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Tag: CSR

  • Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has strengthened its leadership bench with the appointment of Latika Taneja as head of corporate communications, corporate affairs and CSR. In her new role, she will be responsible for shaping the company’s brand narrative, deepening stakeholder trust and advancing its agenda of purposeful and sustainable growth.

    Taneja brings more than two decades of experience in building reputations for multinational corporations across energy, financial services, technology and insurance. She joins Hero MotoCorp from Shell, where she spent over three years leading corporate relations across government affairs, communications and sustainability. Prior to that, she held senior mandates at Mastercard, including director of public policy and government relations for South Asia and head of corporate communications.

    Her earlier career spans stints at DuPont, where she managed external and leadership communications across South Asia; Alcatel-Lucent India, where she developed integrated marketing campaigns; and MetLife, where she ran corporate communications for India. She began her career at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, supporting clients on insurance and financial services.

    Hero MotoCorp said Taneja’s appointment reflects the company’s sharpened focus on long-term value creation, stronger governance and broader stakeholder engagement as the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation.

    Known for her passion for policy, partnerships and sustainability, Taneja has consistently worked at the intersection of communications, corporate affairs and social responsibility. Her remit at Hero MotoCorp will include aligning the brand’s voice with its strategy for an evolving global mobility ecosystem, while reinforcing its reputation with regulators, partners and customers.

    The company added that her leadership will play a critical role in energising its ESG commitments, strengthening corporate responsibility initiatives and amplifying Hero MotoCorp’s global brand positioning.

  • Bisleri partners with ASI to restore water bodies at India’s heritage sites

    Bisleri partners with ASI to restore water bodies at India’s heritage sites

    MUMBAI : Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has embarked on a visionary collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme, uniting heritage conservation with sustainable water stewardship. This landmark partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was signed by ASI director Zulfeqar Ali and Bisleri CEO Angelo George, with the agreement ceremoniously exchanged between ASI director general Yadubir Singh Rawat and George.

    As part of ‘Bisleri’s Nayi Umeed’ CSR initiative, the project will initially focus on revitalising four significant water bodies: Chand Baori in Abhaneri, the baori at Neemrana, Padma and Rani talabs at Ranthambore fort, and Budha Budhi pond at Kalinjar fort. Restoration efforts will include desilting, cleaning, ecological rejuvenation, and landscaping, ensuring minimal disruption to these historic sites. Informative signages will also be installed to enhance visitor experience and community engagement.

    George stated, “At Bisleri, we are committed to sustainability and cultural preservation. This collaboration with ASI reflects our dedication to protecting India’s rich heritage while ensuring the conservation of vital water resources for future generations.” 

  • KENT RO sets CSR emerging trend by buying AquaKredits

    KENT RO sets CSR emerging trend by buying AquaKredits

    Mumbai: Art of Living an international humanitarian organisation led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, announced its latest initiative to solicit corporate social responsibility (CSR) of qualified companies by investing in AquaKredits – water credits. This strategic move is a part of the organisation’s broader commitment to sustainable business practices and responsible water management. KENT RO, manufacturer of water purifiers and home appliances, has pioneered this initiative by buying AquaKredits under its CSR.

    AquaKredits issued by AqVerium, the world’s digital water bank, is an innovative approach to assessing and valuing water quality. AquaKredits are issued based on a stringent water audit, verification & validation of impact data and other evaluating factors. Each Art of Living was non-profit to onboard all its water conservation projects on AqVerium, which went through stringent verification and validation of the reported impact basis on which AquaKredits were issued. In the first phase, AqVerium has issued 467,054 AquaKredits for creating an additional 46, 70, 54,025 litres through recharge pits. Each AquaKredit represents 1000 litres of water saved, conserved or harvested.

    Water scarcity is a critical global issue, and businesses play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. In line with KENT RO’s dedication to environmental stewardship, the company has proactively engaged in purchasing AquaKredits under its CSR obligations.

    KENT RO Chairman Mahesh Gupta commented on the initiative, saying, “At KENT RO we recognize the importance of sustainable water management in preserving our environment and supporting communities. Our decision to invest in AquaKredits is a testament to our commitment to responsible business practices and corporate social responsibility. Through our CSR we are actively contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of this precious resource.”

