Kolkata, 13th March 2025: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully hosted its 7th Social Impact Summit & Awards on Wednesday at ITC Sonar, honouring organisations that have made significant contributions to social impact through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Centred around the theme “Innovate for Impact: Shaping a Sustainable Future,” the event recognised transformative initiatives driving positive change. The summit was graced by distinguished personalities, including Ms Agnimitra Paul, Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly; Mr. Anshu Gupta, Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner & Founder, Goonj; Mr. Sekhar Mehta, Former Global President, Rotary International; Mr. Saikat Basu, CEO, Consultivo; Dr. Krishna Nirmalya Sen, Chairman – ICC OHS Committee & Head (EHS), L&T M&M SBG; and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC. With a focus on fostering innovation in the social sector, the summit featured insightful discussions on key topics such as The Role of Ecosystem in Social Impact; Innovations in the Social Sector; Sustainability in CSR Programs; Emerging Trends and Its Implications for Social Development; and Collaborative Innovation for Social Good: Scaling Impact through Partnerships.

Speaking on the Women Empowerment: A Pillar of Progress, Ms Agnimitra Paul, Member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, said “Women in Bharat have always been empowered with history filled with strong, courageous women like Sita, Savitri, Draupadi, Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Rani Padmini, Matangini Hazra and Pritilata Waddedar. We do not need to seek empowerment—we already possess it; the challenge is to create an environment where every woman can realise her full potential without barriers. I stand here as proof of that empowerment. Coming from a small town, Asansol, with no godfather in the industry, I still dreamt big. From aspiring to be a doctor, to becoming a fashion designer, to finally stepping into politics, my journey has been unconventional. In 2014, I joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, inspired by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of a strong, progressive India. People laughed when I dreamt of working under his leadership. As an MLA, I have the privilege of voicing the concerns of Bengal’s people. Since 2014, we have seen a remarkable rise in women’s participation across all fields—PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu and Hima Das in sports; women fighter pilots, Kalpana Chawla and ISRO’s Dr. Ritu Karidhal in defense and aerospace; Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and countless women entrepreneurs redefining business and science. And it all started with one leader having the courage to speak about real issues—our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. His first speech from Red Fort addressed sanitary napkins and toilets—topics that were taboo for years—because they affect the dignity and health of millions of women. Since 2014, the government has launched transformative initiatives—Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao improved the child sex ratio from 918 (2015) to 931 (2023); Ujjwala Yojana provided 5.5 crore LPG connections, reducing health hazards from traditional chulhas; Matru Vandana Yojana ensured ₹5,000 assistance for pregnant & lactating mothers; Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana secured girls’ education; Mudra Yojana & StandUp India empowered women entrepreneurs—70% of beneficiaries are women; and the 33% Reservation for Women in Parliament is a historic step towards true representation. To achieve true empowerment, we need four key pillars—Dedication for committed policies with measurable impact, Determination to break traditional barriers, Discipline to ensure transparency in welfare schemes and Dignity to create a society where women feel safe, respected, and independent. Instead of short-term financial handouts, we must focus on long-term solutions—skill development, entrepreneurship, stronger implementation of education schemes and better safety and law enforcement. Swami Vivekananda once said, ‘A nation that does not respect women can never achieve greatness.’ It is time we bridge the gaps, implement real change and create a Bharat where every woman, from villages to metros, has the opportunity to thrive. I urge all of you—policymakers, business leaders and social influencers—to take concrete steps towards real, sustainable empowerment. Because when women rise, India rises.”

Mr. Anshu Gupta, Ramon Magsaysay Award Winner & Founder of Goonj, said, “We fail to recognise that disasters lead to forced migration, which disrupts all development work—whether in education, health or sanitation. Without addressing survival first, sustainability is impossible. We need to meet more often—not just at conferences but in the field. The social development sector is highly collaborative and partnerships drive impact. Let’s also shift our focus from symptoms to root causes—kill mosquitoes instead of just treating malaria. If we want better education outcomes, building schools isn’t enough. Solve water scarcity in villages, stop forced migration and children will naturally attend school. We are powerful, we have resources, and above all, we have intent. Now, we must go beyond surface level solutions and tackle problems at their core.”

