The second CSR Conclave organized by the CSR Cell of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar Research & Entrepreneurship Park held on 10th January 2025, had deliberations on the Collaborative approach of Corporate Social Responsibility. Speakers and participants across industry, NGOs, academia, and government agencies had detailed discussions around the broader theme ‘Uniting for a Sustainable Impact’ and the theme of the conclave ‘Technology, Innovation, and Circular Economy for Sustainable Development’. 

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar said: “The role of corporate social responsibility can be understood with the analogy of blood donation. This service benefits both the giver and the recipient. Fresh blood replaces the blood that has been lost in the donor's body, enhancing the donor's general health. Further, we should move away from the traditional “use and throw” mindset to one that values sustainability. By using eco-friendly practices and renewable energy, we can protect our environment while meeting our needs, ensuring a better future for everyone.” He mentioned the initiatives taken by IIT Bhubaneswar towards sustainable usage of various resources, starting from measures to reduce food wastages to avoidance of the use of plastics.

Shri B.K. Mishra, Convener, CSR Forum, Odisha graced the occasion as the Chief Gues. In his address, he said: “Odisha, one of India’s fastest-growing economies, has consistently outperformed the national GDP over the past decade and a half. With a robust industrial ecosystem, the state is now the second most preferred investment destination in the country. Against this backdrop, the second CSR conclave on technology, innovation, and circular economy for sustainable development brings together academia, industry, start-ups, and NGOs to address societal challenges and align with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The conclave emphasizes innovation-driven CSR strategies that foster inclusive growth, sustainability, and accountability. Odisha, leveraging its rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and stable governance, is poised for unprecedented growth, aiming to become a “Vikasit Odisha” by 2036.”

Chief Speaker of the Conclave Shri D.K. Mohanty, President (HRM), Jayaswal Neco Industries, Steel Plant Division highlighted different dos’ and don’ts in the field of corporate social responsibility citing various examples from his professional experience.

Shri Jagdish Chander, Circle Head, General Manager (Canara Bank) joined the inaugural session as one of the guests of honour and highlighted the various CSR programmes being carried out by Canara Bank. He also briefly mentioned the different plans introduced by the bank to support students financially. Sri Sudhi Ranjan Mishra, Head, Corporate Affairs, Paradeep Phosphates Ltd., Odisha also graced the programme as guest of honour and highlighted the importance of CSR in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. 

In the welcome address, Prof. Naresh Chandra Sahu (Convener and Professor in-Charge, CSR Cell, IIT Bhubaneswar said: “The corporate houses should move beyond their mandated periphery for a greater impact of their CSR programmes. They should come forward to collaborate with premier institutions having expertise in science, technology, healthcare, livelihood, which in turn would help the CSR in having more enriched and impactful effect.” He elaborated on the theme of the year and stressed the importance of collaboration in attaining sustainable development. He also informed about the Literacy Mission being conducted by the CSR Cell in association with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) of the Institute towards educating the children of the migrant workers working and residing in the premises of IIT Bhubaneswar campus. Initiated by the efforts of the faculty members and student volunteers of the Institute, this literacy programme commenced from September 2023. Under this programme, these children have also got the opportunity to get enrolled in the local schools to receive elementary education.

As part of the conclave, a panel discussion on ‘Uniting for Sustainable Impact: An Industry and Academia Perspective’ involved deliberations from industry leaders and CSR experts like Prof. Pranay Kumar Swain, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER); Shri Dharmendra Kumar Mishra (Regional Director), Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education & Development Kendriya Shram Kalyan Sadan; Shri Bijoy Ketan Panda Information Analyst, Tata Consultancy Services and Ms. Rita Dash, Assistant General Manager, Canara Bank. The conclave also witnessed paper presentations by research scholars from different institutions. 

Dr. Soobhankar Pati, CEO of Research & Entrepreneurship Park, IIT Bhubaneswar proposed a vote of thanks. The student volunteers and the members of the Ladies Club of the Institute were felicitated for their contribution towards the welfare of the communities in and around the campus.

The CSR Conclave 2025 has served as a platform for thought leaders, industry experts, academicians, and CSR enthusiasts to converge, exchange ideas, and collaborate towards driving meaningful change. The Conclave was supported by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, IMFA, Canara Bank, Paradeep Phosphates Limited and State Bank of India.