New Delhi, August 22, 2023: In its unyielding pursuit of recognizing and celebrating commendable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, CSR Times recently concluded its 10th National CSR Times Summit and Awards for 2023. This annual event serves as a platform to commend and encourage PSUs, corporations, MSMEs, startups, foundations, NGOs, municipalities, village panchayats, and consulting organizations that have made significant contributions towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their successful projects.
The 10th edition of the CSR Times Summit and Awards took place on August 21st at Le Meridien Hotel in association with the Indian Achievers’ Forum. This grand event gathered numerous dignitaries, award winners, and over 300 delegates under the theme “Role of CSR in Nation Building.” During the summit, a few PSUs, corporations, corporate foundations, NGOs, MSMEs, and startups were felicitated with the CSR Times Award for their commendable work in the field of CSR.
The summit commenced with an inaugural ceremony, followed by insightful speeches from prominent personalities. The Chief Guest, Shri SPS Baghel, Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, offered his congratulations to all the participants and winners, emphasizing the potential of CSR to propel India onto the global stage. The morning session’s guests of honor included H.E. Mr. Dilshod Akhatov, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of India; Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Member of the National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India; and Maj. Gen. Ravindra Singh of the Indian Army.
The first session featured the felicitation of CSR Times award recipients and a panel discussion exploring the theme “Achieving SDGs Through CSR in Developing Economies: Role of G20 Nations.” Esteemed panellists from various sectors shared their insights on CSR’s role in nation-building. The illustrious panelists were Dr Somnath Singh, Dy. Director, United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), Mr K C Sreenath, Development Professional, Ms. Santhi Periasamy, Head-Rythm Foundation, Ms. Kavita Srivastava, Director, Strategic Partnerships, American India Foundation (AIF), Mr. Biplab Chaudhary, Founder & Global CEO, PTS Consulting Services and Mr Neeraj Sethi, Country Director, Baker Hughes. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Shabnam Asthana, Managing Director, CSR Times.
The second session highlighted the Indian Army’s CSR initiatives and their impact through a presentation by Brigadier Vikas Bhardwaj, Brig DAV. This was followed by an address from the Guest of Honor, Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (RS) and Spokesperson, BJP, who emphasized that CSR participation is everyone’s duty, not just that of corporations.
The other distinguished guests who attended the event were Mr. Ratnesh, Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), Air Marshal VPS Rana PVSM, VSM (Retd), Mr. S. Ravi Shankar Executive Committee Member, CSR Times Awards, H.E. Mrs. Daniela Mariana Sezonov-Tane, Ambassador of Romania to India, H.E. Ms. Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda to India, Dr. László Makk, Deputy Head of Mission, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Hungary, and Shri Shaurya Doval, Founding Member, India Foundation. All the guests addressed the summit and motivated the participants to work socially with more zeal and compassion.
During the summit, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ms. Shallu Jindal for her outstanding and enduring contributions to the socio-economic development of marginalized communities through sustainable community development initiatives.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the event featured video presentations from award-winning organizations, including Rythm Foundation, Radico Khaitan Ltd, PTS Consulting Services Pvt Ltd, Nutriley Healthcare, and Unirac Solar India. A few exemplary achievements of MSMEs and individuals were also felicitated with the Indian Achievers’ Award for their recognition-worthy contribution. These individuals and organizations have shown the spirit of indomitable efforts towards nation-building.
Mr. Harish Chandra, Editor of CSR Times, congratulated all the winners and participants and thanked the event’s partners for its resounding success. The event was sponsored by Tata Sons Pvt Limited, Jindal Steel & Power Limited, BSE Limited, Rythm Foundation, Radico Khaitan Limited, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited, Union Bank of India, and PTS Consulting.
The summit concluded with a vote of thanks, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to continue their collective efforts for the betterment of the nation.