India CSR & Sustainability Conclave 2024: Lighting the Way to a Greener Tomorrow

New Delhi, August 29, 2024 — On the auspicious day of August 27, 2024, at the India International Centre, New Delhi, BrandsGlobal Media brought together the nation’s brightest minds for the India CSR & Sustainability Conclave 2024. This prestigious gathering of corporate leaders, CSR professionals, NGOs, and sustainability experts served as a melting pot of ideas, where the shared goal was to chart a course towards a sustainable future. The event was a testament to the adage, "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together," as it wove together thought-provoking sessions, expert-led discussions, and celebrations of outstanding achievements in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Event Highlights:

The Conclave began with a warm and thought-provoking Welcome Address by the anchor- Rabiaah Bhatia, who set the tone for the day with the timeless wisdom, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." She urged participants to reflect on the lessons of the past while embracing the innovations of the future to steer India’s sustainable development. The environmental anthem “Humko Hai Jagna” by Alexander James added a resonant note, reminding everyone that actions speak louder than words when it comes to sustainability.

The official inauguration, marked by a ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolized the dawning of a new day dedicated to CSR and sustainability. Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, often referred to as the 'Father of Indian CSR,' delivered an insightful Opening Note, reflecting on the evolution of CSR from a fledgling concept to a cornerstone of corporate strategy. His words, "CSR is not just about doing good, but about doing well while doing good," encapsulated the transformative power of CSR in society.

The morning’s activities included an award ceremony that honored those whose work in CSR has truly made a difference. This was followed by the panel discussion "Wisdom of the Veterans: CSR - Kal, Aaj aur Kal," moderated by Brig. Rajiv Williams. Industry veterans like Padma Raghavan and Dr. Ashutosh Karnatak shared their wealth of experience, offering the audience a glimpse into how CSR has matured from an act of charity to an integral part of corporate responsibility. As the saying goes, "The best way to predict the future is to create it," and these veterans exemplified how CSR can shape a better tomorrow.

The Conclave also featured impactful presentations, including one by Fair Climate Fund (FCF India) on building climate resilience and another by Hulladek Recycling Pvt. Ltd. on sustainable electronic waste management, reminding us that "Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm, but about doing more good."

A particularly engaging session, "Janta Ke Sawaal - Experts Ki Rai," was moderated by Asim Khan, CSR Head at Cadence India. This interactive session featured Nikhil Pant, Chairman & CEO of REACHA and Founder of Lakshyaa, who, with over 30 years of experience, illuminated the critical role of CSR in nation-building. His words echoed the belief that "CSR is the compass that can guide us to a more just and equitable world." Pant emphasized the synergy between taxpayers' contributions and corporate responsibility, urging that CSR should be seen not as a regulatory burden but as a powerful engine for sustainable change. He stressed that "The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the community," underlining the importance of academic contributions and community resilience in sustaining CSR efforts.

The Conclave’s creative highlight was a stage play by children from P.B.I.C., Noida, focusing on climate change and environmental conservation—a poignant reminder that "We do not have to sacrifice a strong economy for a healthy environment."

The afternoon sessions continued with a deep dive into "CSR, Sustainability, and the Startup Ecosystem," moderated by Sumana Das Gupta of Impact Guru Foundation. The panellists discussed the challenges and opportunities within the CSR space, emphasizing that "Partnerships are the oil that lubricates the engine of sustainability." This was followed by an inspiring talk by Suvarna Raj, a para-athlete and Asia Olympics medalist, who shared her journey of resilience, embodying the spirit of "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

One of the notable highlights of the day was the fireside chat "Painting it Green," led by Sandeep Chauhan, Founder of Flora Saviors. The discussion with Peepal Baba, Founder of Give Me Trees, highlighted the essential role of afforestation and environmental psychology in building a sustainable future. As Peepal Baba wisely noted, "The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit."

The Conclave drew to a close with an evocative speech by Chief Guest Shri Aazad Shahid Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, who reflected on the nation’s journey through trials and triumphs and how CSR has been instrumental in this journey. The final award ceremony recognized further exemplary contributions to CSR, including accolades to HINDALCO Industries Ltd, Tata Power (Powerlinks and TPTCL), MAITHON POWER LIMITED (A Joint Venture of Tata Power & DVC), Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd, Cadence Design Systems, SEIL Energy India Ltd., Akhil Bhartiya Gramin Uthan Samiti (ABGUS), Hulladek Recycling Pvt. Ltd., George College of Management and Science, AIDENT Social Welfare Organisation, Pratham Education Foundation, Jayaprakash Narayan Memorial Trust among others.

The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks from Manya Singh, Founder of BrandsGlobal Media, who expressed her deep gratitude to all participants, speakers, and contributors for making the Conclave a resounding success. As she aptly put it, "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."

About BrandsGlobal Media:

BrandsGlobal Media stands as a lighthouse in the vast ocean of Corporate Social Responsibility, sustainability, and impactful social initiatives. Through gatherings like the India CSR & Sustainability Conclave, BrandsGlobal Media seeks to nurture a thriving ecosystem for CSR initiatives, driving meaningful and lasting change across industries.

For more information, please contact:
9650068646 / info@brandsglobalmedia.com

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