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CSR Times NGO Rating – Why NGO rating matters in India’s evolving social impact ecosystem

May 27, 2026

India today has one of the world’s largest and most vibrant social sector ecosystems, with millions of NGOs working across education, healthcare, livelihoods, sustainability, skilling, rural development, women empowerment, climate action, and community resilience. Over the last decade, the sector has witnessed significant growth driven by increasing CSR spending, philanthropic capital, institutional funding, and rising societal expectations around measurable social impact. With annual CSR spending in India crossing several thousand crores and foundations and corporates increasingly adopting strategic and impact-oriented funding approaches, NGOs are no longer viewed merely as charitable organizations. They are now recognized as critical implementation partners and change enablers contributing to nation-building and sustainable development. However, alongside this rapid growth, the sector also faces a major challenge

Invisible Disabilities: The Conversation We Can No Longer Ignore

May 27, 2026

“The deepest struggles are often the ones the world cannot see.Inclusion begins the moment we learn to recognize silent battles with the same urgency as visible ones.” ~ Dr. Gayatri Narasimhan Invisible disabilities exist all around us. They do not come with visible markers. They do not announce themselves. They sit quietly within classrooms, workplaces, and homes, often misunderstood, mislabelled, or completely overlooked. We live in a world that is quick to respond to what it can see, but often silent toward what it cannot. When a person uses a wheelchair, society immediately recognizes the need for accessibility and support. But when a child struggles to process instructions, becomes overwhelmed by noise, avoids eye contact, forgets tasks, or reacts differently

Why CSR Must Embrace Climate Adaptation Strategies

May 27, 2026

“Building Resilient Communities, Businesses, and Economies in a Warming World” Climate change is no longer a future risk—it is a present-day reality affecting economies, businesses, and communities across the globe. Rising temperatures, extreme heatwaves, floods, cyclones, droughts, and water scarcity are increasingly disrupting livelihoods, damaging infrastructure, threatening public health, and impacting economic growth. In this rapidly changing environment, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) must move beyond traditional philanthropy and evolve into a strategic tool for climate adaptation and resilience-building. Globally, climate-related disasters are causing unprecedented financial and social losses. According to international climate and economic assessments, vulnerable populations and developing economies are likely to bear the greatest burden of climate impacts in the coming decades. Businesses are also experiencing growing operational

World No Tobacco Day: Reclaiming Discipline, Health, and Legacy

May 27, 2026

World No Tobacco Day, observed each year on May 31, is often framed as a public health campaign. But for those who shape institutions, influence society, and define standards—leaders, professionals, and decision-makers—it represents something deeper: a question of discipline, clarity of judgment, and long-term legacy. Tobacco is not an indigenous habit. It entered India in the 16th century through colonial trade routes, gradually embedding itself into social behavior across classes. Yet, if we turn to classical Indian knowledge systems such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, we find no endorsement of such substances. These texts, foundational to Ayurveda, emphasize restraint, balance, and conscious living. Health, in this framework, is not merely the absence of disease—it is a state of

Accessible Cities: Dream or Reality?

May 27, 2026

Cities are meant to belong to everyone. They are centers of education, employment, healthcare, culture, and social life. However, for millions of people with disabilities, cities still remain difficult to navigate. Uneven footpaths, inaccessible transport systems, poor signage, and buildings without proper facilities create daily barriers that affect independence and dignity. From the perspective of persons with disabilities, an accessible city is not only about infrastructure—it is about equality, inclusion, and the right to participate fully in society. According to the 2011 Census of India, the country has over 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, around 2.21% of the population. Experts believe the actual number is much higher due to underreporting and lack of awareness. By 2027, India may officially have

The ‘S’ of EHS in Action: Worker Welfare, Safety & Fair Wages

May 27, 2026

Dr Arvind Kumar EHS—Environment, Health and Safety—is very important for businesses to be responsible. In India the “S” or Safety part has become very important with new labour codes. In November 2025, India consolidated 29 archaic labour laws into four simplified, modernized codes: the Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, and Code on Social Security. These new rules are meant to make old laws simpler and better. They focus on worker welfare, safety at work and fair wages for growth. For businesses that care about being socially responsible this is a chance to show they care about workers. Historically, India’s labour laws were spread across about 30 different laws, and were hard to

Responsible Supply Chains: Ethical Sourcing and ESG Integration

April 28, 2026

Photo Credit: Shekhar Ghosh In today’s interconnected world, supply chains are no longer invisible threads quietly stitching together production and consumption. They are under a spotlight—examined, questioned, and increasingly held accountable. The concept of responsible supply chains has emerged not as a trend, but as a necessity. At its core lies a commitment to ethical sourcing and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every stage of operations. Ethical sourcing is the foundation of a responsible supply chain. It demands that companies look beyond cost efficiency and speed, and instead consider the human and environmental impact of their procurement decisions. This means ensuring that raw materials are obtained without exploitation, that workers are paid fair wages, and

IMPACT MEASUREMENT & CSR ROI CHALLENGES

April 28, 2026

Introduction With AI taking centre stage in shaping Corporation cost structures and business models across industries has resulted in companies addressing issues which have a direct impact on their profit margins and the way of doing business. This further behoves on companies to improve their delivery mechanisms through sustained innovative solutions by bringing about a resilient and growth oriented culture, which has a lot to do with quick decision making. This has resulted in fuelling innovation, resilience and growth in all functional areas to include CSR and Sustainability as that will give corporations the necessary competitive advantage. It is therefore axiomatic to mention that corporate leaders have to understand what gives them that advantage and report their outcomes as per

The Fire Must Burn: A Call to Collective CSR Action

April 28, 2026

The evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has been nothing short of transformational. What began as a compliance mandate under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 has today evolved into a dynamic ecosystem driving measurable social impact and aligning closely with national development priorities. As we step into the financial year 2026–27, particularly in the context of “PSU Day,” it is an opportune moment to reflect on where CSR stands today and where it is headed. At this juncture, the timeless words of Dushyant Kumar resonate deeply: “हो गई है पीर पर्वत-सी पिघलनी चाहिए, इस हिमालय से कोई गंगा निकलनी चाहिए।” The pain has piled up like a mountain it must now melt; from this Himalaya, a

Understanding Autism: Embracing Differences with Compassionb

April 28, 2026

Autism is not a limitation; it is a different way of experiencing the world. As awareness grows, it becomes increasingly important for society to move beyond myths and misconceptions and embrace individuals with empathy, respect, and inclusion. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is referred to as a “spectrum” because every individual with autism is unique, with varying strengths and challenges. Some children may have difficulty expressing themselves, while others may show repetitive behaviors or heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, or touch. At the same time, many individuals with autism possess exceptional abilities, deep focus, and remarkable creativity. Every year, the world observes World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April.

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