Bhubaneswar, 10 th January 2025: The second CSR Conclave organized by the CSR Cell
of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar
Research & Entrepreneurship Park held on 10 th January 2025, had deliberations on the
Collaborative approach of Corporate Social Responsibility. Speakers and participants across
industry, NGOs, academia, and government agencies had detailed discussions around the
broader theme ‘Uniting for a Sustainable Impact’ and the theme of the conclave ‘Technology,
Innovation, and Circular Economy for Sustainable Development’.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar said: “The
role of corporate social responsibility can be understood with the analogy of blood donation.
This service benefits both the giver and the recipient. Fresh blood replaces the blood that
has been lost in the donor's body, enhancing the donor's general health. Further, we should
move away from the traditional “use and throw” mindset to one that values sustainability. By
using eco-friendly practices and renewable energy, we can protect our environment while
meeting our needs, ensuring a better future for everyone.” He mentioned the initiatives taken
by IIT Bhubaneswar towards sustainable usage of various resources, starting from
measures to reduce food wastages to avoidance of the use of plastics.
Shri B.K. Mishra, Convener, CSR Forum, Odisha graced the occasion as the Chief Gues. In
his address, he said: “Odisha, one of India’s fastest-growing economies, has consistently
outperformed the national GDP over the past decade and a half. With a robust industrial
ecosystem, the state is now the second most preferred investment destination in the country.
Against this backdrop, the second CSR conclave on technology, innovation, and circular
economy for sustainable development brings together academia, industry, start-ups, and
NGOs to address societal challenges and align with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. The conclave emphasizes innovation-driven CSR strategies that foster
inclusive growth, sustainability, and accountability. Odisha, leveraging its rich natural
resources, skilled workforce, and stable governance, is poised for unprecedented growth,
aiming to become a “Vikasit Odisha” by 2036.”
Chief Speaker of the Conclave Shri D.K. Mohanty, President (HRM), Jayaswal Neco
Industries, Steel Plant Division highlighted different dos’ and don’ts in the field of corporate
social responsibility citing various examples from his professional experience.
Shri Jagdish Chander, Circle Head, General Manager (Canara Bank) joined the inaugural
session as one of the guests of honour and highlighted the various CSR programmes being
carried out by Canara Bank. He also briefly mentioned the different plans introduced by the
bank to support students financially. Sri Sudhi Ranjan Mishra, Head, Corporate Affairs,
Paradeep Phosphates Ltd., Odisha also graced the programme as guest of honour and
highlighted the importance of CSR in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the welcome address, Prof. Naresh Chandra Sahu (Convener and Professor in-Charge,
CSR Cell, IIT Bhubaneswar said: “The corporate houses should move beyond their
mandated periphery for a greater impact of their CSR programmes. They should come
forward to collaborate with premier institutions having expertise in science, technology,
healthcare, livelihood, which in turn would help the CSR in having more enriched and
impactful effect.” He elaborated on the theme of the year and stressed the importance of
collaboration in attaining sustainable development. He also informed about the Literacy
Mission being conducted by the CSR Cell in association with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan
(UBA) of the Institute towards educating the children of the migrant workers working and
residing in the premises of IIT Bhubaneswar campus. Initiated by the efforts of the
faculty members and student volunteers of the Institute, this literacy programme
commenced from September 2023. Under this programme, these children have also
got the opportunity to get enrolled in the local schools to receive elementary
education.
As part of the conclave, a panel discussion on ‘Uniting for Sustainable Impact: An Industry
and Academia Perspective’ involved deliberations from industry leaders and CSR experts
like Prof. Pranay Kumar Swain, National Institute of Science Education and Research
(NISER); Shri Dharmendra Kumar Mishra (Regional Director), Dattopant Thengadi National
Board for Workers Education & Development Kendriya Shram Kalyan Sadan; Shri Bijoy
Ketan Panda Information Analyst, Tata Consultancy Services and Ms. Rita Dash, Assistant
General Manager, Canara Bank. The conclave also witnessed paper presentations by
research scholars from different institutions.
Dr. Soobhankar Pati, CEO of Research & Entrepreneurship Park, IIT Bhubaneswar
proposed a vote of thanks. The student volunteers and the members of the Ladies Club of
the Institute were felicitated for their contribution towards the welfare of the communities in
and around the campus.
The CSR Conclave 2025 has served as a platform for thought leaders, industry experts,
academicians, and CSR enthusiasts to converge, exchange ideas, and collaborate towards
driving meaningful change. The Conclave was supported by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited,
IMFA, Canara Bank, Paradeep Phosphates Limited and State Bank of India.