Opening the workshop, Mr. Chacko Thomas, Head – TSG, set the strategic tone by highlighting evolving trends in CSR within the Tata ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of impact at scale, which balances quality interventions with widespread reach. He stressed that community-centric approaches must be complemented with research, technology, and data-backed insights to guide future programme design.

He also underlined the need to integrate Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into CSR programmes to protect developmental gains. Building resilience, understanding composite risks, and embedding DRR within project design are crucial for sustainable outcomes. Mr. Thomas reiterated that the TSG team is always open to collaboration—for strategy, disclosures, assessments, and everything in between—aimed at elevating CSR across the group.

Mr. Shrirang Dhavale, Cluster Head at TSG, led an insightful session on the Tata Philosophy of CSR. He began by placing CSR in the context of global developments and broke down the difference between CSR and sustainability. The session highlighted the evolution of CSR models and Tata’s performance in FY24. He shared how Tata companies are positioned to lead responsible business practices while remaining grounded in their core values.

The workshop was conducted by the Centre for CSR and Corporate Citizenship, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India. A total of nine interactive sessions covered legal frameworks, strategy, impact assessment, and digital tools for CSR.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Col. Amandeep Singh Puri, CAO, IICA, who praised Tata Group’s role in developing socially conscious professionals. Drawing from his army experience, he stressed discipline, mission-led work, and the “why, what, and how” of CSR. He also shared IICA’s broader offerings and invited deeper collaboration with Tata companies.

Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Head – CSR Centre at IICA, conducted sessions on India’s CSR law, BRSR and ESG integration, and aligning CSR with national priorities. His module included a simulation exercise where participants developed CSR proposals, selected implementation agencies, and evaluated compliance. A screening of ONE Tata Wayanad Response illustrated real-world impact.

In a dynamic group activity, participants split into “Corporate” and “Implementing Agency” teams. Guided by Dr. Ankita Sharma, Mr. Harsh Pandey, and Ms. Sana Farid, they developed Terms of Reference (ToRs), project proposals, and presented their work, simulating real-life project evaluation.

Mr. Swapnil Agarwal (Dhwani RIS) and Mr. Shabbir Haider (FutureLab Studios) conducted sessions on results-based monitoring and AI in the social sector. Participants learned to apply “Theory of Change” principles and build frameworks using inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact metrics.

Dr. Ankita Sharma and Ms. Sana Farid later led a deep dive into impact assessment and reporting. Using frameworks like SDGs, SROI, and IRECS, they demonstrated how to build effective ToRs and use platforms like Kobo Toolbox for efficient, digital data collection.

Dr. Abhijit Prabhughate, Head – Nutrition International, delivered a session on baseline and needs assessments, illustrating strategic and operational considerations through real CSR project examples.

The final session, led by Mr. R.N. Dubey, GM – CSR at Indian Oil Corporation, offered practical insights from the field. He emphasized the role of stakeholder engagement and communication in designing high-impact CSR programmes.

The workshop not only built CSR competencies but also fostered a sense of collective purpose among participants. As highlighted by Mr. Thomas, the goal remains clear: to evolve CSR practice that’s insight-driven, inclusive, and future-ready.