Tag: CSR

EduConnect

Through Education and Inclusion, Vedanta Sesa Goa Reaffirms Commitment to Nation Building

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 2026: On the twin occasions of National Girl Child Day and the International Day of Education, Vedanta Sesa Goa reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth through education, skills and empowerment initiatives aimed at building resilient communities and enabling nation building.



The company’s flagship CSR programme, Project Vriddhi, continues to be a cornerstone of its social impact initiatives, with a strong focus on promoting education in remote and underserved regions, particularly for the girl child. Through the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship, over 1,300 meritorious students have been supported since 2018 to pursue education from Class 10 through professional courses, with girls accounting for nearly 50 per cent of beneficiaries.

Several beneficiaries have witnessed life-changing outcomes through the programme. Leela Parab from Mulgao, Goa, was able to continue her B.Pharma degree despite personal loss, while Riya Dattaram Naik from Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, pursued her passion for fashion design. Lanchana M, a resident of remote Chitradurga, successfully followed her dream of studying computer engineering with the support of the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship.

Speaking on the occasion, Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, said the company remains committed to empowering the future through inclusive education and opportunity. He said initiatives such as Project Vriddhi, Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarships, the Sesa Technical School and the Sesa Football Academy reflect the organisation’s belief in investing meaningfully in communities to build a prosperous and inclusive future.

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s education-to-employment initiatives have also played a significant role in shaping livelihoods. The Sesa Technical School (STS), established in Sanquelim, Goa, in 1994, has trained over 2,000 youth in various technical trades, maintaining a near-100 per cent placement record. Girls are increasingly encouraged to enrol in technical courses at the institute, supported through scholarships. Alumni such as Chetan Salelkar, who went on to establish his own enterprise after graduating from the fitter trade, stand testimony to the programme’s long-term impact.

Digital inclusion forms another key pillar of Vedanta’s social interventions. Under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, seven computer centres and 19 school-based digital labs across Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka have empowered thousands by bridging the digital divide, including learners with visual impairments. Nearly 65 per cent of beneficiaries of these initiatives are girls and women.

Infrastructure support has further strengthened access to education. The Back-to-School initiative in Karnataka supports over 3,000 children annually by providing essential school kits, while more than 120 Anganwadis have been upgraded under the Nand Ghar initiative with smart kits, solar power and digital tools. Dedicated transport facilities in Karnataka and Odisha ensure safe access to education for children from remote locations.

Extending its commitment beyond academics, Vedanta Sesa Goa has also invested in sports development through the Sesa Football Academy. The academy has empowered girls from rural areas with structured training and competitive exposure, with its senior women’s team qualifying for the Indian Women’s League 2026. Players such as Aaroshi Govekar and Pearl Fernandes, who have earned national call-ups, exemplify how opportunity and mentorship can transform potential into achievement.

Together, these initiatives underline Vedanta Sesa Goa’s long-term vision of empowering girls and youth not merely as beneficiaries, but as agents of change. By strengthening access to education, skills, infrastructure and opportunity, the company continues to support the creation of confident individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to an inclusive and sustainable future.

Finance

HDFC Bank Releases First Standalone CSR Report, Spends ₹1,068 Crore in FY25

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, has released its first-ever standalone annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, marking a significant milestone in its decade-long journey of social impact through its umbrella initiative, Parivartan. The report highlights the Bank’s sustained commitment to inclusive and sustainable development across the country.

In FY 2024–25, HDFC Bank spent ₹1,068.03 crore on CSR initiatives, reflecting an increase of nearly ₹123 crore over the previous year. As of March 31, 2025, the Bank’s cumulative CSR investment stands at ₹6,176 crore. Over the past ten years, Parivartan has touched 10.56 crore lives across 28 states and eight Union Territories, with projects implemented in 102 of the 112 Aspirational Districts identified by the Government of India. The Bank has also extended its rural development initiatives to 298 border villages.

The CSR Report outlines HDFC Bank’s work across six core focus areas that address critical social and environmental needs. Its flagship Holistic Rural Development Programme follows an integrated, cluster-based approach to improve infrastructure, education, natural resource management, health and sanitation, positively impacting over 14.92 lakh households. In education, the Bank has strengthened access and quality through scholarships, digital learning and infrastructure, disbursing over 29,000 scholarships, setting up more than 2,600 SMART schools and establishing 930 community libraries.

Through skill training and livelihood enhancement programmes, HDFC Bank has enabled 7.2 lakh individuals, including youth and women, to secure sustainable livelihoods. Its healthcare and hygiene initiatives have expanded access to preventive care, maternal and child health services and hygiene awareness, benefiting over three lakh individuals through mobile clinics, cancer care support and maternal health initiatives. Financial literacy and inclusion efforts have empowered individuals with banking awareness and digital safety, with the Bank’s Vigil Aunty campaign on fraud awareness reaching over 21 lakh followers online.

The newest focus area under Parivartan, natural resource management, promotes sustainability through water conservation, afforestation, solar energy solutions and biodiversity conservation. To date, the Bank has created 14,520 water conservation structures and installed more than 69,000 solar lights, supporting long-term environmental stewardship.

Aligned with 10 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, HDFC Bank’s CSR initiatives reflect an integrated approach to development that balances economic progress with social equity and environmental responsibility. Commenting on the milestone, Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank, said that Parivartan represents the Bank’s sustained effort to work alongside communities in unlocking their potential, guided by a philosophy of inclusive, locally relevant and future-focused development.

Social

HDFC Bank to Host 17th Annual Nationwide Blood Donation Drive on December 5, 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private-sector banks, will host the 17th edition of its nationwide Blood Donation Drive under its flagship CSR initiative, Parivartan. The annual effort is scheduled for December 5, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and will take place across more than 1,100 cities in India. The initiative continues to be one of the Bank’s most impactful community welfare programmes, encouraging large-scale participation from employees, customers, corporates, defence personnel, students and members of local communities.

