National Seminar on Achieving SDG’s through CSR in developing Economies: Role of G20 Nations  held in Delhi

New Delhi : The 64th edition of the National Seminar on “Achieving SDG’s through CSR in developing Economies: Role of G20 Nations” was successfully concluded by CSR Times and the Indian Achievers’ Forum, two organisations with an unchanging dedication to recognising and celebrating excellent achievements and endeavours. A wide variety of contributions are recognised and encouraged at this yearly event.

On August 21st, Le Meridien Hotel hosted the National Summit and Awards in association with the CSR Times. Over 300 delegates and several dignitaries were present at this spectacular occasion.The event was notable because it honoured a select group of PSUs, corporations, corporate foundations, non-governmental organisations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and startups with the CSR Times Award.

A formal opening ceremony was held, and then notable speakers shared their insights during the summit. Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri SPS Baghel congratulated all of the awardees and participants and spoke about the importance of corporate social responsibility in elevating India’s profile internationally. The morning session featured several Guests of Honour, such as 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. H.E. Mr. Dilshod Akhatov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of India.

After recognising the winners of the CSR Times awards, the opening session included an insightful panel discussion on the topic of “Achieving SDGs Through CSR in Developing Economies: Role of G20 Nations.” Respected panellists from many fields discussed the importance of corporate social responsibility in establishing strong nations. The event featured prominent figures such as Dr. Somnath Singh, Dy. Director of the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), Mr. K C Sreenath, Development Professional, Ms. Santhi Periasamy, Head of the Rhythm Foundation, Ms. Kavita Srivastava, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the American India Foundation (AIF), Mr. Biplab Chaudhary, Founder & Global CEO of PTS Consulting Services, and Mr. Dr. Shabnam Asthana, Managing Director of CSR Times, did a fantastic job moderating the discussion.

In the second segment, Brigradier Vikas Bhardwaj, Brig DAV, spoke at length on the community service and welfare programmes of the Indian Army. Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (RS) and Spokesperson – BJP, spoke to the crowd as the event’s Guest of Honour, emphasising that CSR participation is everyone’s duty and not only that of corporations.

The event was attended by many dignitaries, including 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, H.E. Dr. László Makk, Deputy Head of Mission, Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and Mr. S. Ravi Shankar, Executive Committee Member The summit attendees heard from these illustrious speakers, who instilled in them a newfound zeal and compassion for humanitarian endeavours.

Ms. Shallu Jindal’s encouraging contributions to the social and economic betterment of underprivileged areas via long-term community development projects were recognised at the CSR Times Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023 ceremony held at the summit.

Few other winners who were conferred with the award were –

• Hemant Puranik, Chief Executive Officer, IME Motors
• Arindam Mukherjee, IT Solution Architect / Supply Chain Operations, Juniper Networks
• Sakshi Rambhia, Founder / Product Manager, Scholarship Track
• Rohit Patel, CEO, Colorhome Smart Lighting (Sunpu India LED Co. LLP)
• Gaurav Kishor Deshmukh, Senior Software Engineer Tech Lead, Guidewire Software, Inc (US)
• Ramendra Kumar Rout, Director, Wipro
• Sandeep Rangineni, Data Test Engineer , Pluto TV
• Manu Rao, Director, Pledge A Smile Foundation
• Diptiranjan Panda, Group Business Analysis Manager,Juma Al Majid Holding Group LLC
• Surabhi Sinha, Machine Learning Engineer, Adobe
• Argha Bose, CEO, Bytetra Private Limited
• Surendra Reddy Challapalli, Vice President, Citi Bank, USA
• Hemavantha Rajesh Varma Mudunuri, Senior Systems Architect, Toast Inc
• Mohammed Rameez Rizvi, Senior Services Analyst – IT, Exelon Corporation
• Ramesh Aiyyangar, Founder, TechWrite Pro

Beyond the awards ceremony, the event featured impactful video presentations from prominent organizations including RYTHM Foundation, Radico Khaitan Ltd, PTS Consulting Services Pvt Ltd, Nutriley Healthcare, and Unirac Solar India.

Furthermore, several remarkable accomplishments of MSMEs and individuals received recognition through the Indian Achievers’ Award, honoring their commendable contributions. These individuals and organizations demonstrated unwavering dedication to the cause of nation-building.

Mr. Harish Chandra, Editor of CSR Times & President, Indian Achievers’ Forum, extended his congratulations to all winners and participants, expressing gratitude to the event’s partners for their pivotal role in ensuring the event’s resounding success. The event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Tata Sons Pvt Limited, Jindal Steel & Power Limited, BSE Limited, Radico Khaitan Limited, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited, Union Bank of India, PTS Consulting, Nutriley Healthcare and Unirac.

The summit concluded with a resounding vote of thanks, leaving attendees galvanized and determined to sustain their collective efforts in pursuit of national betterment.