SIAM CSR Conclave: Highlights Role Of Auto Industry In Driving Sustainable Social Development

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organizes the 4th annual CSR conclave to highlight the contributions of the auto industry in driving sustainable development through various social welfare initiatives. The panels focused on the theme of the event ‘Social Empowerment, Sustainable Impact’, and how CSR activities are essential in bettering the lives of people through self-sustainable development projects. The conclave witnessed the participation of key industry leaders to ensure inclusive development of the society while protecting the ecology.

Initiating the inaugural session,  Sushant Naik, Co-Chairman, SIAM CSR Group, National Head- Government Affairs, Tata Motors said, “The auto industry, which is a key driver of the Indian economy, has taken the motto of ‘Building the Nation, responsibly’ through SIAM.” He also thanked SIAM for providing the platform to highlight the substantial work done by the auto industry for the development and welfare of the society.

Naveen Soni, Chairman, SIAM CSR Group and Vice President-External Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor explained the value of the theme ‘Social Empowerment, Sustainable Impact’ in creating a sense of ownership among the stakeholders, “Creating social assets and instilling a sense of ownership about these assets within the community ensures self-sustainability of the CSR projects. Our aim is to give back to the communities by promoting development and creating maximum impact through our initiatives.”

Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India, inaugurated the CSR Conclave and narrated the significance of social welfare activities as an integral part of Indian culture. He iterated the importance of being mindful of the 3Ps- Perd (trees), Pani (water) and Plastic to protect our environment, “We must plant trees, conserve water and reduce the usage of single-use plastic through individual as well as corporate efforts. To that effect, I applaud SIAM’s initiative of discontinuing the use of single-use plastics at their events. These are the small steps that need to be adopted and appreciated in order to preserve our ecosystem.”

Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM, concluded the session by thanking the speakers for sharing their valuable inputs.

Further sessions highlighted high incidents of road accidents in India and the importance of addressing this complex problem by raising awareness about safe mobility. The discussion also touched upon the necessity of encouraging, educating and enforcing road safety laws by making students ambassadors of road safety.

The star speaker of the conclave, Dr. Madhav Chavan, Founder, Pratham, recalled the early years of CSR in India and compared it to how it is practiced today by the corporate sector, “The attitude of the companies towards CSR activities has matured.” He also highlighted the importance of investing in technical education through vocational programs related to the auto sector, “Today, the onus must also be on promoting sustainable development in underdeveloped areas.”

The event concluded with the presentation of 2nd SIAM CSR Awards wherein Terre Policy Centre won in the Environmental Rejuvenation category, Sneha NGO won in the Health & Sanitation category, Dharti Charitable Trust in Skills & Education category, Safe Life Foundation won in the Safety category, and the BAIF Institute of Sustainable Livelihoods and Development won in the Special Mention category.