Apex industry body, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) recently held its sixth annual CSR Conclave on the theme of ‘CSR Rewired: Post-Covid 19 Scenario’. The virtual conclave highlighted varied perspectives on health and sanitation, skills development, road safety, and environmental rejuvenation.

This year’s event saw an emphasis on sharing of best practices and learnings from the various CSR interventions by the Indian automobile industry in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The conclave witnessed the participation of key industry leaders speaking on the inclusive development of the society, while protecting the ecology.

Sushant Naik, Chairman, SIAM CSR Group & Global Head-Government Affairs, Tata Motors: “SIAM's member organisations have been regardful of their responsibilities of social good and giving back to the society at all times.”

Initiating the inaugural session,  Sushant Naik, Chairman, SIAM CSR Group, Global Head- Government Affairs, Tata Motors, said, “We as an industry are committed to giving back to society. Discussing mental well-being is a need of the hour considering the post covid world that we are living in.”

Assuring the government of India’s active partnership with India Auto Inc towards strengthening CSR initiatives, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, Government of India, said, “The Indian automobile Industry has been a major contributor to the economy and the society as it holds a major share in the GDP.  Looking forward, in the PLI scheme the government is providing economic support of about Rs. 25,000 crore to the industry. All OEMs have played a huge role in helping society through their CSR initiatives, including during the Covid pandemic."

Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries: "All OEMs have played a huge role in helping society through their CSR initiatives, including during the Covid pandemic."

The minister added, "Going forward, the industry should focus more on labourers and small technicians, work more closely with NGOs, strengthen their focus on health, safety, environment, and skilling initiatives, share its experiences so that the larger community can learn, and lastly, the industry must think big but implement locally. Local communities in the neighbourhood of auto factories must get benefited.”

Moderating the session, Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM, said, “The whole focus of this conclave is to learn and share best practices through peer learning and to understand the various CSR interventions by the automobile industry. We have been hosting this conclave for the last six years broadly focusing on health and sanitation, skills development, road safety and environmental rejuvenation.”

Dr R A Mashelkar: "CSR initiatives must measure and analyse the social return on investment and align goals with sustainable development goals."

In the keynote address, eminent scientist Dr. R A Mashelkar presented his perspective on CSR 2.0 and talked about four new pillars of CSR in the present world. He also highlighted the power of CSR and Gandhian engineering.

Dr Mashelkar said: “CSR initiatives must measure and analyse the social return on investment and align goals with SDGs, thus augmenting the value chain for development and deployment of inclusive innovations, focussing on CSR 2.0.”

The three-session conclave opened with ‘New Approach to CSR and Learnings’ with presentations from Honda Cars India, Ashok Leyland, MG Motors India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Hyundai Motor India and Tata Motors. 

The second session saw a panel discussion on ‘Skills Development through CSR Initiatives’ involving Rama Shankar Pandey, MD, Hella India Lighting; Niraj Hans, COO (Automotives), Sandhar Technologies, and Apurv Choubey, Chief HRO, Bridgestone India. The session was moderated by  Arindam Lahiri, CEO, Automotive Skills Development Council.

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization's Sister B K Shivani: "It is time to prioritise the emotional immunity system for ensuring our mental health is in good condition."

Taking a session on ‘Mental Wellbeing’, Sister B K Shivani of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, emphasised on inner peace and on imparting clarity in moving toward a peaceful and healthy mind. She said: “It is time to prioritise the emotional immunity system for ensuring our mental health is in good condition. Giving importance to self-discipline for self-care stays imperative.”

The CSR Conclave concluded with the presentation of SIAM CSR Awards 2022.