Hyderabad, March 22: The highly anticipated CSR South 2025 took place on March 16 at Shilpakala Vedika, drawing an audience of over 1,000 industry leaders, NGO representatives, and academic experts. The event served as a dynamic platform for discussing the evolving role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in driving sustainable development and social impact across diverse communities.
Key Discussions & Insights The event featured thought-provoking discussions led by influential speakers who shared groundbreaking ideas and highlighted innovative initiatives making a tangible difference in education, healthcare, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
- Prof. M. Kodandaram: A noted political activist and educator, he underscored the importance of aligning CSR efforts with grassroots movements to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
- Mahendra Gudur (Telangana Development Forum): Introduced the “Science Lab on Wheels” initiative, which utilizes virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance education in rural schools, already benefiting over 4,000 students with a vision to reach 1 million by 2030.
- Vamshi Muthyapu (Infosys): Highlighted how CSR has evolved from a regulatory obligation to a strategic opportunity, emphasizing the importance of corporate-NGO partnerships.
- Ekta Viiveck Verma (Invisible Scars Foundation): Advocated for employee well-being through corporate policies addressing personal challenges and workplace support initiatives.
- N. Umakanth (ITC Limited): Spoke on integrating circular economy principles into CSR, citing ITC’s Wellbeing Out of Waste (WOW) program as a model for sustainable waste management.
- Dr. Sampath Reddy Cheruku (Rohini-Right to Oral Health Society): Addressed the link between oral health and community well-being, emphasizing AI-powered clinics and preventive care.
- Mayur Patnala (Nirmaan Organization): Stressed the role of social entrepreneurship and volunteerism in creating sustainable communities, showcasing Nirmaan’s impact on skill development.
- Dada Sargar (ASTER DM Healthcare): Highlighted the need for proactive disaster risk reduction strategies in CSR beyond post-disaster relief.
- Sarvanan Bhaskar (Broadridge Financial Solutions): Advocated for digital literacy programs for senior citizens to bridge the technological divide.
- Siva Bavanari (Cognizant): Discussed CSR’s role in empowering rural youth through skill development and inclusive hiring.
- Sunitha Cheruku (SVP India): Emphasized the potential of venture philanthropy in CSR, urging businesses to invest in sustainable social enterprises.
- Vyjayanthi Vasantha Mogli (Transgender Rights Activist): Called for corporate inclusion and workforce participation for transgender individuals.
Recognizing Excellence in CSR CSR South 2025 honored outstanding contributions to social impact through a prestigious awards ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations excelling in sustainability, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and more. Notable awardees included:
- Saketh Kothamasu – Young Change Maker CSR
- Devaki Vasudeva Rao – Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative NGO
- KEATS (Kakinada Engineering Alumni Trust for Service) – Initiative of the Year NGO
- Ravi Kalidindi – Excellence in Education
- Vandemataram Foundation – Education Initiative NGO
- OMIF (Women Empowerment) – Excellence in Promoting Women’s Empowerment
- P. Surekha Reddy – Women’s Empowerment Initiative NGO
- Pradeep Kumar – Corporate Community Partnership CSR
- Mahendra Gudur – Education (TDF)
- Centre for Sustainable Agriculture – Green Initiative NGO
(For a complete list of awardees, please visit the official CSR South 2025 website.)
A Vision for the Future CSR South 2025 underscored the critical role of responsible corporate engagement in shaping a more equitable and sustainable society. With actionable insights from experts and recognition of impactful initiatives, the event set the stage for deeper collaboration between businesses, NGOs, and policymakers to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
