Tag: Brand India

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Business World

Successful Talk show on Higher Education

Apr 4, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Brand India, #India's business captains

India holds an important place in the global education ecosystem, with 998 Universities, 39931 Colleges, 10725 Standalone Institutions and 34.6 million students, the Indian HE boasts of having the largest HE system in the world in terms of institutions and second-largest in terms of enrollment.

The National Education Policy 2020 was released in July -2020, years after the previous policy. The policy is built on foundational pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability, and is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It has set a new paradigm by emphasizing on multidisciplinary and liberal education, moving towards institutional and faculty autonomy, co-existence of public and private higher educational institutions on equitable terms, promotion of research ecosystem, a credit-based system of circular composition for a different level of qualifications, engagement with society, practice labs and focus on emerging technologies to plan, design and deliver the 21st-century education.

Mr Sandeep Behera, Director – Branding and Promotions , Karunya , Deemed to be University moderated the Talk Show and he said , As we move towards self-reliance it is imperative for universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) to develop an ecosystem that instills resilience, encourages innovation, promotes sustainability and enables students and the workforce to be enterprising to face the disruptive future.

The Talk show on Higher Education was organized by BRAND INDIA, Delhi, on 26th of March-2021, through a special Live Webinar from 11 am to 1 pm. The broadcast was also Live on YouTube. Students, Faculties, Academicians were invited to be a part of this wonderful event .

Brand India is a knowledge platform and wants to be the voice of India’s business captains from diverse Industries. It specializes in the CSR domain, Event Management, Publishing & Research. It encourages debates, seminars, conferences on diverse subjects and through continuous engagement it wants to influence the policymakers of our country.

THE SUB THEMES FOR THE SPEAKER’S WERE:

# Developing research ecosystem: Role of Universities

# Building a global/world-class Higher Education system

# Digital education? What next

# Integrating skills within Higher Education framework.

THE TALK SHOW AIMED AT :

# To develop a shared understanding of the emerging models to prepare the youth.

# To develop a mechanism for bridging the skills gap and industry demands.

# To meet the challenges of the future.

# To create a comprehensive approach on the various opportunities around higher education.

# To seek an understanding of the industry on the kind of knowledge force that is needed.

WHO ALL ATTENDED :

# Edupreneurs and Founders

# Industry leaders, c- level executives from IT & ITES

# Decision makers, policymakers and Govt. officials’ functionaries.

# Vice Chancellors, Directors, Deans and Registrars.

# Start-up owners, Government dignitaries, Directors of Engineering and MBA Colleges, HR professionals of MNCs.

Two eminent educationist of the country Dr M J Xavier , Former Director of IIM , Ranchi ,Professor of Marketing and Business Analytics – LIBA and Dr Jawahar Surriseti, Advisor to Government, TED speaker, start – up Mentor , Best Selling Author were present and gave their insights on the Role of Higher Eduction and way forward and as well spoke on the changing dynamics of the education industry post covid.

Dr M J Xavier said that today the businesses are completely networked , running on different platforms and managed by algorithms . There is a massive digital transformation and a large shift for companies in the new environment.He also said that the education industry is completely resistant to change but Carona is a blessing to the industry . NEP- 20202 has got a vision and allows total flexibility to students.

Dr Jawahar Surisetti said that Looking at the industry perspective it looks for inclusion. Gender inclusion is also important now in the Board Meetings. Innovation is the key to success,

Now – A – Days the outcome will be measured and not mere degrees. Upgradation program is getting developed for faculties to teach students and make them industry ready. In the new education policy , skilling, design thinking , co- ordination, more inclusion , more creativity will be given importance and everything will be multi disciplinary.

The thanks note was given by the moderator , Mr Sandeep Simon Behera, Director – Branding of Karunya , Deemed to be University, Coimbatore. The founder of Brand India , Nidhi Simon also extended her best wishes to Dr Xavier and Dr Jawahar for their detailed insights on Higher Education.

