Description

As part of our commitment to advancing responsible and inclusive business practices in Asia, we are excited to announce the launch of our latest research publication: Promoting Social Inclusion in India – The Role of Companies. This research explores the role of responsible businesses in India in improving the ability, opportunity and dignity of people who are disadvantaged based on their identity and encourages companies to respond in a positive and proactive way. In it, we examine what is meant by ‘promoting social inclusion’, the context in India, provide motivation for action, and showcase leading programmes from companies in India. The publication is based on insights from experts and business leaders and features case studies from leading companies in India.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

We welcome representatives from DIAN India member companies and non-member companies who are CSR, Sustainability, Citizenship, HR, D&I professionals, and other business leaders with responsibility for driving CSR strategies in India. For this session, we are also encouraging companies to bring along key internal stakeholders, including lead employee volunteers, so that they can gain a better understanding of the work being done in this space by other companies, ask questions, and network with like-minded individuals.

WHY ATTEND/KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Understand why and how corporates should play a proactive role in promoting social inclusion.
  • Hear from the speakers about the various ways in which organisations are promoting social inclusion in the wider community.
  • Uncover some of the unique challenges faced by various marginalised communities across India and discover ways to support them.
  • Hear advice from leading organisations with regard to their approach, challenges, and future goals and take advantage of the opportunity to network with like-minded stakeholders.
  • Be inspired and encouraged by the approach of other companies and walk away with ideas on steps companies are taking to promote social inclusion.
  • Engage in discussion with peer companies to explore how corporate CSR efforts towards promoting social inclusion can be improved.

Event Speakers

Chitra Sood

Director Business Management, Microsoft

Chitra Sood is the head of the Business Management function and has been with Microsoft since 1998. Chitra enables and oversees the delivery of operational and organisational priorities. Her responsibilities include helping drive employee experience engagements and building strong partnership with academia and students across top universities in India. Chitra is also responsible for managing the CSR engagements in her organisation. Her previous experience in Microsoft includes managing HR operations, Manager Development, Compensation and Benefits, Staffing, Finance, HR and Administration. Prior to Microsoft, Chitra was the administrative head of the Hutchison Max Paging operations in Hyderabad. She is a CA/CS with an MBA from Manchester Business School.

Hari Babu

Director Finance - External Reporting, BNY Mellon

Hari Babu is a Qualified Chartered Accountant with 20 years of professional experience in the banking industry. Hari has rich experience in the Financial and Regulatory reporting domain and was instrumental in setting up BNY Mellon’s reporting function in Chennai and is an active member of the BNY Mellon India CSR Council. After completing a graduation in Commerce from Madras University, Hari started his career with ICICI Bank in 1998 and moved on to various leading global financial institutions like Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, and Barclays. Hari has been with BNY Mellon since 2013.

Mayur Patnala

Co-Founder and Chief Functionary, Nirmaan Organisation

Mayur Patnala is a Social Worker, Social Entrepreneur and is passionate about promoting social innovation for the development of India. Mayur is Co-founder & Chief Functionary of Nirmaan Organisation, which he founded in 2005. Nirmaan Organisation’s focus areas are Education, Livelihoods, and Social Leadership, and the organisation has impacted over 3 lakh lives. In his previous role, Mayur worked with the Government of Andhra Pradesh as State Mission Manager, Skill Development Mission, where he led a team which trained 5000 economically backward youth and employed 3000 of them. Mayur is a graduate of BITS-Pilani in B.E.(hons) Computer Science and B.E. (hons) Mechanical. BITS Alumni Association awarded Mayur with a BITSAA 30 under 30 Award in the Community Service category at the BITSAA Global Meet 2014.

Prakriti Panwar

Head Corporate Sustainability, Wells Fargo

Prakriti Panwar is the head of Corporate Sustainability for Wells Fargo EGS. In her current role, Prakriti leads Wells Fargo's D&I and CSR function for India and Manila. Prakriti is responsible for establishing the near to long-term vision for the organisation and conceptualising high impact programmes that can endure change in the social sector, while simultaneously building structures, frameworks and a culture that will be pertinent to create and sustain an inclusive work environment. Over the last 20 years, Prakriti’s roles have spanned across Human Resources, Business Operations, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Diversity & Inclusion. In the past, Prakriti has been associated with organisations like GE, Infosys and Northern Trust with roles ranging the APAC region. Prakriti believes India is at an inflexion point and every bit of citizenship is needed to build a new India.

The/Nudge Foundation

The/Nudge Foundation focuses on sustainable poverty alleviation by building a strong 360-degree life, learning and economic foundation that equips people to escape the cycle of poverty.