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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has undergone remarkable changes over the years from merely dispensing cash through charity to organisations or NGOs engaged in social work to integrating CSR as a strategic business management concept.  We have seen the business sector generating wealth and value for the shareholders in the last 70 years, but simultaneously we also have the problems of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, malnutrition etc. facing the nation. The corporate growth is sometimes seen as widening the gap between ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’ through its income-skewing capability. This gap needs to be bridged. While the Government undertakes extensive developmental initiatives through a series of sectoral programmes, the business sector also needs to take the responsibility of exhibiting socially responsible business practices

India, a land of contrasts, grapples with immense potential and pressing challenges. Waste management becomes a critical concern as our cities swell and our population burgeons. The convergence of AI and the Circular Economy in India presents a unique opportunity to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth. Embracing this synergy can pave the way for a future where prosperity is not at odds with sustainability but rather intricately intertwined, leading to a more resilient and thriving society. The traditional linear consumption model has led to resource depletion and environmental degradation. However, the Circular Economy paradigm offers a viable alternative, emphasising waste reduction, material reuse, and ecosystem regeneration. AI emerges as a silent force driving this transition, with its

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guidelines define its philosophy wherein organizations serve the interest of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment in all aspects of their operations. Under these guidelines, the long-term CSR Plan is to match with the long-term Business Plan of the Organization. The activities under CSR are to be selected in such a manner that the benefits reach the smallest unit, i.e., village, panchayat, block or district, depending upon the operations and resource capability of the company. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not a charity but a duty & responsibility towards society inspired by the highest values of seeking to return to society a part of

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), at its Sixth Session held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 26 February – 1 March 2024, adopted on 1 March the resolution on sustainable lifestyles submitted by India. All participating Member States adopted the resolution on promoting sustainable lifestyles. The concept of LiFE, i.e. Lifestyle for Environment, was envisioned by India at the World Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow at COP26 when he called to rekindle a global pursuit to adopt environment-friendly lifestyles and practices. Mission LiFE was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 October 2022, in the presence of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. Mission LiFE aims to follow a three-pronged strategy for changing our collective

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an established part of the global landscape, with companies worldwide abiding by the United Nations Global Compact and many governments starting CSR initiatives. In this has emerged sustainable entrepreneurship. It sets up and manages businesses integrating economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. The whole ecosystem ensures long-term value that benefits current and future generations. Michel Doucin, a French economist and political analyst, has analyzed the concept of corporate social responsibility. He says Corporate social responsibility has been met with widespread enthusiasm for some years. Companies worldwide abide by the United Nations Global Compact launched by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 1999, and today, nearly 6,000 groups of companies are engaged in CSR. In September

In CSR-focused organizations, CSR has truly emerged as the buzzword synonymous with inclusivity. It wouldn’t be amiss to say that this is a megatrend affecting the procurement function right from the 2020s. As organizations are increasingly trying to incorporate social change, CSR initiatives are being uniquely positioned in the corporate decision-making processes and the recruitment process to promote D&I from the inside out. The primary aim of socially responsible organizations is to improve their accountability to their internal and external public. They strive to be more accountable to their employees, their patrons, and stakeholders amongst others. They also create initiatives that impact the society and environment positively and effectively. The CSR initiatives need to be aligned and integrated with the organization’s