CSR Meet & Capacity Building Workshop (2025 – 26)
ISRN is pleased to have supported the “CSR Meet & Capacity Building Workshop” organized by CSIR-NIScPR, Vibha Vani India, Vijnana Bharati and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan on 11–12 September 2025 at CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi.
With eminent dignitaries including Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD-BIRAC, DBT, GoI and Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, National Organizing Secretary, Vijnana Bharati, Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, NAAC, Bangalore gracing the event, the workshop brought together CSR leaders, NGOs/CSOs, academicians, scientists, grassroots organizations and development practitioners for impactful dialogues and knowledge sharing.
Our very own, Dr. Reeta Rana, Senior Manager at ISRN, led insightful capacity building sessions on “Essence of Project Proposal Writing” and “Success Stories & Impact Narratives”, empowering participants to design transformative development initiatives.
Together, let’s continue driving CSR Science and Technology and Grassroots Development for a stronger and more sustainable future.
Workshop on Data, Cybersecurity & Social Stock Exchange Awareness for Grassroot Leaders (2025 – 26)
ISRN, in collaboration with ISDM DataShakti and MP Jan Abhiyaan Parishad, successfully organized impactful workshops in Bhopal on DataShakti Roadshow, Cyber Security Challenges and NSE’s Social Stock Exchange (SSE) Awareness. The program witnessed the participation of over 125 grassroot NGO organisation leaders from Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states, who gained valuable insights into smarter use of data for social change, practices for cyber safety, and avenues of financial sustainability through SSE.
The event was graced by eminent speakers including Shri Mohan Nagar Ji, Vice Chairman, MP-JAP; Dr. Bakul Lad Ji, Executive Director, MP-JAP; Shri Yogesh Choudhary Ji (IPS), ADG, MP Police; and Shri Santosh Gupta, CEO, ISRN. Their thought-provoking addresses emphasized the importance of empowering grassroots leadership with digital literacy, data-driven decision-making, and innovative financial tools.
Through this initiative, ISRN and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to building a digitally secure, data-driven, and financially resilient civil society that can drive inclusive development.
Training of NGOs affiliated to Rashtriya Sewa Bharati on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) (2016-17)
Rashtriya Sewa Bharati is dedicated to strengthening India’s social development ecosystem by mobilizing NGOs and providing them with a unified national platform. Through awareness, coordination, training, assessment, and research & development, the organization empowers NGOs with essential skills needed to create meaningful and sustainable impact.
In alignment with this mission, Rashtriya Sewa Bharati organized a two-day Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) training program for its affiliated NGOs in Jammu & Kashmir on 28–29 May 2016. More than 20 NGOs participated in this capacity-building initiative.
The training focused on enhancing NGOs’ understanding of CSR, project development, documentation, and other key operational areas. A special interaction session with company representatives further helped participants gain practical insights.
Shri Santosh Gupta, CEO of ISRN, conducted an insightful session on ‘Project Development’, which was highly appreciated by the participants.
This program marked an important step toward improving NGO effectiveness and fostering collaborative development efforts in the region.
ISRN Conducts Two-Day Capacity Building Program for Voluntary Organizations in Collaboration with GSDS (2016-17)
ISRN, in partnership with Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS), organized a two-day Capacity Building Program for Voluntary Organizations (VOs) on 15–16 July 2016 at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, New Delhi. The initiative addressed the growing need for efficient, transparent, and credible VOs to support government schemes and corporate CSR projects across the country.
The program brought together 50 representatives from 15 states, enhancing their skills in record management, financial management, program documentation, proposal writing, and understanding CSR provisions under Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013. Participants also learned strategies for building their organizational image through social media platforms.
Sessions were conducted by esteemed resource persons from GSDS, Quality Council of India, BIMTECH, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, PHD Chamber, Ricoh India, NRMC, Kriti, Facebook, and others—providing comprehensive guidance to strengthen VO effectiveness and governance.
