- SEAP starts Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum
- Pune Corporates and NGOs Unite for Social Responsibility at Pune Social Impact Dialogue, organized by Software Exporters Association of Pune (SEAP)
PUNE: Experts in the CSR field emphasize that adopting an inclusive approach, involving all stakeholders, is essential for CSR initiatives, as it facilitates desired development and enables collective progress.
The Pune Social Impact Dialogue, organized by the Software Exporters Association of Pune (SEAP), was recently held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Bund Garden Road. The event featured a panel discussion where experts shared their insights. The program was inaugurated by Sonali Deshpande, Chairperson of Persistent Foundation.
Key dignitaries present at the event included President of SEAP Vinita Gera, Vice President Shivraj Sable, Secretary and Coordinator of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum Vidyadhar Purandare, Treasurer Anand Ranade and EC Members of SEAP, including Abhijit Atre, Nitin Deshpande, Ashutosh Parasnis, Amod Deshpande, Shivesh Vishwanathan, and Uday Gujar, were also present among others.
Corporate institutions’ CSR funds often fail to reach the right social organizations. With this in mind, the Software Exporters Association of Pune (SEAP) has taken the initiative to ensure the effective utilization of CSR funds. To connect the right institutions with the right projects, SEAP has created the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum. As part of this initiative, the “Pune Social Impact Dialogue” was organized.
During the program, Sonali Deshpande, Chairperson of Persistent Foundation, emphasized that India is known globally as a nation of youth, with the largest young population. However, the country faces a challenge in providing sufficient job opportunities. Therefore, young people need to explore opportunities through self-employment and strive to move forward.
The dialogue featured a panel discussion on “Social Responsibility” with Sachin Gadgil, Architect Anagha Paranjape, Vidyadhar Purandare, Jignesh Thakkar, and Shivam Singh sharing their insights.
While working in the field of social responsibility, various challenges exist, and companies and individuals need to change their mindset to address these issues, said Architect Anagha Paranjape. She emphasized that environmental issues have become critical over the past few decades and require immediate attention. It is essential to focus on making our living spaces greener and inculcating water conservation habits among citizens. While cities in many parts of the world are dying, Indian cities are growing rapidly, she added.
Paranjape also noted that the new generation is experimental and has a good approach to in-depth thinking. When working through CSR, there is a gap between companies and society in solving existing problems. Bridging this gap and working together to find permanent solutions is becoming increasingly important.
Vidyadhar Purandare emphasized that as cities develop, it is crucial to think about their development in a structured way. Understanding future needs, planning accordingly, and involving people in solving their problems is essential. A collective and collaborative effort will help to address key challenges effectively.
Jignesh Thakkar emphasized the importance of understanding societal needs and adapting accordingly. He stated that sustainable development necessitates collaboration between companies and society to move forward. The younger generation has tremendous energy, and harnessing it positively can lead to development.
Sachin Gadgil emphasized the need to increase people’s participation in CSR initiatives and focus on human resources. Today’s youth are intelligent and proactive, and with proper training, they can become the human resources needed for this field. Shivam Singh coordinated the panel discussion and moderated the session.