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June 2, 2025
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CSR News: Delivery Partners in for a Sweet Surprise on May Day

Mumbai, India: Dairy Day, a prominent ice cream brand across South & West India, celebrated May Day by bringing to life its core value of goodness in a heartfelt manner. Guided by its commitment to spreading goodness in every consumer’s life, the brand encouraged people to pause for a moment and express gratitude to the people who make their lives easier every day.

On May 1st, Bangaloreans received a delightful surprise—a free Dairy Day ice cream with their Blinkit orders! But this wasn’t just about indulging customers; it was about bringing a little joy to the delivery partners who work tirelessly every day. Thousands across the city were encouraged to pause, say thank you and share an ice cream with their delivery partner — recognizing the everyday heroes who make our lives easier.

Over a period of more than two decades, Dairy Day has championed the timeless power of Goodness through compelling campaigns, driven by a deep belief in its universal relevance and the transformative impact of small acts of kindness and gratitude.

“At Dairy Day, Goodness is a way of life that is deeply embedded in everything that we do, every single day. As a brand that believes in creating everyday moments of joy, we see this campaign as not just being about ice cream, but about spreading some goodness around us. A simple thank you, delivered in the form of a sweet treat- that’s the kind of world we want to help build.” said Arvind Ramachandran, Vice President – Marketing, Dairy Day Ice Creams.

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

CSR News: ‘Care for Smile’ Initiative Honors Barber Community on National Hairstylist Appreciation Day

New Delhi, India: Esskay Beauty, India’s leading salon solutions expert, and its hairstyling brand Mr. Barber, celebrated National Hairstylist Appreciation Day by honouring and rewarding the hardworking community of barbers. The company partnered with the Azad Barber Association of Delhi to recognise and appreciate the vital role barbers play in giving people a medium to express themselves through their hairstyle.

This effort is part of Esskay Beauty’s larger “Care for Smile” programme, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer financial help, essential supplies, and emotional support to communities in need. This initiative continues the brand’s promise for the cause & strengthens the company’s commitment to give back to the community.

As part of the campaign, Mr. Barber gifted premium grooming kits to barbers associated with the Azad Barber Association, Bhajanpura, Delhi. The brand also awarded the present barbers with certificates of appreciation for their timeless service to mankind. Esskay Beauty Resources have also offered a masterclass for members of Azad Barber Association, aimed at enhancing their skills.

Talking about this unique association, Ankit Virmani, Director of Esskay Beauty Resources, said, “We are immensely proud to join forces with the Azad Barber Association, whose incredible network has helped us to reach the barbers community & make a small attempt to empower them.

This collaboration is built on a shared belief: that empowering hairstylists with access to high-quality tools can transform their craft, elevate customer experiences, and help them build lasting client relationships. Together, we’re working towards a future where every barber has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and shine as a hair artist. With this thought in mind, we have also invited the interested barbers for a free masterclass to our Head office in Gurugram.”

Adding his thoughts, Md. Imran Salmani, President of the Azad Barber Association, said, “We appreciate Mr. Barber and Esskay Beauty for recognising our efforts and giving barbers the respect they truly deserve. At the Azad Barber Association, we’ve spent years supporting and empowering barbers by providing training, guidance, and a platform to grow. Esskay Beauty Resources has made a reputation for their education efforts & has even offered our barbers free masterclasses to upscale themselves with the latest techniques & trends.

For many of our members, being a barber is not just a job, it’s a passion and a service to society, passed down through generations. Given a chance, these barbers would love to give their kids an opportunity to learn from the best of Mr. Barber’s educators, who will help these kids to become the hair artists of their dreams.”

By recognising the work of barbers and hairstylists, often the unsung heroes of self-care, Esskay Beauty aims to seek more industry-wide support for these essential but often neglected professionals.

 

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

 

Refusing short trips — Licence to be Suspended for over 28,000 Taxi, Auto Drivers in Mumbai

A major problem with public transport in Mumbai is being refused for short distance trips by autorickshaw and taxi drivers, which is a reason for delays and frustration for daily commuters across Mumbai city and its suburbs. To deal with this problem, the Mumbai Traffic Police have initiated the process to suspend licences of more than 28,800 taxi and autorickshaw drivers. The penalty comes for refusing to ferry passengers wanting to undertake short-distance trips in Mumbai.

