Rusen Kumar’s thought leadership and actionable advice on accessing CSR funding and strengthening NGO impact left a lasting impression on attendees, inspiring them to drive meaningful change through strategic partnerships and community engagement.
PUNE (India CSR): The Hindu Seva Mahotsav, in association with Jio Foundation, hosted an engaging Interactive Session for NGOs and Trusts at the Seminar Hall, S.P. College Ground, Pune. The national level forum, part of the Hindu Spiritual and Service Fair 2024 (19-22 Dec 2024), brought together experts and leaders to discuss critical topics related to compliance, financial best practices, and CSR strategies.
Rusen Kumar, Founder of India CSR and a prominent CSR expert, was a distinguished panelist at the session. His session provided a comprehensive overview of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India. He began by explaining What CSR is—a statutory obligation for businesses under Indian law to allocate 2% of their average net profits for social development initiatives.
He elaborated on How CSR Works, emphasizing the strategic collaboration between corporates and NGOs to implement impactful projects aligned with national priorities like education, healthcare, rural development, and environmental sustainability. Rusen Kumar also detailed the CSR Funding Criteria for NGOs, including compliance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, clear documentation, project alignment with a company’s CSR goals, and measurable outcomes.
Additionally, he provided practical guidance on How NGOs Can Access CSR Funding, highlighting the importance of transparency, strategic proposals, measurable objectives, and regular impact assessments. Rusen Kumar underscored the pivotal Role of NGOs in Nation-Building, describing them as catalysts for grassroots change. He emphasized how NGOs bridge the gap between policy frameworks and their implementation, driving socio-economic transformation and fostering inclusive growth.
Rusen Kumar’s insights during the discussion on “CSR, Funding, and Preparations” were highly impactful, inspiring attendees to adopt innovative approaches to CSR partnerships and funding.
The session also featured esteemed panelists, including Dilip Deshmukh, Jt. Commissioner, Charity (Retd.), Pune; Mugdha Sardeshpande, IRS, Jt. Commissioner, Income Tax, Pune; and Hrishikesh Badve, CA and Secretary, ICAI, Pune. Dr. Priti Kale, President of Jio Foundation, moderated the event.
Special guests included Krishnakumar Goyal, President of HSSF Fair 2024; Ashok Gundecha, President of HSSF and Dadawadi Jain Temple; Kishor Yenpure, General Secretary of HSSF and Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, Founder & MD, Aspire Knowledge & Skills India Pvt. Ltd Pune.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that Hinduism is an eternal dharma, and the Acharyas of this eternal and Sanatan dharma uphold the principles of Sewa Dharma, which is the dharma of humanity. Speaking at the inauguration of the Hindu Sewa Mahotsav in Pune, he highlighted the essence of “Sewa” as a fundamental tenet of Hinduism, deeply rooted in compassion, service, and humanity. He called upon individuals and organizations to embrace this ethos, aligning their efforts toward societal welfare and sustainable development. The event set the stage for meaningful discussions on social transformation and community engagement through service.
(India CSR)
