CSR Times National Summit Brings To Focus CSR In Developing Economies And Role Of G20 Nations; RYTHM Foundation Recognised

The 64th National Summit and Awards unfolded on August 21st at Le Meridien Hotel, in collaboration with CSR Times. This grand event brought together a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, award recipients, and over 300 delegates.

The summit witnessed enlightening addresses from eminent personalities. Chief Guest Shri SPS Baghel, Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, extended his congratulations to all participants and winners, underscoring CSR's potential to project India onto the global stage. The morning session boasted Guests of Honor including H.E. Mr. Dilshod Akhatov, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of India, 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.

The inaugural session featured the commendation of CSR Times award recipients followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the theme "Achieving SDGs Through CSR in Developing Economies: Role of G20 Nations." The second session turned the spotlight on the Indian Army's CSR initiatives, emphasized through a presentation by Brigadier Vikas Bhardwaj, Brig DAV. Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (RS) and Spokesperson - BJP, addressed the gathering as the Guest of Honor, underscoring the collective responsibility of CSR engagement, extending beyond corporates to every individual.

Furthermore, several remarkable accomplishments of PSUs, Corporates, Corporate Foundations, MSMEs, and individuals received recognition through the CSR Times Award, honouring their commendable contributions. These individuals and organizations demonstrated unwavering dedication to the cause of nation-building.

One of the prominent CSR Times award winners was RYTHM Foundation who were recognised for their noteworthy CSR project in the field of women empowerment. RYTHM Foundation collaborated with Mann Deshi Foundation to implement the ‘Champions Youth Development’’ programme in rural Maharashtra from 2019 to 2022. This effort focused on empowering girls and young women in drought-affected regions with limited access to quality education and opportunities. The programme, which received a Bronze Award at the prestigious 10th CSR Times Awards 2023, combines education, hands-on learning, personal growth, and athletic training to empower the beneficiaries.

RYTHM helped establish five ‘Mann Deshi Champions Centres’ to uplift beneficiaries from disparity, inequality, patriarchy, and poverty. The programme achieved a significant impact, helping over 800 girls with opportunities for personal development and job creation. Over 30 young women have secured law enforcement jobs, while many others have found employment in the public and private sectors.

In a heartening gesture, the summit presented the CSR Times Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023 to Ms. Shallu Jindal for her sustained and exceptional contributions to the socio-economic upliftment of marginalized communities through sustainable community development initiatives.

Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Ratnesh, Executive Director - United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI), Air Marshal VPS Rana PVSM, VSM (Retd), Mr. S. Ravi Shankar, Executive Committee Member - CSR Times Awards, 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, Dr. László Makk, Deputy Head of Mission, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Hungary, and Shri Shaurya Doval, Founding Member - India Foundation, Dr. Sudipta Narayan Roy, Director, IAF. The gathering witnessed these esteemed guests addressing the summit, inspiring participants with renewed fervour and compassion for social endeavours.

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