The traffic wing of the Mumbai police conducted a special drive against errant taxi and autorickshaw drivers from April 18 to May 2. During the drive, as many as 48,417 taxi and auto rickshaw drivers were issued challans (penalty receipts) for different traffic violations, as per officials.

The traffic wing of Mumbai Police launched a campaign to clean up public transport behaviour. As per media reports, the traffic police launched a major crackdown on Monday, issuing challans to more than 48,000 auto and taxi drivers. Over the span of two weeks, these penalties were handed out for various traffic violations, including refusal to ply.

Apart from short distance trip refusal, cab and autorickshaw drivers are also being penalised for driving without proper uniforms, valid permits, or registration documents. Some were even caught plying on the roads without identity badges or carrying more passengers beyond the permitted limit.

India to introduce Driving Licence Points System

Meanwhile, India is preparing to introduce a points-based system for driving licences for the first time, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to road safety and traffic law enforcement.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is spearheading this initiative, which aims to reduce traffic violations and bring down the high number of road accidents that claim over 1.7 lakh lives in India every year.

Under the proposed system, drivers will receive negative points-also known as demerit points-for traffic offences such as over-speeding, jumping red lights, and reckless driving. If a driver accumulates points beyond a certain threshold, their licence could be suspended or even cancelled. For example, a previous expert committee recommended a one-year suspension for drivers who collect 12 points within three years, and a five-year cancellation for repeat offenders. While the exact threshold for the new system is yet to be finalised, the government is working on amending the Motor Vehicles Act to incorporate these changes.

Dr Priti Adani Honoured with Second Doctorate for Transformative Social Impact

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to social development and public service, Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, was conferred with the prestigious Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa by Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (DMIHER), a deemed university in Wardha, Maharashtra.

Chancellor Datta Meghe presented the honorary degree during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony, where Dr Adani was invited as the Guest of Honour. In her address to the graduating students, Dr Adani shared her personal philosophy of service, stating, “सेवा साधना है, सेवा प्रार्थना है और सेवा ही परमात्मा है”, reaffirming her lifelong commitment to fostering inclusive progress and lasting transformation across vulnerable communities.

Dr Priti Adani Receives Second Honorary Doctorate For Social Impact

This is Dr Adani’s second honorary doctorate, having previously been honoured by Gujarat Law Society University in Ahmedabad in 2020 for her outstanding dedication to social upliftment. Her list of accolades also includes the Banas Ratna Award from the Rotary Club of Palanpur (2019) and the Award of Excellence for Social Impact by FICCI’s Ladies Organisation (FLO) in 2022.

A qualified dental surgeon by training, Dr Priti Adani chose to devote herself to the service of society rather than clinical practice. Since taking over as Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, the CSR arm of the Adani Group, she has redefined corporate social responsibility in India through a mission of deep community engagement and sustainable change.

Established in 1996, the Adani Foundation works across five core pillars: education, health and nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, climate action, and community development. Under Dr Adani’s visionary leadership, the Foundation has positively impacted over 9.1 million people in 6,769 villages across 21 states, with a strong focus on empowering women, children, youth, and marginalised populations.

Adani Foundation Aligns with SDGs to Drive Grassroots Impact

With its work closely aligned to India’s national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Foundation continues to scale high-impact programmes that bring measurable change to underserved areas. Its initiatives reflect the broader mission of the Adani Group, one of India’s fastest-growing and diversified conglomerates.

Dr Adani’s recognition by DMIHER reinforces the growing importance of compassionate leadership in the philanthropic sector. Her efforts have not only brought tangible development to grassroots India but also served as a model for how business-led social responsibility can contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

डॉ. प्रीति अदाणी दूसरी बार डॉक्टरेट की उपाधि से सम्मानित, समाज सेवा में अनुकरणीय योगदान के लिए जानी जाती हैं प्रीति अदाणी

‘Ownership and Agency to Villages’: Singapore President Lauds India’s Aspirational Districts Programme

Singapore President

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has strongly praised India’s Aspirational Districts Programme, describing it as a leading example of empowering people in developing regions. Speaking at the Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) 2025, held in Singapore and themed ‘Priming Asia for Good’, Shanmugaratnam drew attention to how the initiative has successfully given power and agency to communities in some of India’s most underdeveloped areas.