    Art of Living Social Projects Chairman Prasanna Prabhu said, “We are very excited with this pioneering and benevolent gesture by Shri Mahesh Gupta ji, which opens a whole new vista to qualified corporates to participate in sustainable Water Management through the purchase of AquaKredits – Water Credits under CSR. Our partnership with AqVerium, founded by Dr. Subramanya Kusnur, New Waterman of India, is a testament to providing complete transparency to donors powered with a data scientific tool of the impact achieved through AquaKredits. These AquaKredits, bought at Rs 100 each, not only are representative of the cost involved in conserving water but also the genuine intent, effort and commitment of all stakeholders which is priceless.”

    AqVerium provides a platform for all stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to water sustainability and stewardship by incentivising good behaviour with AquaKredits which can be offset to balance water deficit or bought by qualified corporates under CSR.

    Speaking on the occasion, Architect of CSR law and widely acclaimed as the Father of CSR in India (ex-IAS) Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee said “It is a very momentous occasion as we celebrate 10 years of CSR in India and what better to have AquaKredit as an effective tool for impact assessment and measurement for water sustainability. Water is core to sustainability and human life and investing in AquaKredits qualifies for CSR under The Companies Act 2013, section 135, schedule 7, Item 4. It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. I take this opportunity to invite corporates to emulate this pioneering partnership between Art of Living, Kent RO and AqVerium and exemplify their commitment to water sustainability.“

     

  • PM Narendra Modi achieves an approval rating of 65 cent in September 2023: Ipsos IndiaBus Poll

    PM Narendra Modi achieves an approval rating of 65 cent in September 2023: Ipsos IndiaBus Poll

    Mumbai: According to the new wave of the Ipsos IndiaBus Poll, PM Narendra Modi has achieved an Approval Rating (AR) of 65 per cent among urban Indians. Seven per cent were neutral, 18 per cent disapproved and nine per cent were undecided.

    Ipsos IndiaBus Poll

    Zones, cities,  SECs, age groups, cohorts – How does Mr Modi stack up

    Zone-wise, the approval rating outcome showed Mr Modi achieving a higher rating in western India (80 per cent), eastern India (73 per cent), and northern India (72 per cent), though in southern India his approval rating was a measly 31 per cent. Likewise, his AR was higher in tier one (76 per cent), tier two (64 per cent) and tier three (62 per cent) vis-à-vis metros (58 per cent). Interestingly, his AR was almost the same across SECs – SEC A (69 per cent), SEC B (64 per cent) and SEC C (63 per cent).

    Approval rating across the two genders was almost at par – women (65 per cent) and men (64 per cent). A similar trend was noticeable across age groups where his approval rating was steady – 18-30-year-olds (66 per cent), 31-45 years (64 per cent) and 45 (64 per cent).  Also across the different cohorts, his approval rating was high – unemployed (75 per cent), students (69 per cent), employed (67 per cent) and full-time parent/ homemaker (63 per cent), with the exception of the self-employed (47 per cent).

    Notably, those with higher education gave a higher approval rating of 70 per cent to Mr Modi versus those with lower education, who gave an AR of 61 per cent.  

    ESG and CSR group service line leader, public affairs, and corporate reputation Parijat Chakraborty said, “PM Narendra Modi has achieved an approval rating of 65% on how Indians perceive his role as the prime minister of India. By and large across demographics Mr. Modi has received high approval ratings considering some respondents were undecided or neutral. His disapproval is less than 2 in 10, while his approval is 2 in 3 of those polled. Only the residents of the south zone and the self-employed seem disgruntled. Under his stewardship India has been shining on several fronts, recently he has gathered new feathers in his cap of Chandrayaan 3, Aditya L1 and India successfully hosting the G20 Summit. He also has the gift of the gab and connects with audiences across SECs and age groups.”      

    Methodology:

    Ipsos IndiaBus is a monthly pan India omnibus (which also runs multiple client surveys), that uses a structured questionnaire and is conducted by Ipsos India on diverse topics among 2200 respondents from SEC A, B and C households, covering adults of both genders from all four zones in the country. The survey is conducted in metros, Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, providing a more robust and representative view of urban Indians. The respondents were polled face-to-face and online. We have a city-level quota for each demographic segment that ensures the waves are identical and no additional sampling error. The data is weighted by demographics and city-class population to arrive at the national average.

  • Mukul Madhav Foundation addresses child labour in a short film ‘Baitullah’

    Mukul Madhav Foundation addresses child labour in a short film ‘Baitullah’

    Mumbai: Finolex Industries’ corporate social responsibility arm, the Mukul Madhav Foundation, has released a short movie, Baitullah. addressing child labour. The award winning short film is sure to open your eyes. The picture, picturing a little boy named Baitullah working at a tea stall in the city, poses the question to the viewer.