# Sandeep Simon Behera# Dr Jawahar Suriseti# Dr MJ Xavier# Karunya# Brand India

India International CSR Summit
Business World

5th Edition of India International CSR Summit and Awards -2020

Nov 20, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Atmanirbhar Bharat, #Brand India, #Corporate Social Responsibility, #Corporate Social Responsibility 4.0., #Dr. K.K. Upadhyay., #IICSR-2020, #India International CSR Summit and Awards -2020, #Mr. Sandeep Simon Behera

Brand India, presents the 5th India International CSR Summit & Awards -2020. The Theme of the summit is Corporate Social Responsibility 4.0.

It is expected that more than 50 CSR heads will speak at the IICSR-2020, through a Live Webinar and around 500 delegates will attend the summit on all 4 days. The summit will be held on 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th November-2020, from 6 pm to 8 pm. The summit will have a Masterclass on -Corporate Social Responsibility4.0, An award function will be held on the 26th November and an E- Digital book launch on CSR. Already there has been an overwhelming response for this summit and it’s going to be an interesting session all around the 4 days
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CSR has been a buzz word since India has been the first country to introduce statutory provisions with respect to CSR under companies act-2013. In the first five years of the mandated CSR era, India Inc has made significant progress from adoption to the application of the law, and now from alignment to sustainable development Goals ( SDGs ).

The key question now is – what has been the impact of spending that has happened so far? How can corporations leverage on it by creating essential services such as Sanitation, Health Care, Clean Drinking Water, Education and Financial literacy and what can be done to maximize it, scale it up, and make it sustainable?

The IICSR-2020, Let’s hear from the CSR and civil society leaders some challenges, opportunities and learnings based on their experiences. A cross-fertilization of thoughts between policymakers, funders, researchers and implementers would be facilitated – highlighting key parameters for measurable, scalable and sustainable impact.

Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practising Corporate Social Responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of Impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social and environmental..

For a company to be socially responsible, it first needs to be accountable to itself and stakeholders. Often companies that adopt CSR programs have grown their business to the point where they can give back to society. Thus, CSR is primarily a strategy of large corporations, Also, the more visible and successful a corporation is, the more responsibility it has to set standards of ethical behaviour for its peers, congestion and industry.

KEY THEMES TO BE ADDRESSED:

# Think and Challenge Traditional CSR
# CSR Key concerns around the capacity of different stakeholders.
# Aligning CSR initiatives in changing economic scenarios.
# Importance of CSR initiatives in changing economic scenario
# CSR as an investment, not an expenditure
# Measuring Impact: The success of CSR
# New CSR legislations – changes and impact MCA guidelines
# Strategic CSR – creating a workable link between people, planet and profit.
# Explaining the new avenues for Smart & Effective partnering to achieve common goals.
# Evaluation & Monitoring of CSR practices.
# CSR reporting as an important tool of CSR communication.
# Unlocking the potential of technology for social change.
# Effective integration of CSR and supply chain/
# CSR in the boardroom/

WHO WILL ATTEND:

CEO / COO/ MD/ FOUNDER/ DIRECTORS/ VP/HEAD
CSR leaders / Thinkers
Social Leaders
CSR Regulatories
Corporate Communication
Sustainability
Social Mission
Strategic Planning
Policy & Advocacy
Human Resource
Corporate Partnership
External Affairs
Program Implementation
NGO

WHY TO ATTEND:
# You got to interact with senior practitioners across the industry
# Experience the open, genuine and inspirational conversations led by CSR peers and professionals
# Desiring to learn deeply about social purpose and the ways to engage it in your business plan.
# Build your network with India’s top regulatory and CSR & Sustainability experts.
# Share best practices on various aspects shared by top companies in CSR activities
# Get acquainted with the latest emerging strategies that will help your CSR process reach the next level.

INDIA INTERNATIONAL CSR IMPACT AWARDS-2020

Brand India has instituted the India International CSR Impact Awards-2020, to recognize companies, Individuals, NGOs that have made a positive impact on society through their innovative & sustainable CSR initiatives.

