The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, organized the National Conference & Exhibition on Leveraging CSR Excellence for Tribal Development in New Delhi to mark the 2nd Annual CSR Day in India, commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The event aimed to promote the Gandhian philosophy of trusteeship in CSR initiatives and advance tribal development through impactful, inclusive programs. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Union Ministers of State Durgadas Uikey and Harsh Malhotra, along with a special delegation of tribal artisans supported by TRIFED, who showcased their products at the exhibition. Other dignitaries included Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, M. Raja Murugan, MD, TRIFED, Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO, IICA, Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, and Prof. Garima Dadhich, Head, School of Business Environment, IICA.
Chanchal Kumar emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusion, and small yet impactful CSR projects that deliver measurable benefits across society. He highlighted the North East region’s potential for increased investment, improved infrastructure, and effective project implementation, encouraging CSR efforts to focus on equitable development. Shri Kumar also stressed the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving efficiency, creating jobs, and addressing social inequalities, particularly in tribal and rural areas. He urged CSR initiatives to prioritize education, skills development, and economic empowerment as critical enablers for sustainable national growth and a self-reliant workforce by 2047.
Delivering the welcome address, Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO of IICA, highlighted the transformation of India’s CSR landscape toward community-driven, impact-oriented programs. He noted that CSR spending has surpassed the mandated 2% threshold, reflecting a growing commitment to social welfare. Shri Singh emphasized that CSR should go beyond financial contributions to include technology transfer, management support, and knowledge sharing, particularly in tribal communities. He also underlined the urgent need for capacity building within implementing agencies and reaffirmed IICA’s role in enabling corporates and partners to deliver sustainable, measurable, and long-term social impact aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
