Blogs

In ancient times, India or Bharat’s affluence as Golden Bird, was not merely a reflection of its material wealth but also of its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, which championed the values of generosity and compassion. A Flourishing Epicentre of Trade India’s economic prowess in the 1700s can be attributed to its diverse and advanced industries. The wealth generated from trade was not confined to the elite but permeated various strata of society, fostering an environment where knowledge, culture, and the arts flourished. A Tradition of Generosity Despite its material wealth, Bharat’s legacy lies in its tradition of generosity and social responsibility, deeply rooted in its spiritual and religious teachings. India’s major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and later, Sikhism and Islam—all

Srinivasan Services Trust (SST), the social services arm of TVS Motor Company and Sundaram-Clayton Limited, started working in villages in the mid-1990s. A precursor to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Starting with a model of philanthropy, it matured into a model centred on community participation in all its projects. Swaran Singh, IAS (retired) CEO SST, explains this to M. Rajendran, Consulting Editor of CSR Times, ideas, projects, and plans of Srinivasan Services Trust in 2,500 villages in the country and the way they operate through a holistic and participatory approach to village development, working closely with the community and the government. What was the thinking SST behind a focused community service model? Development is a continuous process, and the community’s needs

The DPSP is a critical catalyst for implementing CSR activities. The Constitution framers ensured they were incorporated in the most important document of India as a guiding light for effective, equitable governance. Undoubtedly, they remain the guiding principles of any government responsible for governing the country. – M.Rajendran The Indian Constitution categorically states that Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable. However, the idea and the thought behind it are ‘fundamental in the governance of the country’, and the state must apply these principles in making laws. These lay down that the state shall strive to promote the welfare of people by securing and protecting, as effectively as it may, a social order in which justice-social, economic and political shall

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