Betterment, Empowerment, Strengthening—Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR ) can be described in many words, but it ultimately is all about nation building and creating a balanced world, about not forgetting the needs of those who have less exposure and thereby less knowledge. So, to push the country’s development and promote fraternity and be an equal opportunity nation, India is the first country in the world to have a legislation for CSR .

Committed to the 17 sustainability goals defined by the United Nations Development Programme, including zero hunger, no poverty, quality education and more, India formulated some guidelines and defined development sectors and areas that needed focus.

With Outlook series, “The India Drive” we embarked upon a nationwide journey with India’s top companies. We travel to remote locations to meet some remarkable people and see the impact that the programmes implemented by the companies have had on their lives. Education, health and livelihood are primary needs. But no result can be seen without creating awareness. Sensitisation and behaviour changes are the crucial aspects for leaving a long-term impact. There is a lot of intangible work that goes in to bring about a tangible impact.

An individual's social responsibility forms the basis to develop a corporate or country’s global social responsibility.

Many corporates have successfully aligned their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with individual and global commitments.

The budgets the corporate allocate for CSR activity, each year, are increasing. It is an indication of their commitment and also their growing profits.

A progressive society always cares for those in need. Similarly, a socially responsible commercial establishment will care for an individual and society. The realization, that the development of each individual in the society is important for overall progress, makes CSR an important activity for every corporate.

Even as the world debates on whether the CSR mandate will show long-term impact or not, we look forward to the response from our readers on this collective effort by our team and the stakeholders. Leading corporate see social responsibility as an ongoing journey and as they cross each milestone, the country will reap the benefits.