The award is the apex recognition of CSR initiatives in India.
# Recognize the companies that have positively impacted both business and society by taking a strategic approach to CSR through a collaborative program.
# Recognize the companies that are leading transformation by integrating collaborative programs.
# Recognize the companies that are leading transformation by integrating sustainability in their core business model.
# Recognize the companies for implementing measures for conservation and sustainable management of the biodiversity and ecosystem in the value chain.
# Identifying innovative approach and employing application and technologies that will help to build a robust CSR program to further the case of inclusive and sustainable development,

AWARD CATEGORY -1
CORPORATE

1. Impactful CSR leader Award
2. CSR project of the year
3. Best CSR practice Award
4. CSR leadership Awards
5. Best Innovative CSR project
6. Best workplace practice Award
7. Best CSR Impact Awards
8. Stakeholders Engagement Award.
9. CSR person of the Decade
10. LifeTime Achievement Award
11. Award for Best use of Technology in CSR.
12.Environmental program of the year
13. PR Campaign of the year
14. Marketing campaign of the year
15. Social Media channel of the year
17. Start-Up of the year
18. Fastest growing company of the year
19. Best emerging company of the year
20. Most innovative company of the n year
21. Advertising and Marketing agency of the year
22. Best use of Technology awards
23. Best new product of the year
24. Most socially responsible company of the year.

CATEGORY -2
NGO

1. NGO of the year
2. Most committed NGO Award
3. NGO leadership Award
4. CSR implementing partner Award,

The summit is headed by Mr Sandeep Simon Behera, Chairman of the IICSR Committee and Dr K.K Upadhyay is the Co-Chair of the IICSR, Committee. Earlier to this summit, Brand India organized a 3 Days Round Table Discussion on ‘CSR and it’s a role in making AtmaNirbhar Bharat ‘. The discussion was a very successful event.

Atmanirbhar bharat 2
Business World

Roundtable to discuss Atmanirbhar Bharat

Sep 22, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Atmanirbhar Bharat, #Brand India, #Dr. K.K. Upadhyay., #Dr. Lopamudra Priyadarshini, #Mr. Ajit Kumar, #Mr. Praveen Karn

Brand India organized a round table discussion on Atmanirbhar Bharat and the role of CSR in making New India. The event focused on discussing five pillars of self-reliant India including Economy (quantum jumps, not incremental changes), Infrastructure (that represents modern India), System (technology-driven), Demography (vibrant demography of the largest democracy) and Demand (full utilization of the power of demand and supply).

Speakers from various sector including Dr. Ajay Data, Founder and CEO of Data Ingenious Global; Mr. Ajit Kumar (Founder Khushigram); Mr. Ashish Sachdeva (Founder Green Dream Foundation); Dr KK Upadhyay, Director Centre for Social Review; Mr. Atul Singh, Vice President CSR Emami Ltd; Mr. Praveen Karn, Head CSR Spark Minda Group; Dr. Lopamudra Priyadarshini, General Manager Sustainability & Community Relations Aditya Birla Group and Mr. Chandradutta Panigrahi, Indian Thinker and Futurist shared their views. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Sandeep Simon Behera; renowned author and Director Branding and Promotion Karunya Deemed to be University.

Dr. Ajay Data added two more pillars of self-reliant India i.e. Attitude and Quality. India is rich in technology and software’s but we are habitual of world-class technology. We cannot force citizens to use poor Indian products when world-class products and services are available. Also, We all are using domain name .com, why we can’t use domain name .in .bharat (in Hindi or My Indian language). We
have domain names in all languages but we are habitual to one particular language i.e. English. The vision of our Prime Minister to build a New India: Digital India by breaking the language barrier, using all the latest technologies enabling the masses, will surely help in counting our country as Atmanirbhar Bharat..”

Mr. Ajit Kumar, said, “Quantum leap needs massive disruption of thought, belief, planning and action. This means a Modern India (Bharat) with her own tools and techniques best fit for the land and people are driven by a wise mix of so-called’ and ‘traditional’ technologies. These have to be based on a full life cycle approach for a truly circular, green and sustainable economy. And all these have to be based on values of share and care to be self-reliant in all sectors and regions. That’s the only to fulfil basic requirements of all Indians based on a high degree of Truth, Trust and Transparency.”

