ICS 2025: Corporate Social Responsibility as a Force for National Progress
Corporate social responsibility in India is undergoing a profound transformation, as revealed during an insightful fireside chat at the India Communication Summit 2025. The session, "Purpose in Practice: Building Authentic
Social Impact Narratives
," brought together industry leaders who are redefining how businesses create meaningful societal impact.
The conversation featured Puneet Anand, AVP and Vertical Head of Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication and Social at
Hyundai Motor India
, alongside Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships at Reckitt – South Asia. The session was moderated by Anirban Roy Choudhury, Senior Associate Editor & Lead, Product, ETBrandEquity.com, who guided the discussion through strategies that elevate CSR from obligation to opportunity.
Throughout the dialogue, Anand emphasized how authentic
community engagement
contributes to national progress, noting that CSR initiatives can play a crucial role in building a more developed India. His perspective highlighted the potential for businesses to drive societal advancement through strategic social initiatives.
Hyundai
structures its community programs around three foundational pillars: earth, mobility, and hope. Their "Be the Better Guy" road safety campaign stands as a testament to long-term commitment. Launched in 2016, this initiative partners with state governments to address India's road safety challenges through awareness programs and technological solutions.
Strategic collaboration emerged as a recurring theme when Bhatnagar stressed the importance of selecting the right partners and rapidly scaling successful programs. This collaborative approach has enabled both organizations to maximize their impact across diverse sectors and regions throughout India.
The discussion revealed how innovation drives effective CSR, as illustrated by Hyundai's telemedicine program. With 55 centers established across 11 states, the initiative has dramatically improved healthcare accessibility while reducing costs for rural communities – demonstrating how corporate resources can solve critical infrastructure gaps.
Reckitt's nutrition intervention program showcased similar strategic thinking. By focusing on the crucial first 1,000 days of motherhood and employing culturally resonant communication, they've successfully addressed malnutrition challenges in aspirational districts across the country.
Community empowerment took center stage when Anand discussed "Art for Hope," an initiative providing rural artisans – including those with disabilities – platforms to showcase their talents globally. This program illustrates how CSR can preserve cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
Both leaders emphasized that meaningful social impact requires patience, authenticity, and measurable outcomes. Their experiences reveal a fundamental shift in corporate mindset – from viewing CSR as compliance to embracing it as a strategic opportunity for creating shared value.
To conclude, the session presented practical insights into how corporations can become genuine catalysts for societal transformation, contributing meaningfully to national development while building deeper community connections that extend well beyond traditional business boundaries.
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