Empowering Change: Reflections from the CSR Conclave 2025

The CSR Conclave 2025, held on February 1, brought together industry leaders to discuss sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. The event underscored the transformative role of businesses in driving social and environmental change.

Guest of Honour Mr. P K Gupta, Joint Director & HOO MSME DI, Cuttack, highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in India's economy, contributing 29% to GDP and 48% to exports while employing over 110 million people. He emphasized the need for better financial access and capacity building to foster innovation and inclusive growth.

Keynote speaker Mr. Asutosh Rath, Executive Director (HRD & Administration) at NALCO, shared the company’s longstanding CSR commitment since 1981. He highlighted how NALCO integrated social responsibility into its core operations long before CSR became mainstream, focusing on community rehabilitation, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship.

The first session, Net Zero for Industries, emphasized the urgency of reducing carbon footprints. Ms. Nayan Mishra, CEO of Sustainable Advancements, stressed adopting circular business models, while Ms. Adyasha Satpathy, CEO of Dharitri and Orissa POST, championed sustainability principles. Mr. Arjya Mishra, Chief People Officer at RKFL, called for collaborative policymaking, and Dr. Neepa Saha Sharma, Head of CSR at CESC, outlined renewable energy investments to drive a net-zero future.

In Diversity and Inclusion in FinTech, Mr. Bijoy Ketan Panda of TCS showcased the company's gender diversity initiatives. Mr. Pravash Dash, CEO of Arthan Finance, emphasized the need for financial accessibility in smaller cities, while Ms. Bedamati Mohapatra, Founder of Finovisor, championed financial literacy for women. Mr. Prashant Mallick of Union Bank discussed the role of technology in fostering inclusion.

The session on Sustainable Food Systems explored business-driven solutions for sustainability. Ms. Anuradha Tripathi of Deoleo advocated for hybrid plant technologies and sustainable packaging. Mr. Prem Satpathy of Magnum Group emphasized the role of technology in optimizing farming practices, while Mr. K C Mishra of eKutir called for reinvestment in sustainable food systems. Mr. Tridibesh Bandopadhyaya of InQube highlighted the environmental impact of rice production and the importance of food traceability.

The final session, Technology for Inclusion, highlighted how digital advancements enhance accessibility. Mr. Ranjan Mohapatra, CEO of Aashdit Technologies, discussed technology’s role in workplace inclusion. Mr. Satish Mohapatra of Maruti Suzuki spoke on AI-powered accessibility features, while Ms. Parimita Behera of JSW Infrastructure highlighted VR/AR training programs and inclusive hiring. Mr. Raja Mishra, CEO of MYTHICKA, emphasized the importance of designing accessible products and services.

The CSR Conclave 2025 reinforced the need for businesses to integrate sustainability and inclusion into their core strategies. The discussions provided actionable insights, underscoring the power of collaboration in shaping a responsible and inclusive future.