IIT Bhubaneswar Hosts Inaugural CSR Conclave with Focus on Collaborative Social Responsibility

Bhubaneswar: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar organized its first-ever CSR Conclave today, engaging participants from diverse sectors to discuss the collaborative approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Stakeholders from industry, NGOs, academia, and government agencies convened for detailed deliberations under the theme ‘Uniting for a Sustainable Impact.’

In his address, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, encouraged industry leaders to explore collaborations with premier educational institutions. He emphasized that such partnerships could extend the scope of CSR beyond regulatory constraints and offer comprehensive solutions for project implementation. Using blood donation as an illustration, he highlighted how service-oriented activities could benefit both the giver and the recipient, contributing to overall community health.

Dr. Prashant Kumar Hota, President & Group Head-CSR, Education, Jindal Steel & Power Limited, served as the chief speaker, focusing on the importance of inclusive CSR programs with a substantial impact at the grassroots level. Drawing on examples from Jindal Steel & Power Limited’s CSR initiatives, he underscored the effectiveness of strategic planning in addressing community challenges and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Hota also stressed the need for a collaborative approach to CSR, aiming for a multi-dimensional impact on society.

Guest of honour B.K. Mishra, Convener, CSR Forum, Odisha, highlighted the importance of compliance with legal frameworks and emphasized inclusive development and sustainability. He called for the convergence of industry leaders, policymakers, academia, and institutions to ensure the effective implementation of CSR activities. Stressing the role of partnerships between government and non-government organizations, he emphasized their significance in achieving sustainable development goals.

Prof. Naresh Chandra Sahu, Convener and Professor in charge, CSR Cell, IIT Bhubaneswar, stressed the need for corporate houses to go beyond mandated peripheries to enhance the impact of CSR programs. He urged collaboration with premier institutions specializing in science, technology, healthcare, and livelihood for more enriched and impactful CSR initiatives.

The conclave featured a panel discussion on ‘Uniting for Sustainable Impact: An Industry and Academia Perspective,’ with contributions from industry leaders and CSR experts. A paper on the ‘Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on the Motivational Aspect of Employees’ was presented during the event.

As part of the conclave, Prof. Seema Bahinipati of IIT Bhubaneswar was honored with the IIT Bhubaneswar CSR Leadership Award for her outstanding contribution to the education of children of migrant construction workers and the welfare of adopted villages.

The CSR Conclave 2024, themed “Uniting for Sustainable Impact,” facilitated collaboration and knowledge exchange among thought leaders, industry experts, academicians, and CSR enthusiasts. The event was organized in collaboration with Canara Bank and JSP Foundation.