    Directed, written and produced by Jitendra Rai (M/S Matheno Films), the main protagonist is played by child artist Om Kanojiya, supported by Ishtiyak Khan and Vipin Sharma. The film has been nominated and selected at 85+ international and national film festivals and has already won 26 awards.

    “What does this child need to do to become like you?” is a question that is met with awkward silence in the film but hopes to ignite a conversation amongst viewers and the more fortunate.

    Millions of children across the world, and especially in India, are exploited and denied their childhood every day. They are kept out of classrooms and forced to work as touts or earn a daily wage for their families due to poverty, lack of awareness, or just plain neglect and apathy. Most are hidden away in sweatshops making shoes, jewelry, and firecrackers. But some are in plain sight. ‘Chottu’ at your friendly neighbourhood tea stall or lunch place.

    Speaking on the evolution of the film, the director Jitendra Rai said, “As a filmmaker, I look at the world around me with my eyes wide open. I couldn’t ignore the child labour I saw around me, but I was also left with a sense of helplessness. As a filmmaker, I chose to capture this helplessness, the silent appeal these children have in their eyes when they look at people better-off than them.”

    Rai added, “This helplessness turned into hope, when I saw the work that is being done by organisations like the Mukul Madhav Foundation. I am also grateful for their support of this film.”

    Mukul Madhav Foundation managing trustee Ritu Chhabria said, “This film asks a question that started us on our journey working with marginalised and vulnerable children: how could each child enjoy the things we take for granted in our lives? We set out to put things in place, one small block at a time.”

    Established in 1999, the Mukul Madhav Foundation works with communities across India, uplifting the less fortunate with hope and dignity. Their work with children, especially those vulnerable to exploitation, assault, and trafficking, is slowly tilting the scale at the grassroots. Supporting children with initiatives in education, nutrition, and mental health. Offering a helpline, counsellors, and legal aid for children. Rescuing and rehabilitating exploited children and then reintegrating them back into the mainstream. But even more importantly, strengthening the community. Giving parents and youth access to healthcare, sanitation, skill development, and employment. Giving each of them a sense of dignity. With the belief that in order for children to be safe, their community must first feel financially and emotionally secure.

  • HUL launches ‘The Bin Boy’ campaign to stress on waste segregation

    HUL launches ‘The Bin Boy’ campaign to stress on waste segregation

    Mumbai: When it comes to waste segregation, most people have accepted its importance but not their own responsibility. Now, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), via a light-hearted yet powerful film, brings that responsibility to our doorsteps, literally.

    The film titled ‘The Bin Boy’ is made by Ogilvy Mumbai for HUL’s CSR initiative. It revolves around a unique protest by a young boy that garners a lot of attention. The premise and build-up of the narrative are disruptive enough to drive home the seriousness of the message. The video underscores the importance of segregating wet, dry and hazardous waste separately, every day.

    “We needed to find a striking solution to make an unmissable point about the importance of waste segregation,” say Ogilvy India chief creative officers Kainaz Karmakar and Harshad Rajadhyaksha on the thought behind the creative. “While enough people have heard about the need to segregate, it is still a distant, global issue to most. To inspire action, we had to make the issue personal, and do so in an exciting, entertaining way. That’s where we believe this visual disruption of a boy in a bin will capture people’s mind-space. We are also very happy with the way our film director, Buddy, has brought alive the story in such a fun, engaging way leading up to what the boy has to say; which people realise is no laughing matter after all.”

    “The need for urgent action on the issue of waste segregation has never been greater,” says HUL chairman and managing director Sanjiv Mehta. “At HUL, we recognise our role in this context and have been working with leading agencies in the space and the Government to drive what is a simple, positive action that each of us could do. We work towards empowering communities to reach the goal of swachhata and a zero-waste circular economy. Children are the strongest advocates of change in society and are also the strongest drivers. We believe that our latest campaign with a child protagonist will inspire and unite citizens to create a waste-free, greener tomorrow.’’

  • Disney Star onboards George Cherian as corporate communications & CSR head

    Disney Star onboards George Cherian as corporate communications & CSR head

    Mumbai: Disney Star on Monday announced the appointment of George Cherian as head of corporate communications and corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the market. Cherian will report to The Walt Disney Company and Star India country manager and president K Madhavan and will join the India leadership team that drives Disney Star businesses in the country, said the statement.