ISRN Facilitates 14 Free Health Camps Across India Under PGCIL’s CSR Initiative (2016-17)
On 15 May 2016, under the CSR initiative of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), free health check-up camps were organized at 95 locations nationwide. ISRN, on behalf of PHDRDF, facilitated 14 of these camps across Karnataka, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, and Himachal Pradesh.
The camps included general health examinations, eye check-ups, pathological tests, and distribution of free medicines. Awareness talks on cleanliness and hygiene were also conducted to promote better health practices among villagers.
Across the 14 ISRN-supported locations—covering districts such as Raigarh, Durg, Gaya, Purnea, Chamba, Hamirpur, Ramanagara, and others—more than 4,000 people benefitted from this impactful health outreach initiative.
National Dialogue on Strengthening Khadi & Village Industries: KVIC–RMP Initiative Facilitated by ISRN (2016-17)
ISRN supported the Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP) in organizing a one-day national dialogue on “Developing & Upscaling Khadi & Village Based Industries in India: Emerging Role of Voluntary Organizations” on 1st June 2016 in Thane.
The program aimed to enhance the participation of Voluntary Organizations (VOs) in KVIC schemes by raising awareness about opportunities within PMEGP, SFURTI, beekeeping, Neera plantations, and other rural livelihoods. More than 30 NGOs working with rural artisans and handicrafts attended the session.
Experts from KVIC delivered insights on honey production, solar charkha, employment generation, and scaling traditional industries. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A and a vote of thanks from ISRN, emphasizing the need for VOs to collaborate closely with KVIC offices across India to boost rural development and sustainable livelihood creation.
Capacity Building Program on NGO Management (2015-16)
ISRN organized a two-day “Capacity Building Program on NGO Management” on 30–31 May 2016 at Goa Niwas, New Delhi. The training aimed to strengthen the operational, financial, and strategic capabilities of voluntary organizations (VOs), focusing on record-keeping, proposal writing, financial management, and program documentation.
More than 50 participants from 15 states took part, gaining essential skills to enhance transparency, accountability, and organizational efficiency. The sessions also familiarized them with the CSR mandate under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, and introduced government schemes and corporate collaboration opportunities.
Eminent speakers including Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Shri Ravindra Sathe, Shri Rajesh Balani, and Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir (Hon’ble MoS, Chemicals & Fertilizers) addressed the participants. Experts emphasized legal compliance, result-based management, stakeholder engagement, and strategies for sustainable CSR partnerships.
The program offered practical insights into project proposal development, CSR funding mechanisms, documentation best practices, and relationship building with corporates, government, and international stakeholders.
By building these capabilities, ISRN enabled VOs to scale their social impact and become stronger partners in national development.
Orientation Program on Strategies for Resulted Oriented CSR, Indore (2015-16)
ISRN organized a an orientation program on “Strategies for Result-Oriented CSR” on 2nd September 2015 at the Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore. The event brought together over 170 representatives from corporates, voluntary organizations (VOs), and government bodies to foster a collaborative dialogue on strengthening CSR implementation. Distinguished dignitaries such as Smt. Maya Singh (then Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, GoMP), Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe (National Vice President-BJP), and senior administrative officials enriched the platform with their insights. The sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics—from CSR policy, compliance under the Companies Act 2013, and reporting mechanisms, to collaborative models and best practices. A strong emphasis was laid on aligning CSR with national priorities like health, education, and skill development.
The program served as a robust platform for dialogue between the three key actors—corporates, government, and VOs—on how CSR can go beyond statutory obligations to create long-term impact. Experts and practitioners emphasized a participatory approach, integration of CSR with core business objectives, and the need for effective partnerships.
Meeting with SATHI-UP Core Team (2015-16)
SATHI-UP is a local network of VOs of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. SATHI network Faizabad organized a core team meeting with ISRN on 10th February 2016. The meeting was conceived to discuss challenges and opportunities faced by VOs working in eastern UP region. Around 50 VOs attended the program. Through group activity the VOs were encouraged to identify the challenges and gaps to innovate solutions for the same. In the end, the SATHI network VOs agreed to work closely with ISRN.
