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As India marches toward its centenary of independence in 2047, the ambitious vision of “Mission Viksit Bharat” emerges as a blueprint for transforming the nation into a developed, inclusive, and sustainable global power. While the government plays a pivotal role in this journey, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) serves as a critical partner in realizing this mission, aligning corporate endeavors with national goals of equitable development and sustainability. CSR, mandated by Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013, is not merely a compliance measure for businesses in India but an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to societal and environmental progress. With India striving for sustainable growth under initiatives like “Make in India,” “Digital India,” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” CSR can accelerate progress by

The Kumbh Mela dates back thousands of years to ancient Hindu texts. It is profoundly rooted in the mythical account of the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning), during which drips of the nectar of immortality fell in four locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The Mahakumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious and cultural gatherings, is an event that captivates millions of pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual seekers. Held every 12 years, this grand spectacle attracts people from across the globe, offering a platform for faith, culture, and social integration. The Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which will take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh from 13th Jan till 26th Feb 2025, is poised to be a transformative event, not only for the devotees

In 2024, numerous global organizations demonstrated a strong commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through various impactful initiatives. Here are some notable examples: Gucci (Kering Group) Gucci, under the Kering Group, adopted science-based targets to combat biodiversity loss as part of the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). The company focused on protecting land and reducing freshwater usage through actions like water recycling and ecosystem protection. Cisco Cisco secured the top spot on PEOPLE’s 2024 ‘Companies That Care’ list for the second consecutive year. The company invested $130 million in homelessness prevention and implemented inclusion mandates for partners, reflecting its commitment to social justice and community support. United Airlines United Airlines advanced environmental sustainability in aviation with its United Airlines Ventures

The year 2024 witnessed Indian organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), addressing critical socio-economic and environmental challenges. Here is a brief overview of some of the remarkable CSR initiatives undertaken during the year: In 2024, several Indian organizations demonstrated exceptional commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) across various sectors. Here are some notable initiatives: Reliance Industries Limited Reliance Industries advanced its renewable energy projects, aiming to become India’s largest developer in this sector. The company announced plans to produce 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and commenced production of low-cost solar cells at its Jamnagar facility. Apollo Tyres Limited Apollo Tyres invested ₹15.7 crore in CSR initiatives, impacting over 1.23 million people. Their programs focused on

VISION: Our founder Sri. Ammembal Subba Rao Pai said that “A good Bank is not only the financial heart of the Community, but has also an obligation of helping in every manner to improve the economic conditions of the common people” has been the guiding principle for the Bank’s CSR activities. MISSION: We realize that CSR for our Bank is not just compliance, but it is a strategic business initiative to achieve sustainable triple bottom line growth. We understand that well-meaning and well implemented CSR will build corporate reputation and trust. We define our CSR objective as “to create a measurable positive impact on economic, social and environmental success and brand image of our Bank and group, through well designed,

Bhutani Infra: Pioneering Excellence in Real Estate Bhutani Infra, is a prominent real estate developer based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Established in 1996, Bhutani Group is at the forefront of transforming urban townships and actively shaping the future of cities. With a track record of delivering over 20 projects and catering to more than 1 lakh happy customers, Bhutani Group has firmly established itself as a leader in delivering high-quality properties that effectively cater to the evolving needs and aspirations of modern India. Bhutani Group, led by visionary Mr. Ashish Bhutani, is at the forefront of real estate innovation in Delhi NCR, delivering both commercial and residential projects that redefine modern living. Notable developments include Cyberthum, a 50-storey commercial

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has 3696 monuments under protection, which are spread throughout the country. These monuments exhibit India’s rich cultural heritage and play a significant role in fostering economic growth. The Government of India has urged corporate and other stakeholders to come forward and help improve the upkeep and rejuvenation of India’s rich cultural heritage, which aligns with the vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’. Under this programme, ASI invites corporate stakeholders to enhance the amenities at the monuments by utilizing their CSR funds. The programme is a revamped version of the earlier scheme launched in 2017 and clearly defines the amenities sought for different monuments as per the AMASR Act 1958. To sustain the rich artistic

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