‘Growing India must take Bharat along’

Speaking on the occasion,T R Sarangal,Principal Secretary,Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development,Punjab,said that in a social demographic as stratified,diverse and multicultural as ours,share of the development needs to be equitable. “The country is aggressive on the economic front,the GDP is up,and the impact must reach the have-nots residing in Bharat.” He stressed on the need to bring cottage industry into the mainstream,so that the craftsmen can have the opportunity to engage with corporate sector,and access to the market is easy. Mohammad Asif Iqbal,Principal Consultant,PricewaterhouseCoopers,made a very interesting presentation on ‘diversity and inclusion’. Iqbal,who is visually impaired,spoke of his journey to ‘acceptance into the mainstream’,when at 16 years he lost his eyesight to a genetic disorder. Iqbal spoke of how technology could empower and enable the differently abled,and the need to bring them on board. “They have productivity on a par with others and want to prove their credentials,which makes good business sense,” he said. Deepak Malik,Chairman,CII Regional Committee on Development Initiatives,said that consumers today look at the true intrinsic value of a product,not just its money value. Hence,company image in the social framework matters. “Companies are geared toward core business. But voluntary bodies have their ears to the ground and can guide them on programs that can best achieve their social objectives,” he added,advocating the PPP model – ‘profit,people,planet’.

An exposition organised at the venue showcased the depth and diversity of work being done by NGOs and corporates (large and medium). It also provided a platform to stakeholders – civil society and institutions – to share ideas,prevalent models and best practices,and forge enduring relationships for the cause of inclusive,sustained development. It was felt that such partnerships will help companies achieve their CSR goals and in turn,gain competitive advantage and brand equity.

Ruchira Gujral,Corporate Engagement Officer,UNICEF India,spoke of the UN body’s various initiatives down to the district level aside from the “big picture” social issues.

“The industry is wary of committing large funds. They believe the resource strapped NGOs only come to them for money. But,in fact,these small bodies often working in the remotest areas and have the capacity to amplify efforts with some amount of human resources and technology,” she said.