Atmanirbhar Bharat means making India a bigger and more important player in the global economy. India’s self-reliance would be based on – Economy, Infrastructure, System, Demography and Demand. It is not about being close to the world, but being self-sustaining and self-generating in this new normal.” Dr. K.K. Upadhyay.

Mr. Praveen Karn, said, “There is only one formula for sustainability i.e. self-dependence.
Speaking on the role of CSR Mr. Atul Singh said, “CSR can play a larger role of a catalyst and enabler in making India Atmanirbhar. Most of the corporates integrate their CSR with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, there is a greater need for CSR to be integrated and aligned with the country’s vision for the future to ensure democratization of service delivery and inclusive growth for all.”

Elaborating the benefits of Atmanirbhar Bharat Dr. Lopamudra Priyadarshini said, “Self-reliant India or Atmanirbhar Bharat will prove beneficial in strengthening the society from the grass-root levels, giving the required boost to the economy. Products that generate socio-economic benefits need to focus upon, with promoting artisans and their handicraft making skills. With this, we can boost their work and generate better socio-economic benefits in a holistic manner, strengthening Atma Nirbhar Bharat movement. The equal participation of stakeholders and civilians enables the CSR to work to generate positive and sustainable impact. And for creating transparency and accountability for companies, digitalization is required with a multi-faceted approach where on the internal level, the stakeholders can keep a track of fund spends on different projects via different software integrations. On the external or field level, digitalization and markers can enable the proper execution of projects and post-completion maintenance required for long-term benefits.”

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Business World

Contribution of CSR in making New India

Aug 31, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Ashish Sachdeva, #Brand India, #CSR, #Sandeep Simon Behera, #The Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCA"), #webinar

A powerful webinar organized by Brand India where Ashish Sachdeva, Founder President, Green Dream Foundation shared his views on Atamnirbhar Bharat and contribution of CSR in making New India. Mr. Sandeep Simon Behera, Director Branding & Promotion Karunya Deemed to be University was the moderator of the discussion.

Mr. Ashish Sachdeva said, “Compliance to requirements of Section 135 of The Companies Act 2013 by India Inc. has seen a significant increase over the last five years with regards to Corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy, committee, annual disclosure on CSR, to name a few. 76 per cent companies have spent 2 per cent or more during the current year, which is a striking 100 per cent increase over the last five years. The cumulative expenditure by N100 companies from 2014-15 to 2018-19 is INR35077 crore.”

In the CSR policy, 12 per cent companies have gone ahead and aligned their CSR activities to ‘Global Goals for Good – SDGs’. One in every three company has already aligned their annual disclosure on CSR to SDGs. Annually, India Inc. spends approximately 60 per cent of its CSR budget on health and education.

The emergence of a global crisis due to the novel coronavirus has led many corporate minds to ponder and step-in playing their part to be socially responsible to meet the need of the hour. In India, to encourage corporates towards fulfilling their social responsibility during the pandemic (as declared by the World Health Organisation) and as an endeavour to minimise its impact on public health, certain amends were made to the existing Companies Act, 2013 by the Legislators.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (“MCA”) issued its first Notification in light of the novel coronavirus disease, also referred to as COVID-19, on March 23, 2020. This Notification specified the decision of the Government of India to treat COVID-19 as a notified disaster and included spending of funds towards the virus as an eligible CSR activity by automatically deeming such expenditure to be treated under item (i) and (xii) of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 relating to the promotion of healthcare, sanitation and disaster management. At this point in time, the MCA had only clarified the inclusion of activities eligible for CSR spends and no emphasis was made on mode of divergence of funds towards such activities.