Meeting with SATHI-UP Core Team (2015-16)
SATHI-UP is a local network of VOs of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. SATHI network Faizabad organized a core team meeting with ISRN on 10th February 2016. The meeting was conceived to discuss challenges and opportunities faced by VOs working in eastern UP region. Around 50 VOs attended the program. Through group activity the VOs were encouraged to identify the challenges and gaps to innovate solutions for the same. In the end, the SATHI network VOs agreed to work closely with ISRN.
ISRN Participation in All India Conference of Vidya Bharti School Principals (2015-16)
Vidya Bharti, the education wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), organized the All India Conference of School Principals from 11th–14th February 2016 in New Delhi, with participation from over 1,300 senior secondary school principals representing 12,000+ Vidya Bharti schools across India.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, then Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India.
Shri Santosh Gupta, CEO of ISRN, delivered an insightful session on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under the Companies Act, 2013, highlighting how Vidya Bharti schools can leverage CSR partnerships to enhance educational quality and infrastructure. The session inspired schools to strengthen their capacity for sustainable growth through corporate collaboration.
Strengthening CSR and VO Collaboration: ISRN Expands Membership Network Across India (2015-16)
Through continuous efforts and impactful initiatives, Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN) has successfully built a strong membership base of over 140 organizations, including Voluntary Organizations (VOs) and corporates from 20 states and 2 Union Territories. Additionally, ISRN’s indirect outreach extends to over 600 VOs across 28 states, creating a powerful network for collaboration and capacity building in the social development sector.
ISRN has been actively facilitating training programs, exposure visits, and CSR partnerships for its members. It has supported participation of VOs in CSR projects—such as those with ONGC—and enabled direct interaction between the Hon’ble Environment Minister and VOs to explore participation in government initiatives.
Furthermore, ISRN played a key role in connecting VOs with the Jan Aushadhi Scheme of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, resulting in the opening of 30 Jan Aushadhi stores by member organizations, contributing to affordable healthcare and rural entrepreneurship.
Capacity Building Program on NGO Management (2015 -16)
Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN) successfully organized a two-day “Capacity Building Program on NGO Management” on 30th–31st May 2016 at Goa Niwas, New Delhi.
The training aimed to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and credibility of Voluntary Organizations (VOs) through focused sessions on financial management, program documentation, proposal writing, and understanding Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
More than 50 participants from 15 states attended the program, gaining insights into government development schemes and corporate collaboration opportunities to strengthen their social impact initiatives.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Vice Chairperson, ISRN, and Mr. Santosh Gupta, CEO, ISRN, who highlighted the importance of capacity building and collaborative partnerships between NGOs, corporates, and government for nation-building.
Training Program on “Strategies for Result Oriented Corporate Social Responsibility (2014-15)
ISRN, in collaboration with PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) as the knowledge partner, organized a training program on “Strategies for Result-Oriented Corporate Social Responsibility” on 18th December 2014 at PHD House, Delhi. The program was inaugurated by Sh. Jayant Sinha, Hon’ble Minister of State, Finance, Government of India.
Designed for CSR heads, managers from corporates and PSUs, and CSR consultants, the training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of CSR strategy development, legal frameworks (including the Companies Act, 2013), sustainable development integration, project implementation, monitoring, and social audits.
This initiative stemmed from ISRN’s earlier seminar “CSR for Shreshth Bharat,” which identified critical gaps in CSR implementation and the need for capacity-building. Over 50 professionals attended the session, and certificates were awarded upon completion.
National Seminar On CSR for Shreshth Bharat (2014-15)
ISRN, in collaboration with India@75 / CII and Governance Now, organized a national seminar titled “CSR for Shreshth Bharat” on 8th October 2014 at Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. The event aimed to demystify the newly introduced CSR provisions under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, which mandates eligible companies to allocate 2% of their average net profits from the past three years toward CSR initiatives.
