding clean energy access, building water conservation systems, promoting afforestation, and encouraging sustainable farming practices. Innovative solutions and community-led awareness programmes play a critical role in improving resilience and ensuring long-term impact. Our insights show that when communities have access to clean energy, water, and healthy soil, they are better equipped to adapt to climate challenges and build sustainable livelihoods. By strengthening local ecosystems and empowering communities, we can move towards a more climate-resilient and equitable future.”
Ms. Nusrat Pathan
Head- CSR, HDFC Bank
“At McDonald’s, sustainability is embedded in how we source, serve, and operate. Our restaurants are plastic-free, with FSC-certified packaging, wooden cutlery, and paper straws. We source Rainforest Alliance Certified™ coffee, use certified edible oil, and follow responsible sourcing practices. Through FSSAI’s RUCO initiative, used cooking oil is converted into biodiesel. We have also invested in a 3.2 MW solar power plant powering multiple restaurants. By working with farmers on regenerative practices, we aim to reduce environmental impact while delivering safe, high-quality food.”
Mr. Rajeev Ranjan
Managing Director, McDonald’s India - North and East
“At Acer India, sustainability has long been a core part of how we innovate and operate. As we mark Earth Day, it is a reminder that technology must not only advance lives but also protect the planet we share. This year’s theme reinforces the need for collective, responsible action, something we deeply believe in. From designing more energy-efficient products to embracing sustainable practices across our value chain, our focus remains on creating meaningful impact. Sustainability is not a one-time commitment; it is a continuous journey that requires intent, accountability, and collaboration. As an industry, we have the opportunity and responsibility to lead this change. At Acer, we remain committed to building a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Mr. Sooraj Balakrishnan
Associated Director & Head of Marketing, Acer India
"Environmental stewardship delivers impact when it is embedded within communities and designed to scale while enabling individuals, communities, and local ecosystems to drive meaningful action.In alignment with national priorities such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, Coca-Cola has been strengthening water stewardship and advancing waste management through locally anchored interventions. Through Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, we support community-led efforts including rainwater harvesting, watershed development, and the restoration of traditional water bodies to improve water security. Working closely with our local partners, we are implementing our flagship waste management initiative, Maidaan Saaf, that encourages waste management during high-footfall events. In parallel, we engage with farming communities to advance climate-responsive horticulture practices that improve farm productivity through effective utilisation of resources."
Ms. Saloni Goel
Senior Director, ESG Value Creation and Commercialization, Coca-Cola India
“On this Earth Day, we are reminded that sustainability is a shared responsibility. At Global Knowledge Campus, we regularly conduct awareness campaigns to promote cleanliness and environmental responsibility, especially at the grassroots level where more awareness is needed. As a Tier 2 institution, we remain committed to engaging with the wider community. We also acknowledge the role of new technologies in supporting better environmental practices. Real change comes from collective effort and simple actions taken every day."
Mr. Subhankar Das
Executive Chairman, Global Knowledge Campus
“Building a truly sustainable future isn’t about big statements -it’s about consistent, responsible action on the ground. At Vihaan Clean & Green Tech Pvt. Ltd., sustainability is built into everyday operations. Our integrated CETP and ZLD systems ensure that water is treated, reused, and conserved efficiently. Our common steam boiler system, powered by biomass, helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels while optimising energy use. Beyond operations, our ecosystem strengthens environmental accountability. Go Green Mechanisms operates as a testing laboratory, while Eonair Technologies functions as a calibration laboratory—together ensuring accuracy, compliance, and reliability in environmental monitoring. On this World Earth Day, we believe real impact comes when industries, institutions, and communities move together -not just in intent, but in execution."
Mr. Amit Badlani
Managing Director, Vihaan Clean & Green Tech Pvt. Ltd, and Go Green Mechanisms Pvt. Ltd.
“Earth Day is a reminder that sustainability can no longer be an intent; it must be action. For the construction sector, this means prioritising materials and practices that deliver durability, efficiency, and long-term environmental value. At Walplast, we are driving this shift through performance-led solutions and responsible manufacturing that reduce rework, optimise resource use, and improve lifecycle outcomes. Our focus is on doing more with less, minimising waste while strengthening efficiency. Real progress will come from collective accountability across industry and communities. At Walplast, sustainability is embedded in how we build, innovate, and deliver, creating a more efficient and resilient built environment.”
Mr. Kaushal Mehta
Managing Director, Walplast Products Pvt Ltd.
