- Akarma Foundation founder Nipam Shah launches Akarma Social Entrepreneurship Community Platform
- Chief Guest Suresh Patel unveils the online Directory of NGO and CSR companies by Akarma
- Rajiv Mehta, Past President AMA moderates the session on “Family Philanthropy: Swa-dharma to Social Entrepreneurship”
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, FEB 24
The Management Week Celebrations concluded at the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) on Saturday with the CSR Conference 2024. The Conference was themed on ‘Fostering partnerships between corporates and NGOs’.
As part of the event, Akarma Social Entrepreneurship Community Platform was launched. The platform is the largest smart database of active NGOs, companies active into CSR projects and social workers from across the country. The platform was launched by Nipam Shah, founder, Akarma Foundation. The Chief Guest Suresh Patel, Former Chairman, Andhra Bank and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India unveiled the online Directory of NGO and CSR companies by Akarma and presented the keynote address.
The conference saw an overwhelming response with enthusiasm and active participation from NGOs, Corporate, Donors and Social workers and individuals.
Dr Savan Godiawala, President, AMA shared his views about the initiative and vision for organizing this event. Vasant Gadhvi, ED, Adani Skill Development Centre; IAS, former Chief Information Commissioner spoke about the relevance of NGOs in Modern India and Indian Society. Priya Subbaraman, the former Chief Regulatory Officer, NSE; Founder DHIRA addressed the NGO’s engagement in investors’ education.
Dr Bharat Bhagat, a surgeon, philanthropist, social entrepreneur, columnist, and author spoke about innovative Finance driving the change in change NGO growth Strategies and also moderated the session on ‘Building Successful Social Enterprises: Enlightening and inspirational journeys of Social Entrepreneurs’ presented by Panel Members Falgun Sheth, Shaishav, Bhavnagar; Mittal Patel, Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch, Ahmedabad; Dr Pankaj Shah, Sanjeevani Health and Relief Committee, Ahmedabad; Ramesh Kasondra, Gram Vikas Trust, Bharuch; Dr Shrey Desai, SEWA Rural, Jhagadia; Dr Uday Gajiwala, Divyajyot Hospital, Surat; Dr Vikram Patel, Muni Seva Ashram, Goraj, Vadodara.
In the second half, Nipam Shah, Founder, Akarma Foundation moderated the session on ‘Exploring Synergies between NGOs and Corporates’ addressed by panel members including Ashish Desai, CSR Head, Nirma Group, D. Binita Verdia, Head CSR, Zydus Group, Dilip Chauhan, Head CSR, Cadila Group; Hoshang Irani, Head CSR, Jewelex India; Niraj Lal, Head CSR, Arvind Group; Pankti Shah, Head CSR-Gujarat, Adani Group.
As part of the conference, NGOs as well as social enterprises also got the opportunity to hold one-to-one meetings with CSR authorities, corporate representatives as well as individual philanthropists. The one-to-one meetings proved useful for several NGOs and social enterprises. Interestingly, research conducted by the organisers indicated that one-to-one meetings often enable NGOs and corporations to align their objectives in 90% scenarios. Moreover, in 78% cases, the organisers’ profiles match with that of expectations of the corporates whereas 44% of such meetings result in follow-up discussions on specific projects. However, only 20% of scenarios present NGOs with opportunities of company visits to their project locations.
During the conference, several young enterprises expressed that along with the meetings they also learnt about presentation skills and highlighting and showcasing the hard work they put in towards attaining social goals. Many enterprises also showed willingness to join the Akarma community.
Rajiv Mehta, Past President AMA moderated the session on “Family Philanthropy: Swa-dharma to Social Entrepreneurship” presented by Panel Members: Bharat Shah; Kamlesh Yagnik, SRK Knowledge Foundation; Prahalladbhai S Patel, Chairman, PSP Projects Limited; Prakash Shah, Sarvodaya Foundation; Rajiv Vastupal, Rajiv Group of Industries; Yatindra Sharma, Managing Partner, Invesco Fiscal Services, and Industrialist.
