Leaders’ Desk

From Leaders’ Desk on World No Tobacco Day “India continues to face a major public health challenge with nearly 29% of adults consuming tobacco in some form, according to GATS. Beyond individual health risks, tobacco-related illnesses place a growing burden on families and the healthcare system. World No Tobacco Day is a reminder that awareness and behavioural change must go hand in hand. At ICCPL Foundation, we believe workplaces, institutions, and communities all have a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles through awareness initiatives, wellness programs, and youth engagement. A tobacco-free future requires collective responsibility and sustained public awareness.” Ms. Ambika Saxena CEO, ICCPL Foundation “Smoking affects much more than just your lungs; it could very well have an impact

CSR Times – From the Leaders’ Desk brings together a compelling collection of voices, insights, and perspectives from leaders driving change. Marking Earth Day, this edition amplifies voices, that unite communities, ignite dialogue, and encourage conscious action, because building a resilient and sustainable world requires participation, persistence, and purpose from all of us. “A healthy planet and thriving communities go hand in hand. Yet access to clean energy, safe water, and fertile land remains uneven, especially across rural India. Efforts to bridge this gap must focus on strengthening natural resource management through initiatives such as expanding clean energy access, building water conservation systems, promoting afforestation, and encouraging sustainable farming practices. Innovative solutions and community-led awareness programmes play a critical role

CSR Times presents From the Leaders’ Desk: a series that brings together inspiring collection of perspectives and insights from leaders! Marking World Health Day, this edition amplifies voices, fostering meaningful dialogue on building a healthier, more resilient India, where well-being is not a privilege, but a universal right within everyone’s reach. “Health and wellbeing of employees remain central to building resilient, future-ready organisations. At Myntra, we place employee wellbeing at the core of our people philosophy. Through MynShield, our flexible and comprehensive insurance, we offer inclusive, end-to-end coverage spanning physical, mental and preventive care, alongside support across diverse life stages. This is complemented by thoughtfully designed workspaces, from fitness-led interventions like pickleball court to mindfulness spaces such as Dhyaan Kaksha,

World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. This year’s theme: “Water and Gender” explores how gender equality and safe water access are interlinked, and how empowering women and girls in water management can benefit everyone in society. “Water is the first currency of civilisation. It underpins health, dignity, industry, and ecological balance, sitting at the heart of sustainable development. On World Water Day, the message is clear: the future will favour societies that treat water not as an expendable utility, but as a strategic national asset. At WAE,

CSR Times presents From the Leaders’ Desk: a series that brings together inspiring collection of perspectives and insights from leaders! Marking International Women’s Day, this edition reflects on the progress we have made so far in shaping the future of inclusion and empowerment. As we celebrate the strength and achievements of women, we also look ahead to the collective actions needed still pertinent to build a more equitable society for women. “Building a truly inclusive and sustainable society requires recognising that progress does not happen in isolation, it unfolds within interconnected systems shaped by culture, policies, behaviours and access to opportunity. Over the years, I have learned that meaningful inclusion begins with listening deeply and creating environments where diverse perspectives

For the social sector, the Union Budget 2026 opens new avenues for stronger public–private collaboration, outcome-based CSR investments, and scalable community interventions. The emphasis on technology integration and capacity building further empowers NGOs, PSUs, and corporates to align initiatives with national development priorities, ensuring measurable impact and accelerated progress toward an inclusive and resilient Viksit Bharat. CSR Times brings together insights from corporates, NGOs, experts, and thought leaders to showcase how policy intent can translate into purposeful action, driving sustainable impact and strengthening the nation’s collective journey toward Viksit Bharat. The Union Budget 2026 sends a strong signal of continuity and confidence for India’s industrial and energy future. The emphasis on logistics efficiency, policy stability, and technology-led reforms will materially

Advancing Human Rights overarching theme of our year end edition of CSR Times calling on businesses and organizations to reaffirm their commitment to dignity, equity, and inclusion by embedding human rights principles into their operations and value chains. From fair labour practices and workplace safety to gender equality, accessibility, and community empowerment, CSR initiatives can play a transformative role in protecting fundamental rights and fostering social justice. CSR Times brings together insights from Corporates, NGOs, experts, and thought leaders to showcase how responsible business conduct can uphold human rights while creating shared value. “At Wagh Bakri, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on society. Through our livelihood initiative for the differently-abled, we aim to create self-employment opportunities that

With festivities around the corner, conversations on India’s art, culture, and heritage regain momentum. Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013: (v.) protection of national heritage, art, and culture including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art; setting up public libraries; promotion and development of traditional art and handicrafts; specifically urges companies to actively contribute to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural legacy through their CSR initiatives. CSR Times brings together insights from leading corporates, experts and thought leaders who have a voice to showcase how responsible business practices and innovative initiatives invested in art and culture are also an investment in the nation’s identity, creativity, and future generations. When corporations preserve heritage, the impact