"At Hettich, ESG principles are embedded in our people and operations strategy. For us, caring for the environment and sustainability are not just buzzwords, but a responsibility we take seriously. From zero‑discharge factory goals to ethical supply chains and carbon‑reduction initiatives, we are advancing toward carbon neutrality. With solar power and rainwater harvesting already in place at our newly launched Indore Plant, we will continue expanding environmentally‑friendly practices across all Hettich India offices and factories."
Mr. Andre Eckholt
Managing Director – Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa
“Building a sustainable and resilient future requires a shift from intent to consistent action, both at an individual and institutional level. At 750AD Healthcare, we are mindful of integrating responsible practices across sourcing, manufacturing, and community initiatives, with a focus on reducing environmental impact while improving access to healthcare. Sustainability is not a standalone effort; it requires collective participation. By fostering awareness, encouraging conscious consumption, and supporting community-led initiatives, institutions and individuals can work together to strengthen environmental responsibility and ensure long-term ecological balance for future generations.”
Mr. Mithun Majumdar
CEO, 750AD Healthcare Pvt Ltd.
”Earth Day began in 1970 when 20 million people in the United States—around 10% of the country's population then—took to the streets in a coordinated grassroots movement, turning environmental concern into a national priority. Each year, we honour this extraordinary demonstration of the power of individual actions converging at scale—a reminder that systemic change begins with action at the most local level. The energy shocks caused by conflict in the Middle East underscore the urgency for India to accelerate progress at the nexus of energy, water, and food by focusing on the smallest unit of change: households. We must empower both rural and urban homes with affordable, user-friendly solutions for clean cooking, water, electrification, and livelihoods—drawing on a diverse energy mix including modern bioenergy, cleaner grid electricity, and distributed renewable energy.”
Mr. Ankit Mathur
Co-Founder & CEO, Greenway Grameen
"Building a sustainable and resilient future requires moving beyond intent to everyday execution where efficiency, longevity, and responsible consumption are built into products and systems from the ground up. At Optimist, our approach to climate action is rooted in creating high-efficiency cooling solutions designed for India’s extreme conditions, reducing energy consumption while maintaining performance. We are equally focused on minimizing waste across manufacturing and encouraging smarter usage through technology-led insights. However, real impact is collective. Institutions must enable innovation through policy and infrastructure, while communities play a critical role in adopting conscious habits. When awareness translates into consistent action, sustainability becomes not just a goal, but a shared way of operating.”
Mr. Ashish Goel
Co-founder & CEO, Optimist
"Sustainable development is achievable through collaboration and shared responsibility. It is the objective of Soham Renewables to encourage sustainable energy sources to meet the evolving energy demands and thus ensure a sustainable future. We work towards ensuring that a shift to renewable energy is possible through our investments in infrastructure and technology that would ensure sustainability of energy in the years ahead. It does not take much to leave a smaller environmental impact. 'Earth Day is a reminder that each one of us should act as a responsible citizen to ensure that we protect the earth and create a sustainable environment for future generations."
Mr. Sanjith Shetty
Chairman & Managing Director, Soham Infrastructure Private Limited
“Building a more sustainable and resilient future is shaped by the decisions organisations make every day, across how resources are used, waste is managed, and energy is sourced. These choices increasingly influence cost efficiency, operational resilience, and long-term value. At Virtusa, this approach is guided by our 3Es, Education, Environment, and Empowerment, embedding sustainability into our operations through stronger energy efficiency and responsible resource practices. Meaningful progress will come from collective action, where institutions and communities translate awareness into consistent, measurable outcomes that deliver impact at scale.”
Mr. Amit Bajoria
Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa Corporation
“Our power really lies in the small choices we make every day. At Embassy, through our EcoGram initiative, we’ve seen that sustainability only starts to work when it moves from intention into habit. With a model Gram Panchayat approach and decentralized waste management, collective accountability becomes the foundation for progress. As businesses, Governments and community come together, sustainability evolves from a goal into a shared way of living.”
Ms. Shania Ganapathy
Head of Community Outreach Initiatives, Embassy Group
"At ICCPL Foundation, we believe that building a sustainable future begins with consistent, ground-level action and collective intent. Our environmental efforts, including plantation drives where we planted over 100 saplings, are small but meaningful steps toward restoring ecological balance. The larger takeaway is that sustainability cannot be driven in silos; institutions, communities, and individuals must move together. When awareness turns into participation, it creates a culture of responsibility, which is essential for shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious future."
Ms. Ambika Saxena
CEO, ICCPL Foundation
“Our approach to sustainability is rooted in integrating environmental responsibility into everyday operations. From converting nearly 60,000 kg of waste into manure daily under our ‘Zero Waste’ philosophy to investing in solar energy, water conservation, and advanced sewage treatment systems, each initiative is aimed at reducing our ecological footprint. The larger takeaway is that sustainability must be continuous and collective. When institutions adopt responsible practices and communities actively participate, it evolves from intent into a shared, everyday way of living.”
