Press Release

S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), the academic partner, hosted the Pan India Symposiums 2023 in collaboration with HCLTech India Grant and CSRBOX to foster responsible leadership and drive community development initiatives.

The symposiums, held at the SPJIMR campus, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, academicians, and change-makers for engaging panel discussions, workshops, and presentations on sustainable development, ethical leadership, and inclusive growth.

In their 9th edition, the symposiums serve as a platform for NGOs, industry leaders, policymakers, and academicians to discuss Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its impact on nation-building. The HCLTech India Grant, initiated by HCLTech and the HCL Foundation, supports innovative rural development models by awarding winning NGOs in the Environment, Health, and Education categories.

In his welcome address, Dr. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, highlighted the synergies between NGOs, CSR foundations and educational institutions, especially business schools. He further explained how the three pillars in SPJIMR are education, research and direct community intervention, aligned with the cause of sustainability and vision that NGOs and Foundations carry. Dr. Nagaraj also mentioned SPJIMR’s DoCC rural internships and Abhyudaya, showcasing the institute’s dedication to community engagement. He concluded his address by saying, “Business schools are also sharing the same mission that you (NGOs & Foundations) have; to make the world a better place, and our activities and in many cases, are aligned with you all”.

Mr Sundar Mahalingam, President of Strategy at HCL Corporation and Shiv Nadar Foundation, shared the evolution of HCL Foundation from the thought of ‘What we can do in Rural India’. He gave insights into the different development programmes of HCL and its rationale and intervention. About HCL Tech Grants, he said that the “organisations working for the people and their upliftment need to be recognised. Even applying for the grants itself a recognition, since it shows they have an idea for the cause”

In the panel discussion on “Promoting sustainable and inclusive Economic Growth in India through G20 cooperation and CSR efforts, Mr. Milllind Arolkar, Director, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Mr. Hemant Gupta, Head, BSE Social Stock Exchange, MD BIL Ryerson Technology Start-up Incubator Foundation, Dr. Chandrika Parmar, Associate Professor at SPJIMR, Director DoCC Ms. Siji Varghese, CEO, Leaders in Lipstick shared their thoughts.

During the Panel discussion, Dr. Chandrika Parmar said, “We at SPJIMR are trying to create a sustainability mindset. Students who graduate from the institute should have a certain set of values”, and she added, “We see civil society organisations as educators who teach, our students about larger issues of the society”. Reiterating the point on perceptive grant-making, she said, “Let the work drive the funds and not the funds drive the work”

As the academic partner for the symposium, SPJIMR reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing responsible leaders who strive for social and economic progress. The event allowed SPJIMR students, faculty, and partners to engage with industry experts and gain valuable insights actively.

About SPJIMR
S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), a constituent of the eminent education trust Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), is consistently ranked among the top ten business schools in India. With its unique and distinctive approach to management education, SPJIMR aims to influence practice and promote value-based growth through pioneering programs and pedagogical innovations. For media inquiries, please contact mediarelations@spjimr.org