MUMBAI (India CSR): In a bold stride toward inclusive growth, Dentsu India and Dentsu Global Services unveiled their “Impact Forward” CSR Report for 2024-2025, channeling over Rs. 9.83 crore (INR 98.34 million) to uplift underserved communities. Partnering with 27 NGOs, the initiative empowered 72,145 students with enhanced learning, supported 17,476 expectant mothers via community health programs, and planted 15,144 saplings for a greener India—edging closer to the ambitious target of positively impacting 1 million lives by 2030.
Key highlights include:
- Education Surge: 3x improvement in English and Math skills for thousands via the PARaM Framework with 321 Education Foundation, reaching 19,045 children across six states.
- Women & Community Empowerment: 40 childcare centers launched, fostering entrepreneurship for 81 women and microenterprises for 10 more.
- Healthcare Access: Free treatments for 157 underprivileged patients and clean water for 1,356 students/teachers.
- Eco-Innovation: Solar-powered systems benefited 316 rural households, promoting climate-resilient farming.
As Harsha Razdan, CEO Dentsu South Asia, stated: “Innovation is our responsibility—shaping a future where positive change measures success.” With storytelling at its core, Dentsu’s B2B2S model amplifies real stories, from rural teachers gaining tools to tribal farmers adopting sustainable tech.
This integrated CSR Impact Report highlights Dentsu’s commitment to social responsibility through its “Impact Forward” strategy, covering fiscal year 2024-2025. Founded in 1901, Dentsu has evolved from an advertising pioneer to a global network focused on creating societal value. The report emphasizes innovation as a tool for positive change, aligning business success with societal impact via a “B2B2S” (Business to Business to Society) approach. Key themes include empowering underserved communities, leveraging technology, promoting inclusivity, and fostering collaborations for major social causes. All activities comply with Indian CSR regulations while aiming for broader, enduring impact, the company said.
CSR Vision and Goal
- Social Purpose: Build a vibrant society where people enjoy fulfilling lives.
- Vision: Empower the future of inclusivity and sustainability.
- Key Differentiator: Storytelling for social change—amplifying issues through compelling narratives to shift mindsets and inspire action.
- 2030 Goal: Positively impact 1 million Indian lives through CSR activities.
- FY 2024-2025 Contribution: Over INR 98.34 million invested in initiatives.
Strategic Areas for Impact
The strategy focuses on four pillars, delivered through partnerships with 27 NGOs across India:
| Pillar | Description | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Empowering Underserved Communities using Education and Skill Development | Enhance access to quality education and vocational training for economically disadvantaged groups. | Rural/urban school infrastructure, teacher upskilling, STEM pathways. |
| Leveraging Technology as a Force for Good | Use digital tools to bridge gaps in education, health, and livelihoods. | Digital inclusion, self-learning resources, climate-resilient tech for farmers. |
| Promoting Inclusive Communities | Support women, youth, and marginalized groups in building economic resilience. | Microenterprises, childcare centers, livelihood skills for low-income women. |
| Facilitating Collaboration for Major Social Causes | Partner with NGOs for scalable solutions in health, environment, and community development. | Healthcare access, afforestation, water/sanitation systems. |
Impact Highlights: Dentsu Global Services India (By the Numbers)
The report quantifies outcomes across education, community/women empowerment, healthcare/wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. Initiatives reached diverse regions (e.g., Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu), with measurable results:
| Category | Key Metrics | Examples of Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Education & Skill Development | – 72,145 students reached through learning programs – 2,382 students benefited from improved infrastructure in 15 government schools – 20,100+ teachers upskilled via professional development – 150 students enrolled in B.Tech courses (easing financial barriers) | Enhanced English/Math outcomes (3x improvement in remedial programs; 2-2.5x in budget private schools). |
| Community & Women Empowerment | – 40 community childcare centers established (creating opportunities for 81 women entrepreneurs) – 10 women supported in microenterprises for financial independence – 1,396 children/care leavers supported via hostels | Sustainable income generation and entrepreneurship pathways. |
| Healthcare & Wellbeing | – 1,356 students/teachers gained access to clean drinking water – 17,476 pregnant women supported via mother support groups and health centers – 157 underprivileged individuals received free medical treatments | Focus on renal care and maternal health for low-income groups. |
| Environmental Sustainability | – 316 farmers/rural households benefited from solar irrigation, afforestation, and water filtration – 15,144 saplings planted | Climate-resilient farming and greener communities. |
Spotlight: Partnership with 321 Education Foundation (PARaM Framework)
A flagship initiative addressed learning gaps in grades 1-5 for economically disadvantaged children in rural/urban areas:
- Reach: 19,045 children across 6 states.
- Teacher Support: 735 enrolled in self-directed video courses (recorded by 43 Dentsu volunteers); 92% completion in budget schools, 74% in government schools.
- Outcomes: 3x improvement in English/Math for remedial learners; 2-2.5x grade-level gains in private schools.
- Volunteer Impact: Dentsu employees contributed audio for self-learning English videos, fostering empathy and engagement (e.g., testimonials from volunteers like Arthi Mangalam and Robert Lobo highlight the “eye-opening” value of small actions).
Leadership Perspectives
- Harsha Razdan (CEO, Dentsu South Asia) & Belliappa Mathanda (President, Dentsu Global Services): Emphasize innovation as a responsibility, celebrating positive change as success. The B2B2S model ensures business enriches humanity.
- Irwin Raj (Head of Sustainability & Social Impact, Dentsu APAC): Stresses going beyond statutory CSR to support grassroots organizations, crediting partners for turning resources into progress.
- Joel Gonsalves (Director, Talent & OD India, DGS CSR Champion): Shares personal insight on how initiatives open STEM doors for underserved children and strengthen communities via environmental projects.
(India CSR)
