The Indian Achievers’ Forum, unwavering in its mission to recognize and celebrate outstanding accomplishments, has successfully concluded its 64th National Summit and Awards for 2023. This annual gathering serves as a vibrant platform to applaud and inspire a diverse range of contributors.
The summit commenced with an inaugural ceremony featuring speeches from prominent figures. Chief Guest Shri SPS Baghel, Minister of State for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, underscored the potential of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in elevating India's global presence. The morning session hosted distinguished 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.
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During the inaugural session, recipients of the CSR Times awards were recognized, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on "Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Through CSR in Developing Economies: The Role of G20 Nations." The second session spotlighted the Indian Army's CSR initiatives, featuring a presentation by Brigadier Vikas Bhardwaj, Brig DAV. Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (RS) and Spokesperson - BJP, stressed the collective responsibility of CSR engagement, extending beyond corporations to every individual.
The event also paid tribute to exceptional achievements by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Corporates, Corporate Foundations, MSMEs, and individuals through the Indian Achievers’ Award, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to nation-building.
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Renowned cybersecurity expert Rakesh Datta, an industry veteran from Microsoft Corporation in Silicon Valley, received the International Achievers’ Award. His exceptional contributions to science, technology, and nation-building are widely celebrated within the global Indian community. As a Senior Technical Leader at Microsoft, his highly sought-after security expertise leaves a profound impact on industry giants like Facebook. His pioneering research enjoys international acclaim and is supported by the esteemed National Science Foundation (NSF) of the USA.
Rakesh's journey exemplifies the power of unwavering determination, an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and steadfast commitment in forging a path from humble beginnings to technical eminence. As the sun sets over Silicon Valley, it casts a warm glow on Rakesh's remarkable journey—an inspiring beacon for global technologists, born in India but illuminating the path for all.
In a heartwarming 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.
Distinguished attendees included 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. These esteemed guests inspired participants with renewed fervor and compassion for social endeavors.
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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.
