We come from India, a nation that holds its culture, values, and rich history, gracefully. Our value teaches us to do good to others before we think of ourselves. Based on the GiversGain philosophy, we as a society believe in social harmony through selfless service to others, which resonates with today’s modern concept of CSR. What was embedded in our deep-rooted history and the values we give to our generations, is now a mandate for firms and startups with a net worth of more than Rs.500 crore, turnover of more than Rs.1000 crore, or net profile of more than Rs.5 crore. Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013(“Act”) provides that certain companies must mandatorily contribute a certain amount towards CSR activities.
The belief in CSR is coming from our ancient times, and today through this initiative we reflect and focus on sustainable development and also to signify the impact of actions a startup and firm takes, on the local communities and planet. Our culture has a strong focus on community well-being. CSR initiatives in India often aim at uplifting communities, supporting rural development, education, and health initiatives, rather than just maximising profits for individual shareholders.
This influence encourages businesses in India and globally as well, to align their practices with the greater good, respecting both social justice and environmental sustainability.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a well-thought strategy. Companies are realising that doing good goes hand-in-hand with doing well. By weaving CSR into their public relations (PR) strategies, businesses can showcase their dedication to ethical practices, environmental care, and community involvement. This not only boosts their reputation but also builds trust and loyalty among customers and stakeholders.
PR professionals are the storytellers here. They craft compelling narratives that highlight how a company’s actions benefit society, making sure these stories connect with the right audiences. This approach doesn’t just reflect the company’s values—it actively engages the community, creating a win-win situation where both the business and society thrive. By leveraging PR to spotlight CSR efforts, companies can find that sweet spot between achieving their goals and making a positive impact on the world.
Why Companies Spend More Money on CSR
In the fiscal year 2022-23, total CSR allocations reached ₹29,000 crore, marking a 13% rise from the previous year. Companies have crossed the budget normally allocated to CSR in recent years. It is simple and deep, CSR works as a good exercise for developing brand trust; it ties a business with consumers who are social in their responsiveness and provides the company with an added reason for being. Apart from that, the entry of ESGs, which stand for Environmental, Social, and Governance, has seen companies come under pressure to show allegiance toward ethical practices. CSR is not something that forms an add-on but is the inherent part of the identity of the company to allow the brands to survive in the fast-moving marketplace.
CSR is a win-win for the business and society. Business entities, that undertake CSR activities, tend to end with a higher reputation, customer loyalty, and employee satisfaction. CSR activities make businesses look more human, and the more people appreciate them, the more trust they develop in these businesses. Financially, CSR provides a business with more socially responsible investors and partners and increases the long-term sustainability of the company. Anytime a business entity gives back to society, returns are mostly in the form of goodwill, loyalty, and growth.
YPA Foundation: Tribute to Impact
Coming from a humble background, I know the hardship of the students and the value of providing them with the right guidance. YPA is doing its best to shape young minds and empower them to be the bright future of our nation. I have always believed in giving back to the community, and what better place to start than my home state? Leading the YPA Foundation has been a deeply personal journey for me. Through this initiative, we have touched the lives of over 15,000 underprivileged students, empowering them with education and offering hope for a brighter future through scholarships. The YPA Foundation stands as a shining example of how businesses can serve as powerful instruments of change, making a meaningful impact where it matters most
The YPA community consists of more than 800 active members, working day and night to guide the students with mentorship, study materials, and career advice. The foundation provides workshops and skill development programs to young minds apart from scholarships.
The role of CSR in PR is evolving
CSR integration into PR is not static but changes with societal expectations and business realities. Modern consumers demand transparency and ethical behavior, compelling companies to embed CSR into their corporate DNA. PR strategies must adapt by not only communicating CSR efforts but also by participating in their development, ensuring alignment with both corporate values and stakeholder expectations. Brands have aligned their CSR activities with their core business objectives while involving a wider set of stakeholders and adopting transparency in CSR activities as a standard. This is evolutionary as consumers request ethical practices and it becomes self-evident that the impact of a company on society is a part of its brand identity.
In a nutshell, From being a discretionary bucket list of activities, CSR has grown into an essential part of business policies today. As PR people, the mandate is to successfully communicate these endeavors so that they reach and motivate people. Business objectives and community outcomes will join together in the ways that profitability is intertwined with purpose through CSR. Those who take CSR seriously with truthfulness, commitment, and creativity will thrive in 2025 and will open a way forward to a better-balanced and more sustainable future.
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Beyond his professional achievements, Abhinay's commitment to social impact is evident through the YPA Foundation, which has provided scholarships to 15,000 underprivileged students.
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