The seminar, inaugurated by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, then Hon’ble Minister of State, brought together over 200 stakeholders from the corporate and development sectors. Distinguished speakers including Dr. Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Sh. Chandrajeet Banerjee, Dr. Malika Nadda, Sh. Santosh Gupta, and Sh. Sanjay Chaturvedi shared insights on CSR implementation, collaboration beyond funding, gender inclusivity, and emerging themes such as CSR tourism and social audits.
Drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat”, the discussions emphasized CSR’s role in building a socially responsible and inclusive India. The seminar served as a platform to foster strategic partnerships, bridge knowledge gaps, and strengthen the CSR ecosystem for impactful development.
National Seminar on CSR: Building Relationships Beyond Funding (2014-15)
ISRN successfully organized the National Seminar on “Nation First – CSR: Building Relationships Beyond Funding” on 11–12 July 2014 at IISC, Bangalore, following the National Convention on CSR held in 15-16 February 2014 at Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Mumbai.
The seminar, held in collaboration with KSCST, CBR Network, CSR Assist, and partners including Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Hutti Gold Mines, and Novozymes, brought together experts from the corporate, government, and NGO sectors.
Key discussions focused on:
- Strengthening CSR partnerships between corporates and civil society.
- Promoting awareness on the Companies Act 2013 and inclusive development.
- Showcasing replicable CSR best practices and innovative approaches.
- Launching a Digital Library on CSR featuring global policies and practices.
The event featured distinguished speakers such as Hon’ble Justice Sri Rama Jois, Dr. Vaman Acharya, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, and other eminent professionals from academia and industry. Over 160 participants joined to explore new ideas and strengthen CSR networks for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Dialogue on “Role of Voluntary Organizations in Environment Protection and Climate Change” (2014-15)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN), organized a half-day national dialogue on “Role of Voluntary Organizations in Environment Protection and Climate Change” on 13 April 2015 at Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi.
The session, chaired by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Union Environment Minister, brought together over 125 participants from 11 states, including voluntary organizations (VOs), policymakers, and environmental experts.
The dialogue focused on:
- Strengthening collaboration between MoEFCC and voluntary organizations.
- Sharing innovative practices in environment protection and climate change mitigation.
- Discussing the Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP) and future engagement strategies.
The event provided a platform for NGOs and civil society to interact directly with ministry officials, exchange ideas, and contribute to India’s sustainable development agenda.
ISRN – Sphere India Round Table on Corporate Engagement in Disaster Management (2014-15)
ISRN, in collaboration with Sphere India, organized a Round Table Consultation on “Strengthening Networks on Disaster Management: Engaging the Private Sector for Coordinated Response” on 20th February 2015 at the Sphere India office.
The discussion emphasized the growing need for corporate involvement in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation. The session highlighted the importance of Corporate–Humanitarian partnerships in leveraging business expertise, technology, and resources to build resilient communities.
Key objectives included:
- Sharing best practices and success stories of corporate participation in disaster management.
- Exploring collaborative models between companies and humanitarian actors.
- Developing a roadmap for multi-sector coordination in disaster planning and response.
Over 50 participants from the corporate sector, humanitarian organizations, and development agencies attended, contributing valuable insights toward strengthening disaster resilience and community safety.
ISRN-Governance Now PSU Award 2014
Indian Social Responsibility Network (ISRN) proudly participated as a CSR Partner in the Governance Now “PSU Awards 2014”, held on 7th November 2014 in New Delhi.
The prestigious event, graced by Shri Kalraj Mishra, Hon’ble Union Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), celebrated the outstanding contributions of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to India’s economic growth and social development.
The PSU Awards recognized Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna companies for excellence in CSR initiatives, green innovation, human resource development, strategic performance, and technological advancement — acknowledging their pivotal role in nation-building and sustainable progress.