PATNA (India CSR): The 4th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (ICCSR-2024), hosted by the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), concluded its second day with a series of thought-provoking sessions and discussions focused on aligning global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with localized action in Bihar. The event featured notable speakers, panel discussions, and research presentations, showcasing innovative strategies for sustainable growth and inclusive development.
Opening Remarks by Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh
Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, set the tone for the conference by emphasizing the global responsibility to leave a better planet for future generations. Highlighting Bihar’s commitment to sustainability, he announced the allocation of ₹1,500 crores for disaster management and the appointment of 12 state experts to spearhead these initiatives. Chief Guest Shri Parasnath Rai underlined the importance of effective disaster management and risk mitigation while applauding Bihar’s unique position as the only state with an apex disaster management authority.
Keynote on India’s Net-Zero Carbon Goal
Dr. Sapna Narula delivered a compelling talk on India’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, advocating for renewable energy and electric vehicles. Other keynote addresses, such as those by Prem Prakash and Kumod Kumar, highlighted Bihar’s achievements in local development and the need for innovative, state-specific strategies to achieve SDGs effectively.
Specialized Sessions on CSR and Social Impact
The conference also featured specialized sessions by prominent practitioners and researchers. Rusen Kumar from India CSR stressed the role of CSR and ESG practices in addressing rural socio-economic challenges through impactful collaborations. Aman Pratap Singh from i-Saksham detailed a fellowship program empowering young women as leaders, with plans to scale the initiative to 10,000 fellows by 2030, benefiting over a million women and girls.
Innovative Startups and Sustainable Solutions
Richa Vatshayan presented Sanitrust, a women-owned startup producing eco-friendly menstrual pads to promote hygiene and sustainability. Prof. Ritu Raj discussed CSR’s transformative potential in higher education, focusing on skill development and health awareness. Saurav Anand showcased Anand Design Associates, emphasizing eco-friendly architecture and job creation to support local economies. Shilpi Singh presented family-centric sustainable solutions to empower marginalized communities through education and financial literacy, while Vishal Kumar Singh highlighted the success of Didi Ki Rasoi, a community kitchen model fostering rural entrepreneurship.
Academic Research Presentations on Sustainability
The academic segment featured engaging research presentations. Amritanshu Mudgal discussed the implications of cybersecurity threats for Bihar’s sustainability, highlighting the need for digital literacy and awareness. Rohit Kumar Thakur explored the transformative role of fintech in achieving sustainable economic growth, while Zahra Adilm examined the impact of gender roles on workplace dynamics and sustainability. Rishabh Rajan and colleagues presented insights into how strategic alliances and knowledge management drive innovation in Indian startups, and Manish Kumar Pandey shed light on addressing high school dropout rates in Bihar.
Insights from the Panel Discussion: “CSR and Risk-Informed Rural Development”
The panel discussion, featuring distinguished speakers such as Shri Ram Pappu (Mission Samridhi), Shri Jitendra Ghangas (LTIMindtree), and Rajeev Kumar (UNICEF), emphasized the importance of building trust with rural communities for effective CSR implementation. Panelists including Anurag Pratap, VP CSR Capgimini and Abhishek Kishore founder Ank foundation highlighted the challenges of equitable resource distribution, youth engagement, and grassroots commitment. The discussion concluded with a call for collaboration among corporates, NGOs, academia, and local governments to foster sustainable rural transformation.
The ICCSR-2024 successfully bridged the gap between global aspirations and local realities, providing actionable insights to enhance Bihar’s socio-economic landscape through sustainable development. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, the conference set a strong foundation for achieving SDGs in the state. The conference concluded with the valedictory address by Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Shri Bharat Jyoti, retd.( IFS, chairperson) Bihar Biodiversity Board has delivered keynote addresses in the valedictory session. The conference ends with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Sibananda Senapati and setting the way forward that includes reaching out to corporates, preparing a data bank of corporates working on CSR. He also shared the theme of ICCSR 2025 “CSR: Collaborating for grassroots Socio-economic Transformation” to be held in December 2025.
(India CSR)
