CSR Conclave 2016

CSR is the core activity of any organization. Aligning CSR to business practices is the need of the hour. Without implementing CSR policies, an organization can not expect prosperity in the long run. These were the views of the experts who were expressing their views during “First Indore CSR Conclave” based on the theme ‘Towards Building a Sustainable Society’ hosted Acropolis Faculty of Management & Research, North Campus on 20 February in association with TERI, NEN, Srijan and IEN.

Indore CSR conclave 2016 was organized for the purpose of sensitizing the corporate stakeholders towards their responsibility towards the society. The theme was to deliberate on the role of CSR in building a sustainable society through creating CSR partnership, enhancing livelihood opportunities, skilling through CSR. Expert talks from the stalwarts of CSR will be delivered on this occasion.

The eminent speakers in the conclave were:

Dr Marko Saravanja, Founder of Regenesys Business School, South Africa;

Dr. K. M. Parivelan, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai;

Dr. Jatinder Singh, Sr. Secretary- CSR, PHD CCI, New Delhi;

Ms. Gayatri Subramaniam, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Gurgaon;

Mr. Sandeep Ahuja, Founder and CEO, Operation ASHA;

Dr. Rupal Tyagi, Managing Partner, CSR Pool Consulting and Adviser, SR Asia Network, New Delhi; and

Mr. Zoher Doctor, Founder Trustee at Vikas Trust.

The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Sandeep Singh, Director of Acropolis Faculty of Management and Research. He elaborated the need of conducting such Conclave and benefits of such initiatives. He also threw light upon significant CSR issues that are prevalent in the industry. Curtain raiser to the event was delivered by Prof. Atul Bharat [Group Director, CDC]. In his speech, he expressed the need of right approach and right direction towards CSR objectives in the long run. White paper on CSR was released by the Guests and its summary was presented by Prof. Juhi Kamakoty.

The first speaker Mr. Sandeep Ahuja elaborated on the theme of principle of developing the project. He emphasized that acceptability; flexibility and convenience are the ingredients of CSR efforts. It is the not the education which matters; but the philosophy matters the most. Dr. Jatinder Singh started his speech by Human Development Index and said that social issues should be integrated with business models. Mr. Marko explored the inclusive approach on CSR based on partnerships.

Dr. Parivelan highlighted the importance of CSR initiatives in the changing paradigm. Ms. Gayatri Subramaniam threw light upon the stakeholders’ roles in CSR initiatives. Dr. Rupal Tyagi expressed her views on sustainable society building. Mr. Zoher Doctor talked about delivering on expectations with respect to all stakeholders of the society. The major focus of the experts was on inclusive growth from CSR initiatives. Through panel discussions, the experts have shared their insights on various themes of CSR. The Guests appreciated the initiative of Acropolis for conducting this event.

This conclave has witnessed Best CSR practices awards in various categories. The jury members for the award were: Mr. Sudhir Sinha, Advisor- Sustainability & CSR, PWC India and Dr. K. K. Upadhyay, Head- CSR [FICCI], PWC India. The awards in the categories of- Best CSR practices in Manufacturing [Large organizations] were conferred to ACC Limited, Grasim Industries and Mahindra Two-wheelers Ltd; Mid size category award to Gabriel Limited, and Small size category award to SK Springs.

The Best CSR practices awards in Service sector [Large organizations] were conferred to CSC India, Safexpress Ltd., and Infobeans; Mid size category award to Radisson Blue Hotel, and Small size category award to Mukta Infotech.

Best CSR Start-up category was conferred to Mr. Soni. CSR Lifetime Achievement award was conferred to the eminent social worker Shri Sudhir Goyal [Bhaiji] of Sewadham Trust Ujjain.

In this event, there were many industry participants from Grasim Nagda, Cummins, Gabriel, Safexpress, ACC Cements, Sarthak Industries, Indo-German Tool Room, Anik Ghee Ltd. Hi-tech, S.P. Springs etc. It is expected that this conclave will be a milestone towards linking industry-institution partnership through CSR for the betterment of the society as a whole.

The event was anchored by Prof. Anshu Thakur and Prof. Rashmi Pastaria and Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Jitendra K. Sharma.