Addressing a gathering of global thought leaders and philanthropists, Shanmugaratnam said, “But innovation also involves organisation. For instance, if you look at India, one of the unsung successes is what they call the Aspirational Districts Programme. A well-chosen name for the most underdeveloped districts in India.” He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the initiative in 2018 with the aim to quickly and effectively transform 112 of the country’s most under-developed districts.

Shanmugaratnam explained that the programme is not just about top-down development but about “giving ownership to the community.” He noted the creation of community health workers, para-nurses, and robust data systems, all supported by the central government, with a special focus on improving maternal and child health in the earliest years. He added, “I believe Gates Foundation joined Piramal Foundation and Tata Trusts in helping to fund it.”

The Singapore President shared his personal observations, mentioning visits to some of these districts. He said he saw how the programme works on the ground because it gives “ownership and agency to the people in the village themselves.” This, he said, is key to the success of the initiative.

Shriti Pandey, a Delhi-based expert who attended the summit and has closely studied the programme, agreed with Shanmugaratnam’s assessment. She said the programme has empowered women in villages, with many involved in running clinics and Anganwadis. Pandey noted improvements in baseline health parameters under the scheme, especially around maternal and child health. She also pointed out that many foundations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are adopting the scheme as a structure to fund projects, though she emphasised that more work is needed in areas like waste management, schools, and education infrastructure.

Shanmugaratnam’s remarks came as Singapore’s Temasek Trust, along with partners such as the Philanthropy Asia Alliance and Centre for Impact Investing and Practices, announced new global initiatives at the summit to support solutions in climate, health, and their intersection, inspired in part by successful models like India’s Aspirational Districts Programme.

What is the Aspirational Districts Programme?

Launched in January 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) aims to rapidly transform 112 of India’s most under-developed districts. The main objective is to improve the Human Development Index (HDI) and reduce disparities between regions by focusing on key areas where progress has been slow.

The programme is built on three pillars: convergence of central and state government schemes, collaboration among various government officers and district collectors, and healthy competition among districts based on their progress. Progress is measured through monthly delta rankings, which track improvements across 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under five broad themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Infrastructure.

A unique feature of the ADP is its emphasis on community ownership and participation. The initiative seeks to empower local communities by developing health workers, para-nurses, and local data systems, all while ensuring support from the central government. The focus is especially strong on maternal and child health, but the programme also addresses broader issues such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The ADP is anchored by NITI Aayog, with active involvement from central ministries and state governments. The districts are encouraged to “catch up” with the best-performing districts in their respective states and then aspire to become among the best in the country. This approach is meant to foster both competitive and cooperative federalism, driving a mass movement for inclusive growth and improved living standards for all citizens.

The programme has received support from international and Indian philanthropic organisations, including the Gates Foundation, Piramal Foundation, and Tata Trusts, making it a collaborative effort between government and civil society.

The recognition of India’s Aspirational Districts Programme at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025 by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam underscores its reputation as a model for community-driven development and grassroots empowerment in the developing world.

West Bengal’s 17 districts prepared for Civil Defence Mock Drill

Image for representation

The Government of India will conduct civil defence mock drill across the country. Among them 17 districts of West Bengal also are also scheduled to go through the mock drill on May 7. State officials were present in the meeting with Central government regarding the preparation for mock drill.

Which districts are included in the mock drill

West Bengal’s 17 districts are included in the mock drill which will be conducted on May 7. Already state administration has necessary instruction to the concerned district officials. Those districts which were included are Kolkata, Coochbehar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Medinipur, Alipurduar, Paschim Medinipur, Murshidabad, Dakshin Dinajpur, Uttar Dinajpur, Kalimpong, Bardhaman, Birbhum, Howrah and Hooghly.

Who will be the participants

According to order of the Central government, “In the Civil Defence Exercise, active participation of the District Controller, various district authorities, Civil Defence Wardens/Volunteers, Home Guard (active reservists volunteers), NCC, NSS, NYKS, college / school students is envisaged. The said Civil Defence Exercise is aimed to assess the operational efficacy and operational coordination of various Civil Defence measures.”

The order stated, The primary objectives of the mock drill are as follows:

* To assess the effectiveness of air raid warning systems.

