Blogs

Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh: In the tribal heartland of Kundam block—where poverty and migration once overshadowed daily life—a silent revolution is unfolding. The SBI Foundation’s Gram Saksham Project, implemented in partnership with Lok Kalyan Bhumika Samiti (LKBS), is turning hope into reality by creating sustainable livelihoods and restoring self-reliance among marginalized families. Guided by the vision of Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, the initiative has already transformed five villages in Jabalpur district. Within a short span, the construction of 60 irrigation structures has ended decades of water scarcity, enabling farmers to cultivate with confidence and safeguard their crops against drought. What were once barren lands now yield fertile fields, ensuring both food security and economic stability. To strengthen

India’s CSR journey since 1947 has been rich with experimentation, innovation, and impact. As the nation prepares for its centenary in 2047, the insights from decades of social engagement must now translate into a clear, future-ready plan of action. Below is a structured framework that builds on past learnings and charts a path forward for corporates, policymakers, and civil society. From Charity to Measurable Impact One of the most significant learnings is the need to shift from charity-driven models to measurable impact. CSR initiatives must be designed with clear key performance indicators, such as improvements in literacy rates, health outcomes, or employment generation. Corporates should adopt robust impact assessment tools like Social Return on Investment (SROI) and engage third-party audits

As India commemorates National Sports Day on August 29, in honor of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, the nation reflects not only on its glorious sporting past but also on the transformative potential of sports in shaping its future. From Olympic podiums to grassroots playgrounds, India’s sporting journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and untapped opportunity.  And in this journey, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a powerful ally. Sporting Achievements That Stirred the Nation India’s sporting landscape has evolved dramatically. From Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic gold in javelin to the historic Thomas Cup win in badminton, and the women’s cricket team’s rise to global prominence, individual and team achievements have ignited national pride. The success of paraathletes, wrestlers,

Since India’s independence in 1947, the dream of inclusive education has slowly but steadily reached the tribal belts—regions often tucked away in forests, hills, and remote corners of the country. These communities, rich in culture and tradition, were historically left out of mainstream development. But over the decades, a combination of government schemes, philanthropic efforts, and grassroots initiatives has helped bring the light of education to millions of tribal children. In the early years post-independence, tribal education was largely driven by government-run Ashram schools—residential schools set up in tribal areas to provide basic education. While these schools laid the foundation, challenges like language barriers, lack of trained teachers, and cultural disconnect made learning difficult. Many tribal children dropped out early

Every year on August 7, India celebrates National Handloom Day to honor the legacy of the Swadeshi Movement and the enduring contributions of millions of weavers who form the backbone of one of the country’s oldest and most culturally rich industries. As the world turns toward sustainable and ethical fashion, India’s handloom sector stands tall—not just as a symbol of heritage, but as a beacon of inclusive growth. In this context, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerges as a powerful tool to uplift handloom clusters, empower rural artisans, and project India’s cultural identity globally. A Tapestry of Tradition: Handloom Marvels Across India India’s handloom landscape is a mosaic of regional brilliance. Each state offers a distinct weaving tradition, reflecting its history,

In an increasingly interconnected world, Indian businesses are no longer operating in isolation. From sustainability to innovation, global best practices offer a rich repository of strategies that Indian enterprises can adapt to enhance competitiveness, social impact, and long-term resilience. This analysis explores key lessons drawn from international models that can inform and elevate India’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) landscape. Embracing Global Standards for Product and Process Excellence One of the most significant lessons comes from the widespread adoption of international standards such as ISO and GS1. These frameworks ensure consistency in quality, safety, and traceability across borders. For Indian manufacturers and exporters, aligning with such standards not only facilitates smoother market entry but also builds consumer trust. For instance, product

July 2025 witnessed a vibrant convergence of global minds committed to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development. Three major international events—the Sustainable Development Conference (SDC2025) in Bangkok, the PEOPLE 2025 International Conference in Canada, and the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF2025) in Jamaica—offered powerful insights and collaborative opportunities for CSR stakeholders worldwide. Here’s a detailed report for CSR TIMES readers. Sustainable Development Conference (SDC2025) Location: Bangkok, Thailand Dates: July 11–13, 2025 Organizer: Tomorrow People Organization SDC2025 brought together over 100 delegates from 40+ countries to explore actionable strategies for global sustainability. The conference emphasized multidisciplinary collaboration, with sessions covering: Climate change and renewable energy Waste management and circular economy Sustainable economic development Grassroots innovation and community engagement A standout initiative was the

The Union Cabinet has officially approved the National Sports Policy 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global sporting powerhouse. This new policy replaces the earlier framework from 2001 and introduces a fresh, inclusive, and forward-looking roadmap that integrates sports with national development, economic growth, and social transformation. At its core, the policy is built on five key pillars: Excellence on the Global Stage, Sports for Economic Development, Sports for Social Development, Sports as a People’s Movement, and Integration with Education. Together, these pillars aim to reshape India’s sporting ecosystem from the grassroots to elite levels. Excellence on the Global Stage The policy emphasizes early identification and nurturing of talent, especially in rural and tribal areas.

India has made a big promise to the planet: to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. That means by then, we’ll balance the amount of greenhouse gases we release with the amount we remove from the atmosphere. It’s like trying to eat as many samosas as you burn off at the gym—tricky, but not impossible! Why 2070? Some countries like the U.S. and the U.K. have set net-zero targets for 2050. India, being a developing country with over 1.4 billion people and a growing economy, needs more time. We’re still building roads, homes, and industries—and we need energy to do that. So, 2070 gives us a fair shot to grow and go green at the same time. The Five Big

Plastic is the paradox of our time. Invented for convenience, hailed for versatility, and now condemned for its permanence—it has gone from miracle material to environmental menace in just a few decades. Oceans choke with plastic waste, marine animals perish from ingestion, and microplastics have now entered our food chain, our water, and even our bloodstreams. The image of a plastic bottle drifting in the sea has become the universal symbol of pollution. The dangers are undeniable. India alone generates over 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and a significant portion of it ends up unmanaged. Plastic bags clog drainage systems, PET bottles float endlessly in rivers, and landfills grow like synthetic mountains. Its resistance to degradation, once considered