Experts’ Corner

Dr. Sara Varughese Managing Trustee, CBM India Despite immense changes in attitudes to disability we are still far away from full inclusion. There are certain paradoxes we see in disability inclusion programs currently. Laws are based on rights but programs are often still based on charity: Persons with disability have previously been regarded as a burden, a curse, or at best, as people needing help or assistance. While various public and nongovernmental programs exist, very often these are based on a charity model. There are camps for ‘distribution of aids and appliances’ without thought as to whether these are appropriate, and can be used in the environment the person lives in. The pension schemes offer a meagre subsistence. Yet persons

Mr. Agnelorajesh Athaide Chairman of Global St. Angelo’s Group of Companies IntroductionA social entrepreneur possesses the unique ability to integrate noble principles into their business, aiming to make a positive impact on society. Unlike traditional entrepreneurs, who primarily seek profit, social entrepreneurs prioritize making a meaningful difference. The historical example of Florence Nightingale, who founded the first nursing school in 1860, highlights this transformative approach, positioning her as a pioneer in nursing and a true social entrepreneur. Distinguishing CharacteristicsSuccessful social entrepreneurs distinguish themselves through a commitment to ethical practices, such as impact investing, conscious consumerism, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Their numbers are on the rise, contributing significantly to both social and economic development. Positive Impacts of Social EntrepreneurshipAddressing Youth

Dr. Ashish Biswas Assistant Professor, MBA, NMIMS Hyderabad IntroductionA non-profit organization is a group that works for the betterment of society and whose core objective is different from earning money and profits. In recent years, the non-profit sector in India has witnessed an extraordinary surge in growth and development. Initially numbering 1.2 million, there are now 2 million nonprofit organizations, predominantly run by 19.2 million volunteers.  These organizations, driven by a profound commitment to societal welfare rather than profit, address a myriad of challenges ranging from the eradication of poverty and ensuring universal education to healthcare and employment. The core factor in the success of non-profit organizations is that they do not share their surplus earnings with their shareholders like

C. Sridhar Director of AquaKraft Suffering and pathos garnished with a rural setting like women carrying water pots on their heads and hundreds of coloured water pots waiting to be quenched by a rusty tap – these are typical storytellers’ delight in the Indian context on water woes. However, if one comes out of this type-cast story and works towards eradicating these miseries then she/he would be termed a crusader, part of an NGO or at best an odd self-less volunteer working for the betterment of society. These were stories and beliefs of the past. Yes, in reality, today water is beyond advocacy and just lip service. It’s a movement in sustainability. Companies, governments, and even individuals are investing in

Dr. G P Bhagat Founder of SHEOWS In the landscape of modern Indian society, the concept of old-age homes is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally, India prided itself on a reciprocal familial commitment system where ageing parents lived with their adult children, emphasizing the joint family structure. Elders were revered as equivalents of gods, and the cultural ethos of filial piety was deeply embedded in society. However, the fast-changing dynamics marked by modernization, urbanization, increased life expectancy, higher literacy rates, and the migration of younger generations are contributing to a paradigm shift. Old-age homes, once considered a nascent concept in India, are gaining prominence. This shift is not merely a reflection of societal evolution but is influenced by factors such

Vivek Datta MD-CEO, Globe Toyota,A JCBL Group Company At the JCBL Group, our diversified interests are deeply rooted in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. It is this very diversity that forms the cornerstone of Globe Toyota’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, and our overarching pledge to excellence and innovation. In a broader context, this commitment extends across all of our esteemed Toyota dealerships in India, where we steadfastly uphold our core values of excellence, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, thereby shaping the ethos of our entire organization. Our Commitment to CSR and ESG InitiativesThe ESG certification of our Ludhiana dealership serves as a resounding testament to our steadfast commitment to CSR and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.

Neha Juneja Co-Founder and CEO, IndiaP2P India, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has also been witnessing a significant transformation in its economic landscape, especially with the development of its Digital Public Infrastructure or DPI that combines powerful layers of identity, payments and data sharing.  This DPI and innovative platforms built on top of it such as  IndiaP2P, a  peer-to-peer (P2P) lender, have emerged as game-changers in the financial sector, bridging the gap between borrowers and lenders. IndiaP2P has emerged not only as a catalyst for economic growth but also as a powerful force in empowering women, particularly in smaller towns and villages, where financial independence often remains distant and difficult. IndiaP2P, like many other

Mr. Sunil Sehgal Country HR and Safety Leader, DANA India Dana’s presence in India dates to the 1960s and through its facilities and affiliates, today manufactures an entire product portfolio, including axles, drive-shafts, motors, inverters, sealing, and thermal technologies for the automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle markets. There are more than 7,000 employees across 18 plants currently working for Dana in India, including a new 6,600 square-meter facility in Pune to support the company’s electrified offerings. DANA’s mission is to create self-reliant villages and transform communities through various initiatives such as education, vocational training, health, rural upliftment, technology, sustainability, and disaster management. Their vision is to be a catalyst for positive change in these areas. To support good citizenship in