Dr. Krishna Nirmalya Sen, Chairman – ICC OHS Committee & Head (EHS), L&T M&M SBG, said, “Over the past decade, India’s CSR landscape has undergone a paradigm shift since the enactment of the Companies Act 2013, which mandated CSR contributions for eligible companies. In FY 2022-23 alone, 24,392 Indian companies invested ₹29,986.92 crores in CSR initiatives, significantly impacting key sectors and reflecting India Inc.’s growing commitment to nation-building. The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights a remarkable 53% increase in CSR spending between 2017-18 and 2022-23, driving tangible progress in education, healthcare, rural development, environmental sustainability and livelihood enhancement. With over ₹10,085 crore allocated towards education, millions of children have benefited from CSR-driven programs, while ₹6,830 crores have improved access to quality healthcare. Environmental sustainability efforts have seen ₹1,959 crore invested, resulting in afforestation and significant reductions in carbon emissions. Additionally, ₹396 crores have been dedicated to women empowerment initiatives, providing financial literacy and livelihood opportunities to millions of women. The Government of India continues to play a proactive role in enabling and motivating CSR activities through key policies and frameworks, including the National CSR Awards recognizing outstanding projects and the 2021 amendments strengthening compliance and impact assessment. The PM CARES Fund received over ₹10,000 crores in corporate contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, further showcasing the private sector’s unwavering commitment to national welfare. Moreover, aligning CSR initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscores India’s dedication to achieving the 2030 Agenda. While significant progress has been made, the journey ahead demands even greater collaboration and innovation—strengthening public-private partnerships to maximise social impact, leveraging technology and digital solutions to scale interventions, encouraging employee-driven volunteer programs for grassroots engagement and reinforcing impact assessment mechanisms to ensure measurable, lasting change.”

Mr. Saikat Basu, CEO, Consultivo, said, “This year, we received 57 impactful projects—36 from corporates and 21 from NGOs, with a total of 45 participating organizations. NGO projects were categorised into Large (₹10 Cr+), Medium (₹2-10 Cr) and Small (₹50L-2 Cr) across 10 major thematic areas.”

Mr. Sekhar Mehta, Former Global President, Rotary International, said, “This forum showcases how collaboration between civil society, corporates, and government drives real change. As a Rotarian for 40 years, I’ve seen the power of volunteerism. Rotary’s polio eradication effort, launched in 1988, reduced cases from 1,000 per day to near zero, with India declared polio-free in 2014. This proves that commitment and partnerships create impact. Now, let’s tackle illiteracy, water scarcity, and skill development. A national mission, backed by top corporates, can make India fully literate. If each of our 25 crore students educates just one adult, we close the gap in a few years.”

Mumbai/Ziro, March 13, 2025: The Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Skill Development, an initiative by Medhavi Skills University (MSU) in collaboration with Helping Hands NGO, successfully hosted its convocation ceremony to honour the first batch of graduating students from its Plumbing and Electrical programs. The event, held at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre (MGC) in Hong Village, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, marked a significant milestone in empowering the youth of the north-east region with skill-based education.

The convocation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Director General of Police (DGP) Mr. Robin Hibu (IPS), Delhi Police and Founder, Helping Hands and Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder & Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University.

The event celebrated the achievements of students who successfully completed their certificate programs in Electrical and Plumbing, equipping them with industry-relevant skills. Along with certificates, the learners also received electrical and plumbing tool kits that would help them in their line of work in the future. Besides earning a monthly stipend, the students have started getting job opportunities which were earlier offered to talent from outside the region. It has aided in timely resolution of plumbing and electrical issues of the localities.

As a highlight of the ceremony, the Award of Excellence was presented to three top-performing students in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their respective courses. Hibu Komo from the Electrical (1st Batch), Narang Pullo from the Electrical (2nd Batch), and Tasu Abo from the Plumbing (1st Batch) were honoured for their hard work.

In an ongoing effort to expand vocational training, the Mahatma Gandhi Centre has announced the launch of a Certificate Program in Hair Styling, set to begin in April 2025. Aimed at empowering school dropouts, the centre offers a hands-on learning experience through well-equipped practical labs and structured theoretical modules to students in the thriving beauty and wellness sector.

