News from JKSHIM | SPARC Sponsored International Symposium

A SPARC sponsored International Symposium on a contemporary theme, 'Voluntary or Mandatory: What should be the Public Policy on CSR?' was held at Justice K S Hegde Institute of Management on 10th January 2025. Panelists included Dr. Femida Handy, Professor of Social Policy School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, USA; Dr. Ram A. Cnaan, Professor & Director, Program for Religion and Social Research, University of Pennsylvania, USA; Shri Kishore Alva, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Adani Power Limited and Shri Raviraj Belma, Group Project Manager, Infosys Ltd. The symposium was moderated by Prof. Dr. M S Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor, Nitte University.

The discussion highlighted various perspectives on CSR. Prof. Handy emphasized the importance of cost-effectiveness and stakeholder value in CSR initiatives, while Prof. Cnaan stressed the historical significance of CSR and its link to sustainability. Shri Kishore Alva emphasized the importance of "cultural alignment" between CSR initiatives and local ecosystems, while Shri Raviraj Belma highlighted the ethical responsibility of businesses to give back to society. The panelists interacted with the MBA students, academicians and research scholars, including the team of students & researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, USA.