India CSR & Sustainability Conclave 2024: Illuminating a Sustainable Future

New Delhi, August 29, 2024 :  On 27th August 2024, the India International Centre in New Delhi was illuminated not just by lights but by the collective spirit of hope and commitment. BrandsGlobal Media proudly hosted the India CSR & Sustainability Conclave 2024, a gathering of the nation's brightest minds—corporate leaders, CSR professionals, NGOs, and sustainability advocates—united by a shared vision for a sustainable future. The event stood as a testament to the saying, "Small actions, when multiplied by millions, can transform the world."

Event Highlights:

"A spark ignites, a flame does grow, with every heart, we light the glow."

The Conclave began with a warm Welcome Address by host Rabiaah Bhatia, who resonated with the audience by quoting, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Her words set the stage for a day dedicated to reflection and innovation, steering India’s sustainable development journey. The environmental anthem “Humko Hai Jagna” by Alexander James filled the air with a powerful reminder that actions must speak louder than words in our quest for sustainability.

The ceremonial lamp lighting marked the official opening of the Conclave, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in CSR and sustainability. Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, fondly known as the 'Father of Indian CSR,' delivered an inspiring Opening Note, stating, “CSR is not just about doing good; it’s about doing well while doing good.” His words encapsulated the transformative power of CSR, urging all to integrate responsibility into their core strategies.

Awards Ceremony:

"Rising stars, shining bright, their work a beacon in the night."

The morning's spotlight was on the first set of awards, honoring the remarkable contributions of:

●        Association for Disabled People

●        ARCH Development Foundation

●        BNR & PRR Memorial Charitable Trust

●        Hope Foundation

●        Smile Foundation

●        Jayaprakash Narayan Memorial Trust

●        Grey Sim Learnings Foundation

●        Foundation of Integration Support & Solution (FISS)

●        Deepalaya

●        Mukta Drishti Foundation

●        KP Singh Thainuan

Wisdom of the Veterans: CSR - Kal, Aaj aur Kal

"From the past to the present, and the future so clear, CSR guides us year after year."

In a riveting panel discussion moderated by Brig. Rajiv Williams, industry veterans like Padma Raghavan,Gayatri Subramaniam,Prof (Dr.) Rihan Khan Suri and Dr. Ashutosh Karnatak shared their invaluable experiences, illustrating how CSR has evolved from mere charity to an integral component of corporate responsibility. Their insights echoed the belief, “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” and showed how strategic CSR initiatives are shaping a better tomorrow.

Exploring the Startup Ecosystem: CSR, Sustainability, and Innovation

"The future is built on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable action."

A key session focused on the intersection of CSR, sustainability, and the startup ecosystem, moderated by Sumana Das Gupta, Chief Growth Officer at Impact Guru Foundation. The session featured insights from leaders like Chetan Kapoor (CEO, Tech Mahindra Foundation), Ravi Agarwal (CSR Head, Fame), Diksha Singh (Head - Business HR & CSR, PTL & TPTCL), and Tara Chand (Head CSR, OakNorth).

A Particularly Engaging Session: "Janta Ke Sawaal - Experts Ki Rai"

"Questions spark change, as answers light the way, CSR guides us, come what may."

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.

Impactful Sessions & Creative Highlights

The Conclave was rich with impactful presentations, including a session by the Fair Climate Fund (FCF India) on building climate resilience and another by Hulladek Recycling Pvt. Ltd. on sustainable e-waste management. These presentations reinforced the idea that “Sustainability is not just about doing less harm, but about doing more good.”

A creative highlight of the day 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.”

Closing Reflections by the Chief Guest

The event drew to a close with a powerful speech by the Chief Guest, Shri Aazad Shahid Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, who reflected on India’s journey through trials and triumphs and how CSR has played a pivotal role in this journey. His words were a clarion call for continued commitment to CSR as a tool for nation-building.

Final Award Ceremony

The final award ceremony recognized further exemplary contributions to CSR, celebrating organizations and individuals who have truly made a difference in their communities and beyond. Honorees included:

●        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

●        SATYA LAXMI MUD-CHEM PRIVATE LIMITED

●        Nitin Rawal

A Heartfelt Vote of Thanks

"Together we stand, our hearts intertwined, for a future that’s bright, for all humankind."

Manya Singh, Founder of BrandsGlobal Media, concluded the event with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing deep gratitude to all participants, speakers, and contributors. She reminded everyone that “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” capturing the essence of the Conclave.

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