Ms. Manju Gaur
Director, Gaurs Group
“Building a sustainable future requires embedding environmental responsibility into everyday living. In NCR, where external pollution is a constant challenge, Nimbus focuses on improving indoor air quality through advanced filtration and fresh air systems that actively treat incoming air, helping reduce indoor pollution levels by up to 50 AQI points. This reflects a broader shift toward engineering sustainability into infrastructure. Going forward, stronger collaboration between developers, policymakers, and communities will be key to creating environments that truly support long-term well-being.”
Mr. Sahil Agarwal
CEO, Nimbus Group
"On this Earth Day, we reaffirm that building a sustainable and resilient future requires collective responsibility and conscious action. At HDBFS, we are committed to integrating environmental stewardship into our operations through initiatives focused on water conservation, green infrastructure, and community-led climate action. Our lake restoration projects and afforestation drives reflect our belief in restoring natural ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods. As institutions and communities, we must collaborate to drive awareness, adopt sustainable practices, and safeguard our biodiversity. Together, small, consistent efforts can create a lasting impact for generations to come."
Ms. Krupa Tanna
Lead-CSR, HDB Financial Services
"The manufacturing and heavy industries sector must move towards measurable sustainability by driving higher adoption of renewable energy, reducing carbon intensity and embedding transparency into operations. At Hi-Tech Radiators, we are currently leveraging nearly 55% renewable energy and driving a significant reduction in carbon emissions through focused initiatives. Our approach combines cleaner energy adoption, reduced transportation impact and enhanced process automation to improve overall efficiency. We are also strengthening transparency by embedding real-time environmental monitoring into our systems, contributing to a more responsible and resilient industrial ecosystem."
Mr. Kartik Daftari
Managing Director & CEO, Hi-Tech Radiators Pvt. Ltd.
"Building a sustainable and resilient future requires moving beyond intent to measurable action. Organisations today must embed environmental accountability across their value chains, supported by transparent data and independent validation. At Achilles, we have always believed that doing good is good business, and that conviction drives how we work with our global network to strengthen supplier due diligence, enable carbon visibility, and deliver continuous improvement through audit-led insights. Real progress, however, depends on collective responsibility. Institutions, businesses, and communities must collaborate to raise awareness, share best practices, and create systems that prioritise long-term ecological balance alongside economic growth."
Ms. Smitha Shetty
Director – Centralised Global Operations, Achilles Information Limited
"Rail is the most sustainable mass transit mode on the planet. But the real opportunity lies in the design choices we make today — across every stage of a train’s lifecycle — because those decisions will shape our carbon footprint for the next 50 years. At Alstom, we have cut our operational emissions by 40% ahead of schedule, eco-design 100% of new solutions, and our metros achieve up to 95% recyclability. For institutions, every procurement and infrastructure decision is a carbon decision. For individuals, every choice matters — how we move, how we power our homes, what we consume. Small shifts, multiplied by billions, change the trajectory. Every lower-carbon choice today is a gift to the planet of 2065."
Ms. Sapna Bhawnani
Sustainability & CSR Lead, Alstom India
“Earth Day brings a sense of responsibility that goes well beyond intent. At REHAU, we have reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 58 percent since 2018 and such has been the impact – that today, around 68 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources. Around 18 percent of our material use now comes from recycled inputs alongside more than 20,000 tonnes of waste being brought back into the loop each year. At our Vadodara facility in India, more than 21 million litres of water are recycled annually.”
Mr. Tushar Verma
Executive Vice President, REHAU India and Subcon
“Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is an engineering imperative. While today’s homebuyers seek healthier living, we must look further toward long-term climate resilience. At K Raheja Corp, we integrate energy-efficient design and net-zero goals into the very DNA of our portfolios, ensuring our assets achieve LEED/IGBC benchmarks via renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and enhanced urban biodiversity. However, building a sustainable future is a collective journey. It requires institutions and communities to unite in championing environmental responsibility.”
Mr. Raman Sapru
Director, Design and Engineering, K Raheja Corp
"Building a sustainable future means recognising that climate action and poverty alleviation must be addressed together, through nature-based value chains that are ecologically sound, financially viable, and socially equitable. At Industree Foundation, we root this belief in practice by enabling women from marginalised communities to lead and own rural enterprises. We are proud to hold India's first Forest Stewardship Council Certification for sustainably cultivated bamboo plantations. We are currently partnering with State Rural Livelihoods Missions toward empowering one million women farmers. While progress is visible, achieving long-term ecological balance will require stronger shared responsibility across institutions, markets, and communities acting in unison."