Speaking at the event, Shri Robin Hibu, a strong advocate for industry-integrated skill-based education, emphasized the impact of such initiatives: “Providing skill-based education to the youth of the North-East is a vital step towards ensuring their socio-economic upliftment. Our collaboration with Medhavi Skills University is a testament to our commitment to this cause. By equipping students with practical skills, we are creating pathways for sustainable employment and financial independence.”

 Mr. Dudani stated that “Our aim is to make skill-based education inclusive and accessible to all, equipping the people of the north-east with industry-relevant training that empowers them to build successful careers. Through initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, we are fostering holistic development and creating opportunities for a brighter, self-reliant future.”

During the ceremony, Grace Rehabilitation Centre (run by Apatani Baptist Association, Ziro) and Mother’s Home (run by Achukuru Welfare Society, Ziro) were recognized with certificates for their outstanding contributions to community welfare.

The event also featured cultural Apatani dance performances by traditional local artists, musical presentations, and discussions on social impact and empowerment. Students shared their transformative journey with MSU and Helping Hands. They recounted their dedication, traveling three hours to reach the learning center in Ziro. Upon completing their course, they successfully secured jobs and were able to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, embracing self-employment opportunities.

MSU continues to expand its reach by introducing new courses and skill-building programs, providing students in remote areas like Ziro with enhanced employment opportunities. Through its initiatives, the university remains committed to bridging the skill gap in India and empowering youth with education that translates into meaningful careers.

Hyderabad 13^th March 2025: NephroPlus, Asia’s largest dialysis care network, has achieved a monumental milestone by setting a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Number of Sign-ups for a Health Screening Test in One Week’ with 10,500 sign-ups within the period – 6^th – 11^th March 2025 and securing a place in the India Book of Records for the ‘Maximum People Screened for Serum Creatinine Test Held at Multiple Venues.’ Over 4500 screenings were conducted from March 6th to 8th, 2025, across 26+ cities as part of its campaign for World Kidney Day 2025, with additional screenings to be carried out in the following days. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to promote awareness about the early detection and prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and educate communities on essential kidney health practices through accessible screenings and personalized risk assessments.

The free kidney screening camps, organized under the slogan ‘Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early and Protect Kidney Health,’ received an overwhelming response from thousands of participants. The initiative specifically targeted high-risk individuals, including those with diabetes and hypertension, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease. Major cities covered in the campaign included Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, Pune, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Ranchi among others.

On this occasion, NephroPlus also launched a groundbreaking study on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). With the extensive offline data collected through these screenings, the company plans to publish a white paper and a manuscript in a reputed academic journal—most likely the first-ever global white paper on CKD prevention. This marks a significant milestone in the global fight against CKD and reinforces NephroPlus’s leadership in kidney health innovation.

Vikram Vuppala, Group CEO and Founder of NephroPlus said: “This remarkable accomplishment highlights our unwavering commitment to raising awareness about kidney health in a country where CKD prevalence ranges from 12% to 21% across different regions. Many cases remain undiagnosed until the advanced stages, which underscores the need for large-scale, preventive health interventions. Setting two world records simultaneously reflects the unprecedented scale of our initiative and our determination to bring life-saving early detection to communities with limited access to specialized healthcare.” He further added: “The launch of our CKD prevention study is a game-changer. Governments worldwide need to recognize that CKD prevention is not just a health initiative—it’s a strategic economic investment. The insights from this study will drive advocacy for increased government funding and policy changes focused on early detection and intervention. We believe this could have a lasting impact on global healthcare frameworks.”

The CKD white paper will emphasize why governments should prioritize CKD prevention, not only as a public health measure but also as a long-term economic strategy. Early intervention can reduce healthcare costs, prevent productivity loss, and improve the overall quality of life for millions. This pioneering research sets NephroPlus apart as the global leader in CKD prevention and treatment innovation.

Building on this achievement, NephroPlus plans to further its kidney health awareness efforts in the upcoming years. The insights gathered from this campaign will contribute to further research and advocacy efforts, ensuring greater access to early diagnosis and preventive care for millions across India.

