Beyond Philanthropy Impact in Action
In India, corporate responsibility has progressed from a regulatory requirement to a strategic imperative that commands board-level focus and accountability.
- 17th December 2025
- Delhi
Beyond Philanthropy: Impact in Action
In India, corporate responsibility has progressed from a regulatory requirement to a strategic imperative that commands board-level focus and accountability. Mandated under the Companies Act, 2013 and reinforced by SEBI’s ESG disclosure norms, it has become a vital element of governance, risk management, and long-term value creation. With mounting regulatory pressures and evolving stakeholder expectations, businesses are now tasked with aligning profitability with meaningful social impact and measurable environmental outcomes.
Forward-looking organizations are harnessing the power of responsible practices to drive innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage. This transformation underscores that sustainability and social impact are no longer peripheral concerns but integral to shaping future-ready enterprises. Leadership in this era demands embedding these values into the organization’s core, ensuring trust, unlocking capital, and building a legacy of inclusive and enduring change.
2nd Edition of - ET Now Champions of CSR
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, ET Now Champions of CSR 2025 returns as a premier platform to celebrate organizations and leaders whose commitment to social impact is driving meaningful change across India.
Guided by the theme “Beyond Philanthropy: Impact in Action,” this distinguished platform recognizes visionary corporates, foundations, and innovators who are moving beyond traditional charity models to create measurable, scalable, and sustainable impact through purpose-led CSR initiatives.
A key highlight of the occasion will be the unveiling of the 2025 edition of The Champions of CSR Coffee Table Book — a special publication that showcases inspiring journeys, groundbreaking initiatives, and best-in-class practices that are setting new benchmarks in ethical governance and shared value creation.
In addition to celebrating organizations, the conclave will also honor Visionary Leaders — changemakers who exemplify leadership, innovation, and long-term commitment to advancing their organization’s social impact agenda. Their work embodies the spirit of “Impact in Action,” inspiring the ecosystem to lead with purpose and create lasting change.
Selection/Eligibility Criteria
The Champions of CSR
The organization must have a registered presence and active operations in India, with a clear commitment to corporate social responsibility in areas such as social impact, sustainability, inclusion, education, health, livelihoods, and environmental care.
Must have at least three years of operational presence in India as of March 2025
Should show consistent growth (3–5% per year) in CSR initiatives, social programs, or measurable improvements in community welfare and the environment.
- Startups/new enterprises (0–6 years): ₹0–50 crores
- Emerging enterprises (6–10 years): ₹50–100 crores
- Established enterprises (10+ years): Above ₹100 crores
Should employ at least 50 professionals involved in CSR programs, community development, sustainability leadership, or social impact operations.
Must provide evidence of tangible advancements such as innovative social impact models, large-scale livelihood programs, education and skill-building projects, or sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Leadership in scaling impact, operational excellence, measurable sustainability results, and influence in the CSR and ESG ecosystem.
Consideration will include ethical practices, diversity, safety standards, investment in social innovation, and collaboration across sectors to drive societal change.
Preference for entities with industry certifications, association memberships (CII, FICCI, UN Global Compact Network India), CSR excellence awards, or participation in national/international sustainability platforms.
Measurable social and environmental impact including improved community well-being, reduced environmental footprint, empowerment of marginalized groups, or use of digital innovation to enhance outcomes.
At least 3 years of leadership experience in CSR, sustainability, or social impact in India by March 2025.
Responsible for developing and scaling impactful CSR programs across social impact, inclusion, environment, education, health, and livelihoods.
Directly manage or oversee a team of 50+ professionals involved in CSR or sustainability initiatives.
Demonstrated growth and impact through innovative models, large-scale projects, or measurable community benefits.
Compliance with Companies Act CSR regulations and active engagement in industry awards, certifications, or networks (e.g., CII, FICCI, UN Global Compact).
Commitment to ethical practices, diversity, safety, and collaboration that foster
Why Attend?
Who will Attend?
Conglomerates & Diversified Businesses
Large multi-industry groups with diverse CSR initiatives
Information Technology
Digital innovation and social impact through tech-enabled CSR
Banking & Financial Services
CSR in financial inclusion, education, and rural development
FMCG & Consumer Goods
Sustainable consumption, health & nutrition programs
Energy & Utilities
Renewable energy, sustainability in energy access and environment
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
Community health, affordable medicines, preventive care programs
Automotive & Mobility
Road safety, green vehicles, skill development
Metals & Mining
Responsible for mining and sustainable resource management
Telecom & Digital Inclusion
Digital literacy, connectivity, social innovation through technology
Real Estate & Urban Development
Sustainable urban infrastructure, green buildings, affordable housing
Who Should Attend?
CSR & Sustainability Heads of leading corporates and PSUs
Corporate Foundations and philanthropic arms
Public Sector Enterprises under key ministries including Corporate Affairs, Rural Development, Jal Shakti, Energy, and Skill Development
Non-Profits & Implementation Partners delivering measurable on-ground social impact
International Organizations & Impact Think Tanks such as UNDP, UNICEF, and NITI Aayog-led platforms
Social Enterprises, Startups, and Incubators advancing CSR innovation
Academic & Research Institutions working in CSR, sustainability, and social policy
Impact Investors & CSR Advisory Firms driving CSR accountability and outcome measurement
Traditional methods of teaching and learning are giving way to more dynamic, student-centred, inclusive, and collaborative approaches that foster creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning. With a focus on leveraging technology, embracing inclusivity, and bridging the gap between education and employability, the ET Now Best Education Brands 2025 aims to address the pressing challenges and uncover new opportunities shaping the educational landscape of tomorrow.
It aims to dissect critical themes such as adaptive learning methodologies, the role of technology in education delivery, skill development aligned with future demands, and the imperative for inclusive and equitable education.
At this edition, we will honor the brands that have defied challenges and climbed the ladder to success through their vision, perseverance, and bravery. Additionally, this event will serve as a dynamic platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration across different sectors, and leveraging expert analysis to expedite progress. Through proactive cooperation, we aim to deliver scalable outcomes and drive impactful results.
At the heart of the conclave lies a steadfast belief: education must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. As the skills demanded by industries and professions shift, traditional learning models must transition towards being more student-centred, inclusive, connected, and collaborative, fostering creativity and lifelong learning. The Times Now Education Summit 2024 will provide a platform to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation in education and its profound potential to shape lives and societies.
Join us at the ET Now Best Education Brands Conclave 2025 to be part of this transformative journey. Together, let’s shape the future of education and skilling.
Objective
The 8th edition of the ET Now Best Education Brands aims to serve as a transformative platform for reimagining education and skilling systems to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape. Its primary objectives are to:
By achieving these objectives, the summit seeks to redefine the educational landscape, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality, and ensuring education serves as a cornerstone for personal, professional, and societal advancement.
Speakers
Father of India CSR and Sustainability, Former Secretary, Government of India, and Chairman, National Sustainability Reporting and Disclosures Committee, Bureau of Indian Standards, GOI
Agenda
Disclaimer: Agenda is work in progress and subject to changes.
Partners
media partners
Education Partner
Business Insights Partner
Conceptualized & Executed By