Mr. Neju George Abraham
CEO, Industree Foundation
"Building a sustainable and resilient future requires moving beyond intent to measurable action. At Nippo, we are focused on integrating sustainability across our operations, from cleaner manufacturing practices and energy efficiency to initiatives around battery collections and recycling and responsible material usage. As a responsible industry player, Nippo is working on sustainable circular economy. However, long-term impact can be achieved through collective effort. Stronger collaboration between industry, policymakers, and communities is essential to drive awareness, improve infrastructure, and enable responsible consumption. As we look ahead, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and embedding circular practices into everyday systems will be key to creating a balanced and future-ready ecosystem."
Mr. Pavan Kumar BVS
CEO, Indo National Ltd. Indo National Ltd. (Nippo)
“Energy efficiency is not optional; it is non-negotiable for India’s growth story. The cost of inaction is evident in rising consumer bills, stressed power systems, higher emissions, and productivity losses that strain people, the environment, and the economy alike. Efficiency is not restrictive; it is about doing more with what we have, unlocking value, improving comfort, and strengthening resilience. When citizens, markets, and policy move together, efficiency becomes a driver of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth, not a constraint.”
Dr. Satish Kumar
President and Executive Director, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE)
"Project Kritya, our CSR initiative, is rooted in purposeful action and a simple belief that progress is meaningful only when shared. In Surajpur, Greater Noida, where our workforce resides, we've built our work across Shiksha (Education), Swasthya (Health), and Samridhi (Livelihood) by listening closely to community needs. We've learned that small, consistent efforts build trust. Beyond infrastructure libraries, basketball courts, we focus on lasting habits through sustained engagement. Whether nurturing reading among children or promoting hygiene and water conservation, it's about growing together. For us, CSR isn't charity; it's a shared journey toward a more aware, responsible way of living."
Ms. Shiwangi Sinhal
Director and Leader of CSR, Kimbal Private Limited
“Environmental health is the foundation of equitable and inclusive societies built", Establishing this is a collective responsibility that requires long-term commitment and a shift from awareness to accountability. Bisleri’s Greener Promise drives a sustainable future through key initiatives like Project NAYI Umeed and Bottles for Change. Project NAYI Umeed has enabled harvesting over 31.4 billion liters of rainwater, strengthening irrigation, supporting 14,680+ farmers, and enhancing rural resilience. Bottles for Change promotes responsible plastic waste management through community engagement, behavior change, and partnerships with institutions and municipal bodies. The initiative has facilitated the collection and recycling of over 30,309 metric tons of plastic, advancing circular economy goals. By collaborating with communities, government, and stakeholders, Bisleri not only raises awareness but also enables the adoption of environmentally responsible practices.
Mr. K Ganesh
Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International
“On Earth Day, at Colgate-Palmolive, we are reminded that building a sustainable future starts with the communities we are a part of. Our work in water augmentation and community-led waste management goes beyond infrastructure to restoring ecosystems, enabling circular practices, and creating green livelihoods at the grassroots. By driving behaviour change and embedding habits like waste segregation and responsible resource use, we are seeing communities take greater ownership of their environment. When this ownership takes root, impact becomes more enduring and self-sustaining. We believe real progress happens when institutions, partners, and communities come together, turning shared intent into meaningful action that supports long-term ecological balance.”
Ms. Shilpashree Muniswamappa
Director - ESG & Communications, Colgate-Palmolive India
"At Blue Dart, sustainability is built into how we operate, not as a programme, but as a responsibility. Over the years, we've planted over a million trees with the potential to offset 2 crore kilograms of carbon annually, created 11.18 crore litres of water potential through watershed work, and built programmes that touch lives across education, healthcare, livelihoods, and skilling in communities that often get left behind. But beyond the numbers, what matters most is the shift in mindset, when communities begin owning environmental responsibility, that's when real change takes root. Climate action requires sustained, collective commitment from institutions and people alike, and that's something we take seriously every single day."
Mr. Nitin Varkey
Chief of Staff, Blue Dart
"Building a sustainable future requires aligning what we create with how we create it. As a fresh Ayurveda brand backed by science, our focus has always been on formulations that are close to nature, but equally on ensuring that this philosophy reflects across our entire ecosystem. Over the past year, we have actively reduced our plastic footprint by introducing recycled materials and replacing over 35 tonnes of plastic with paper-based packaging, while continuing to follow low-impact, small-batch production practices. True sustainability is not just product-led, it is system-led, driven by conscious choices at every stage and strengthened through collective responsibility."
Ms. Swagatika Das
CEO & Co-founder, Nat Habit