The drive highlights the Bank’s commitment to supporting the country’s ongoing requirement for safe and timely blood donations. Since its inception in 2007, the Annual Blood Donation Drive has grown from only 88 centres and 4,385 units collected to more than 5,533 camps and 3.38 lakh units collected across 1,408 locations in 2024. It also earned a Guinness World Record in 2013 for conducting the largest single-day, multiple-venue blood donation event.

Mr Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director at HDFC Bank, expressed gratitude to all volunteers and partners who have contributed to the drive over the years. He emphasised that the simple act of donating blood can create an immediate and meaningful impact on someone’s life. Mr Bhavesh Zaveri, Executive Director at HDFC Bank, noted that the initiative has grown significantly due to the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by employees and partners, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem.

To ensure the highest standards of safety and transparency, HDFC Bank collaborates with reputed blood banks, healthcare institutions, NGOs and government authorities. This year’s edition will continue these partnerships, maintaining strong adherence to medical protocols and ethical practices. With community participation at its core, the 17th Annual Blood Donation Drive seeks to inspire individuals across the country to come together and contribute to a life-saving cause.

Business

ICSI Takes a Leap Forward in Professional Development and Corporate Governance

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Goa, November 2025: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has once again demonstrated its leadership in advancing professional education and promoting sound corporate governance. Through new programs, strategic collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives, the institute continues to empower professionals and students to meet the evolving demands of the corporate world with skill, integrity, and confidence.

ICSI has introduced a comprehensive Capacity Building Series consisting of specialized webinars designed to enhance practical knowledge and industry understanding among members and students. These sessions aim to equip company secretaries with the expertise required to navigate complex regulatory frameworks while strengthening their professional capabilities.

In line with its commitment to innovation, ICSI has launched a two-year full-time MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management in collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University. This pioneering program combines the principles of maritime law, business, and compliance, preparing professionals to take on leadership roles in the global maritime sector. The institute has also introduced a Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) in partnership with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), offering specialized insights into governance, securities regulations, and market compliance practices.

Further expanding its global outlook, ICSI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Services Exports Promotion Council (SEPC) to design customized training programs for members and facilitate international exposure. These collaborations reflect the institute’s focus on creating opportunities that align with global standards of governance and professional growth.

The institute continues to prioritize student welfare through initiatives such as online doubt-clearing sessions for Executive and Professional Programme students and the organization of Olympiads aimed at spreading awareness about the Company Secretary profession among school students. These initiatives encourage young learners to explore future career opportunities in the fields of governance, compliance, and corporate law.

ICSI’s commitment to fostering a global community of governance professionals is evident through its major events held throughout the year. The 53rd National Convention of Company Secretaries served as a platform for knowledge exchange and professional dialogue, while the 4th International Conference in Sydney and the Middle East Conference in Abu Dhabi facilitated international collaboration and discussions on emerging governance trends and best practices.

To strengthen ethical practices and promote sustainable governance, ICSI has launched several frameworks and standards, including the ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS), which emphasize responsible investing and ethical stewardship, and the Governance and Compliance Standard on PoSH, which standardizes Internal Committee procedures and promotes safe workplaces. The ICSI International ADR Centre, a multi-city initiative, aims to reduce the burden on courts by providing a structured system for alternate dispute resolution, ensuring timely and fair outcomes.

Demonstrating its dedication to national service, ICSI has contributed ₹52 lakhs to the Ministry of Defence to support the education and empowerment of the daughters of martyrs. This act of social responsibility underscores the institute’s broader vision of nation-building and inclusive development.

With a growing global presence, ICSI now operates six overseas centres in Australia, Canada, Singapore, UAE, UK, and the USA, providing its members with access to international markets, networks, and learning opportunities.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India continues to play a transformative role in shaping the future of the Company Secretary profession. Its continuous efforts to build a knowledgeable, ethical, and globally competent community of professionals reflect its core mission — to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. Through its vision and initiatives, ICSI remains a cornerstone of professional excellence and a guiding force for the corporate governance landscape in India and beyond.

Human Interest

Mukesh Ambani Donates ₹15 Crore to Guruvayur Devaswom for New Multi-Speciality Hospital

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani made a spiritual and philanthropic stop in Kerala this week, visiting the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur and offering a ₹15 crore donation towards the Guruvayur Devaswom’s upcoming multi-speciality hospital project. Arriving by helicopter early on Sunday morning, Ambani reached the temple via the southern gate and was received by officials of the Devaswom Board, including Chairman Dr V.K. Vijayan. He took part in temple rituals, offered prayers to Lord Guruvayurappan, and made a traditional ghee-lamp offering before handing over the cheque.

The ₹15 crore contribution marks the first instalment of Reliance’s support for the Devaswom’s healthcare initiative, which aims to build a modern multi-speciality hospital serving devotees, pilgrims, and the local population in and around Thrissur district. Reports indicate that the project will integrate advanced medical facilities, emergency care, and community services within the temple’s ecosystem.

In addition to financial support, Ambani also expressed his willingness to extend technical assistance for elephant care and veterinary facilities at the temple, referencing Reliance’s own wildlife and animal welfare programs in Gujarat. After the temple visit and donation ceremony, the Guruvayur Devaswom presented him with prasadam and a commemorative mural painting as a token of gratitude.

This gesture adds to Mukesh Ambani’s long history of religious visits and philanthropic contributions across India, aligning spiritual devotion with tangible social impact. His donation to the Guruvayur Devaswom reflects Reliance’s broader commitment to community health and sustainable development, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can blend seamlessly with cultural heritage and faith-based initiatives.