Award Presented by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee and Rusen Kumar in New Delhi for Transformative Contributions to Education, Governance, and Rural Development
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a landmark celebration of India’s most impactful sustainability and social development champions, Dr. Girish Desai, Executive Director of Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust (PCET) and Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU), and Independent Director at Fidel Softech Ltd., was honoured with the prestigious India CSR Impact Leader Award 2025 at a grand ceremony held in New Delhi on November 21, 2025.
The award was conferred by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, widely regarded as the Father of Indian CSR and Chairman of the National Committee for Formulation of Indian Standards for ESG (Bureau of Indian Standards), along with Rusen Kumar, Founder of India CSR and one of India’s foremost voices in CSR and sustainability.
The India CSR Impact Leader Award 2025 recognises leaders who have redefined institutional governance, inspired large-scale community development, and shaped the nation’s social responsibility landscape. Dr. Desai’s recognition comes as a result of his exceptional contributions across education, rural transformation, institutional leadership, and community empowerment.
The award was presented at the 16th CSR Leadership Summit 2025 under the theme “CSR for Future-ready Economy: Aligning Business with SDGs.”, which brought together leading CSR champions, policymakers, and corporate leaders.
For over three decades, Dr. Desai has distinguished himself as a leader who merges academic excellence, industry integration, and social responsibility with remarkable clarity and commitment.
Leadership Transforming Education
At the helm of three major institutions — PCET, Pimpri Chinchwad University, and Nutan Maharashtra Vidya Prasarak Mandal (NMVPM) — Dr. Desai has created a powerful education ecosystem that touches thousands of lives each year.
Under his visionary guidance, PCET has evolved into one of Maharashtra’s most dynamic educational establishments, shaping 20,000+ students annually from Kindergarten to PhD. The Trust has been widely appreciated for its industry-aligned, future-ready, skill-focused educational framework.
As the Executive Director of the newly established Pimpri Chinchwad University, Dr. Desai has played a pivotal role in transforming Pune’s higher education landscape. PCU today stands as a model of modern, progressive, experiential, and industry-integrated learning, reflecting his commitment to developing youth for emerging global challenges.
Heading the 113-year-old NMVPM, Dr. Desai continues to nurture an institution that has shaped generations of learners. While safeguarding its cultural and academic heritage, he has introduced contemporary reforms, ensuring that the institution remains student-centric and future-oriented.
Rural Development Champion
Beyond academia, Dr. Desai’s service extends to the grassroots. As Secretary of the Shankarrao Patil Charitable Trust (SPCT), he has led impactful work in rural development, capacity building, livelihood enhancement, and inclusive community empowerment.
His projects with SPCT have strengthened rural institutions, enabled skill development, and created pathways for sustainable, equitable growth — reflecting a deep conviction in social justice and long-term development.
Governance Across Sectors
Dr. Desai’s role as an Independent Director at Fidel Softech Ltd. exemplifies his multidisciplinary influence. His strategic contributions support innovation, digital growth, governance reforms, and organizational excellence within the technology and language solutions sector — showcasing his versatility and forward-thinking leadership.
Over the years, Dr. Desai has earned respect as a thought leader, education administrator, rural development champion, and governance expert. His steadfast dedication to the public good has shaped thousands of lives, influenced developmental thinking, and strengthened the relationship between education, industry, and community.
The India CSR Summit brought together India’s most influential CSR leaders, corporate changemakers, government dignitaries, and civil society experts to chart the future of responsible development in India.
(India CSR)
