Experts’ Corner

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

I have been participating in CSR activities in Bengaluru, my home city, for two decades now. Presently, I am engaged with two prominent (NGOs) in India – Bhumi and Team Everest.  I began working with Bhumi to facilitate children’s admissions to schools under India’s Right to Education Act, which mandates free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 to 14 years. This 6-month-long process involves assisting parents in filling out forms, ensuring a seamless admission process, and following up with schools on the children’s educational progress. I was able to successfully secure admissions for more than 25 students in 2021 2022 and 18 in 2020. The impact of our efforts is evident as we can provide children with access to

Hailing from a small-scale farmer background, I consider myself fortunate that I had access to education. Many of our villagers belonged to tribal and marginalized communities and struggled to make ends meet, often unable to send their children to school. My parents were also poor and worked hard for our education and well-being. Thankfully, the situation has changed significantly over the last three decades, but we still have a long way to go. My early exposure to these harsh realities of life helped make community work a homogenous process for me. Since the beginning of my career, I have been making personal contributions to various social causes. I also collaborate with many NGOs, as individual efforts can only achieve so much.