Many experts were boggled whether a centralised approach or a decentralised approach should be considered by the Government as a model for accounting expenditure under CSR activities. Thereafter, on March 28, 2020, the MCA issued a second Notification, through an office memorandum, in relation to expenditure towards CSR whereby the MCA issued a clarification under item (viii) of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 which enumerates that contribution made to any fund set up by the Central Government for socio-economic development and relief qualifies as a CSR expenditure. This (second) Notification clarified that the Government of India had set up the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (“PM CARES Fund”) with the objective of dealing with emergency or distress situations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pursuant to the office memorandum issued by MCA on March 28, 2020, many stakeholders sought clarification from the MCA on the eligibility of CSR expenditure related to COVID-19, since this Notification only included PM CARES Fund as a mode of routing CSR spends towards public health and sanitation abridging the pandemic. To elucidate the confusion amongst stakeholders pertaining to the Circular, MCA, thereafter, by way of a general circular on April 10, 2020, provided clarification in relation to a certain set of frequently asked questions on certain permissible and non-permissible corporate social responsibility activities amidst COVID-19.

Partnerships with NGOs working on the ground is the way to go. The number of companies having CSR Foundations’ have gone up from the base year (6 in 2014-15 to 18 in 2018-19). Against 21 per cent companies that implemented their CSR projects directly or exclusively through their own foundations in 2014-15, only seven per cent have reported to have chosen this mode of implementation during 2018-19, indicating an increased partnership with implementing agencies. The trend of increasing partnership is on a welcoming trend and a clear sign of recognising the strength of collaboration and partnerships, advancing SDG Goal 17- ‘Partnerships for the Goals’.

Mr. Sandeep & Praveen
Business World

Powerful discussion on Atamnirbhar Bharat and contribution of CSR for making New India

Aug 13, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Aatmnirbhar Bharat and contribution of CSR, #Brand India, #Director Branding & Promotion Karunya Deemed University., #Head Group CSR Minda Corporation Limited, #Mr Sandeep Behera, #Mr. Praveen Karn, #webinar

Brand India organized a webinar to discuss Aatmnirbhar Bharat and contribution of CSR for making New India where Mr. Praveen Karn, Head Group CSR Minda Corporation Limited shared his views on the topic. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Sandeep Behera, Director Branding & Promotion Karunya Deemed University.

Throwing light on the history of CSR Mr. Praveen Karn said, “we see that the companies were originally established to make profits but later it was realized that it’s important to give back. Taking the concept of Mahatma Gandhi, “Model of Philanthropy” was started, which focused on giving donations and charities. In the late 70s, it took the shape of community affairs. Later in the 80s, it was called community corporate which was the partnership of community and companies for holistic benefit. In late 2010, it was reformed into a sustainable business model of CSR.”

Talking about amendments, the companies followed Nation Volunteer Guidelines (2007) and later the Companies Act he added, “In 2013, the government had formulated Section 135, Schedule 7, that prescribes a set of activities that I thought could be co-related to the SDGs.”

In my perspective, from the past 5 years, CSR is growing and benefiting people, developing partnerships, supplementing government programs, scaling up projects, it is participative, more innovative and he believes it has a long way to go.

The size of the CSR fund being spent is not big if it is compared with the GDP, education budget, and health care budget. I strongly believe that the CSR budget will change the narrative of participation, collectivity, collaboration and supplementation. I suggest that the idea is to spend according to the need assessment which can be identified only at the grass-root level. According to me, the solution for reducing the demand and supply gap has to be well assessed and well triangulated. I believe that miracles will not happen because of money and rather they will be done with involvement, partnership, collaboration, integrations with the government programs and NGOs at the grass-root level.

Reminding that sustainability is the broader agenda, we see how organisations are now following Environmental sustainability practices such as tree plantation, paper saving, energy and water conservation, using renewable energy and waste management. I believe that it will be a holistic approach towards sustainability as stakeholders and industries are also working together for it.

Aatmnirbhar India vision is not restricted to the metro cities but it extends to the rural pockets of India. Development of the nation starts from the very individuals of the underdeveloped areas. The underprivileged community members will become self-reliant only when they are given opportunities. Self-reliance is a holistic concept and does not limit to employment but it implies to various other segments like proper education and skilling.