Hyderabad:
On August 2, 2024, the non-funded and non-governmental organization “Ek Kaam Desh Ke Naam” (EKDKN) reached another milestone. They successfully organized the “16th Exceed Green Future Award & Conference on ‘Integrating ESG and CSR – Maximising Business Value and Impact.” This significant event was held at the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre in Telangana.
The Chief Guest for the event was Sri Tummala Nageswara Rao, the Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Marketing, Co-operation, and Handlooms & Textiles in Hyderabad, Telangana. He praised EKDKN for their social work, especially during the COVID pandemic. He acknowledged Shri Rajiv Babbar, President of EKDKN, and his team for their efforts. He emphasized the importance of focusing on education and health within CSR initiatives, stating that this focus can significantly contribute to India’s development. He also expressed appreciation on behalf of the state government for EKDKN’s dedication to social service.
Sri Tummala Nageswara Rao highlighted the importance of responsibly using CSR funds to benefit marginalized sections and the needy. He mentioned that organizations should invest in education and health, which would have long-term benefits for the community. He stressed that proper education and healthcare could prevent youth from going astray, making them valuable assets for the country’s future. He also noted that basic facilities are a government responsibility but emphasized that corporate funds used correctly could bring rapid positive changes. He assured that the government would support organizations helping the poor and youth.
During the event, Sri Tummala Nageswara Rao presented awards to various winning units and companies. The awards were given in the presence of Sri Y Guruswamy Naidu, the Founder, and CMD of Celkon Group, who was the Guest of Honour.
The conference was chaired by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Former DG & CEO of IICA. He spoke about the need for ethical and responsible leadership and the importance of investing funds responsibly. He highlighted that development and environmental sustainability are interconnected. He mentioned that companies benefiting from the earth’s resources have a duty to give back to society and the environment.
The conference discussed the 10 years of mandated, strategic CSR, from 2014 to 2024, under Section 135 of the Company’s Act, making CSR mandatory for all companies. The discussions focused on integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and CSR.
Rajiv Babbar, President of EKDKN, shared the journey of the organization from its humble beginnings in 2007 to its current impactful status. He emphasized that everyone should contribute to serving the nation in their capacity. He mentioned their aim to have 75 coaching centers as India celebrates 75 years of independence, where students are scoring up to 95% marks. Scholarships are provided to deserving students, and visually handicapped children are supported through various initiatives. During COVID, EKDKN distributed ration and provided much-needed oxygen. Since 2013, EKDKN has been holding award functions in various sectors to promote a culture of safety, CSR, ESG, health, and environmental protection.