    In this role, Cherian will be responsible for overseeing all strategic communications and CSR efforts for the Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution (DMED) business in the country which includes television network, streaming platform, and studios. 

    “We are at an exciting juncture of our growth story and strongly believe that communication is one of the key drivers in establishing a brand’s stature,” said K Madhavan. “As the country’s leading media, entertainment and digital network, we have a strong and compelling story to tell. We are delighted to welcome George to the Disney Star team to help us communicate our vision, strategy and commitment to the Indian market, and to the various external stakeholders.” 

    Cherian brings to bear over 25 years of experience as a financial journalist and a communications professional. He previously served at Deutsche Bank Group India as director and head of group communications where he led all brand and communications activities for the bank’s various businesses in the country. Prior to that, he headed communications for Barclays in the Asia Pacific region. As a journalist, Cherian was a part of the founding teams of Bloomberg TV India and ET Now and he also worked with The Economic Times.

    “The combination of an industry that is on the cusp of exponential growth and a brand that is trusted and respected by millions of people the world over, could not have made for a more convincing case for me to join Disney Star. I look forward to the opportunity of building the Disney Star brands in India and working with some of the most talented professionals in this industry,” said George Cherian on his new assignment.

  • Commitment to sustainability adds value to a brand : BBC News study

    Commitment to sustainability adds value to a brand : BBC News study

    Mumbai: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability adds value to a brand, according to two waves of surveys conducted by BBC Global News to understand how consumers in APAC and across the globe feel about sustainability.

    The survey focused on three industries – automotive, technology, and finance.

    It found that 81 per cent of respondents thought that demonstrating a commitment to sustainability adds value to a brand. 79 per cent surveyed agreed that sustainable practices and commitments are an important consideration when making purchase decisions. 68 per cent were happy to pay for more brands with strong sustainability and eco-friendly practices. 57 per cent said they would stop buying a product they were previously loyal to, if they discovered it was not committed to sustainability.

    For the 27 brands surveyed across the three industries, on average, half of all the consumers said they are not aware of the brand’s sustainability practices. Finance brands ranked the highest with 63 per cent of consumers being unaware of their sustainability practices.

    Consumers believe that it is important for all brands’ sustainability practices to involve research and education, according to the survey. 83 per cent of consumers believe that brands should invest in education about the importance of sustainability and 79 per cent agree that brands should be financing research for sustainable practices.

    The research showed that, for consumers across the region, brand trust is seen as the most important brand association, indexing particularly high in the automotive and technology sectors at 87 and 83 per cent, respectively, with finance scoring at 63 per cent.

    66 per cent of respondents said that interviews with an international news partner are the most influential way for consumers to learn about a brand’s CSR, followed by branded content within a premium environment at 39 per cent.

    “These results demonstrate the importance that consumers place on a brand’s sustainability credentials and show that they are willing to use their wallets to make their feelings known,” said BBC Global News’ senior vice president, commercial development, Alistair McEwan. “For brands to retain loyalty from their customers, they need to be absolutely clear about their commitment to taking action.  Those that fail to do so open themselves to criticism, so it is vital that brands shape their narrative and communicate their message in a transparent and authentic way and working with trusted storytellers like the BBC will enable that.”

  • Bikano donates Rs 22 lakh to PMCares Fund

    Bikano donates Rs 22 lakh to PMCares Fund

    Mumbai: As the country battles its worst ever health crisis, Snacks brand Bikano has announced its decision to donate Rs 22 lakh for Prime Minister Cares Fund. The country has recorded over one lakh deaths from Covid-19 in the last 26 days, becoming the third country after the US and Brazil to record the highest cumulative death toll so far.

    “Bikano has always stood for what counts for the greater good. As a company with a conscience, we aim at not only winning the hearts and minds of our patrons and food lovers; we are sincerely looking forward to giving back to the wider society where we belong to. And what better than pitching in for a cause which has affected nearly every one of us in some ways or the other,” said Bikano Director Manish Aggarwal. “It was our bounden duty to come forward and make our small contribution count.”

    The company has remained relatively unscathed from the economic headwinds coming on account of Covid-19 even during the second wave. In fact, only recently, Bikano launched as many as seven products on a single day nationally which was soon followed by separate launches in cities in Punjab and northern Hindi speaking markets of UP and Uttarakhand, demonstrating its brand strength and performance.