Chandigarh, 13 March 2025: This Holi, Godrej Vikhroli Cucina, the owned media platform of Godrej Industries Group (GIG), brings festive flavours to life with celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. In a special Instagram video, Chef Harpal showcases how to make naturally colourful Thandai using Godrej Jersey Milk, proving that Holi celebrations can be just as vibrant—without artificial food dyes.

Over the years, synthetic colours and artificial flavours have sneaked into festive treats, promising instant brightness but often at the cost of authentic taste. But why settle for artificial when nature offers all the colours needed for a Holi-worthy spread? Chef Harpal takes up a flavourful challenge to recreate the classic Thandai in four dazzling shades—without a drop of artificial colouring. From saffron’s golden glow to the deep pink of rose petals, the rich green of pistachios, and even the striking blue of blueberries—nature has all the colours needed for Holi! And what’s the perfect base for this creamy delight? Enter Godrej Jersey Milk—pure, rich, and just what’s needed to tie all the flavours together while keeping the festive spirit alive.

With his signature charm, Chef Harpal exclaims, “Holi hai, doston! Rang barse, par sirf natural waale!” As he blends, stirs, and pours, the Thandai variations come alive—each one a delicious tribute to India’s rich culinary traditions.

Shantanu Raj, Head – of Marketing, Godrej Jersey shared, “For years, Godrej Jersey has been a trusted dairy brand, loved for its purity and rich taste. Thandai, an iconic Holi drink, truly comes to life when made with high-quality milk, and Godrej Jersey Milk is a perfect companion. It enhances the richness of the drink while keeping its authenticity intact. Through this collaboration, we want to inspire people to rediscover the joy of festive foods made with real ingredients, real colours, and real flavours”

Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi added, “Holi ke rang jitne natural, utne hi khoobsurat! Our kitchens are filled with ingredients that add stunning colors to our food, naturally. This Holi, I wanted to show how we can celebrate with food that’s not only festive but also full of real flavors and goodness. Thandai toh sirf ek shuruaat hai—imagine the possibilities when we look to our traditional roots for inspiration!”

Chandigarh, 13^th March 2025: The appliance business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, has reinforced its commitment to consumer-driven innovation with the introduction of its Food and Microbiology Lab. This dedicated facility allows Godrej to scientifically study food behavior, preservation techniques, and hygiene factors, ensuring that its appliances are designed to truly serve the needs of Indian consumers.

Equipped to assess a wide range of scientific parameters like pH levels, ripening stages, humidity control, and microbial activity to hedonic factors like taste, texture, and appearance, the lab plays a vital role in enhancing product capabilities.

Trusted by millions of Indians, Godrej is committed to insight-driven innovation. This facility stands as a testament to that legacy, seamlessly blending scientific research with real-world consumer needs to develop appliances that cater to modern lifestyles, evolving dietary habits, and health-conscious choices. Managed by a team of food scientist and microbiologist, and overseen by the Head of Innovation for the Appliances Business, the lab is dedicated to pioneering solutions that enhance everyday living.

The Food & Microbiology Lab supports categories like Refrigerators and Microwave Ovens with extension plans to support microbiology based research across categories – from cooling led domains like Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration to Cleaning categories like Washing Machines.

Mr. Kamal Nandi, Business Head and Executive Vice President at Appliances Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said “Our new Food and Microbiology Lab is a testament to our consumer-centric approach, driving innovations that solve real problems, and unlock value for consumers. By prioritizing tangible benefits like food preservation, indoor air quality, and more, we design appliances that thoughtfully make a difference in our consumers’ daily lives.”

Mr. Burzin Wadia, Head of Research & Development at Appliances Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “We launched our Food and Microbiology Lab to analyze how food, air, and fabric interact with our appliances. From monitoring food freshness parameters to air and cloth quality, this facility will allow us to engineer appliances that deliver tangible benefits to our consumers. Our focus remains on creating solutions that seamlessly integrate into our consumer’s lives.”

The Food and Microbiology Lab is housed within the Appliances business of Godrej Enterprises Group’s expansive R&D facility in Pirangut, Pune—a close to ₹100 crore facility with NABL-accredited in-house labs and cutting-edge infrastructure. This advanced setup empowers the brand to accelerate product development timelines and bring innovative, consumer-centric appliances to market