* Operationalization of Hotline/Radio Communication Links with the Indian Air
Force.

* To test the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms.

* Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect
themselves in the event of hostile attack.

* Provision of crash black out measures.

* Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants / installations

* To verify the activation and response of Civil Defence services, including warden
services, firefighting, rescue operations, and depot management.

*To assess the implementation of crash blackout measures.

* To evaluate the preparedness of evacuation plans and their execution.

Fire Safety Tips: मुंबई में बढ़ती गर्मी से आग लगने का खतरा, मुंबई फायर ब्रिगेड ने जारी की 10 जरूरी सावधानियां

Firefighters

2 Dead, 44 Injured as Bus Falls into Gorge in J&K’s Poonch

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a surge in road accidents in recent days, with tragic incidents reported from Poonch, Ramban, and Reasi districts, leaving at least nine people dead and over 50 others injured.

In the most recent accident on Tuesday, a passenger bus en route from Ghani village to Mendhar skidded off the road in Poonch district and plunged into a deep gorge. The incident occurred around 9:20 am, killing two people and injuring 44, with nine critically hurt, as confirmed by local authorities.

Block Medical Officer Dr. Ashfaq Choudhary said that all 15 ambulances in the region were immediately mobilised to the site with support from local volunteers, the police, CRPF, and the Army. Among the injured, five critically wounded passengers were referred to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu for advanced treatment. The deceased were identified as Mohd Majeed (45) from Ghani and Noor Hussain (60) from Kasblari.

Similar Accident Took Place Few Days Ago

Just two days earlier, a fatal crash in Ramban district claimed the lives of three Army personnel when their truck, part of a military convoy traveling along National Highway 44, veered off the road and plunged into a 700-foot-deep gorge near Battery Chashma around 11:30 am on Sunday. The soldiers Sepoys Amit Kumar, Sujeet Kumar, and Man Bahadur were declared dead at the scene. Officials reported that the vehicle was completely mangled due to the impact.

Emergency rescue efforts in the Ramban crash included personnel from the Army, police, SDRF, and local villagers, though no lives could be saved.

Adding to the tragic tally, March witnessed two more deadly accidents in the region. In Ramban, a load carrier transporting vegetables crashed into a gorge near Battery Chashma, killing driver Arshid Ahmad and helper Seva Singh, both in their 30s. They were returning to Ukhral Pogal-Paristan when the vehicle lost control and fell several hundred feet down a ravine. A joint rescue team of police and civilians later retrieved their bodies.

Accident Took Place in Reasi District Killing 4 and Injring 8

In another March accident, Reasi district saw four people killed and eight injured when a tempo traveller skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in the Gangode area. One person died en route to the hospital, while three died on the spot. The injured were taken to a local hospital after a swift response from the SDRF and police.

The string of accidents has reignited concerns about road safety in Jammu and Kashmir’s hilly districts, where narrow, winding roads combined with poor infrastructure and frequent vehicle overloading create deadly conditions. Locals and officials alike are urging stronger preventive measures to avoid further loss of life on these treacherous routes.

Top CSR Projects in Murshidabad

NTPC runs child and adult literacy programmes in Farakka, Murshidabad

The city of golden threads and royal palaces of Bengal’s Nawabs, Murshidabad plays a crucial role in the history of West Bengal. Located near the Bhagirathi river, Murshidabad is known for being the residence of the Nawab Murshid Quli Khan (Murshidabad was named after him), Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula and other nawabs of Bengal. It was the capital of Subah Bengal during the Mughal period in the early 18th century, enjoying jurisdiction over Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. After the defeat of Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daulah at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British East India Company, Murshidabad started witnessing a decline.

Having a historical legacy of silk production, Murshidabad is famous for fine mulberry silk and is currently one of the major silk producers in West Bengal as well as India.

Currently, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is on a tour to Murshidabad in the aftermath of the recent communal violence in the district which claimed a few lives and displaced hundreds of people. In this context, the CSR Journal takes a look into the top CSR projects in Murshidabad in recent years.

CSR of L&T – Digital Sakhi programme

In FY2023-24, Non-Banking Financial Company L&T Finance empanelled 400 Sakhis in Uttar Pradesh (Gorakhpur), Bihar (Supaul), Tamil Nadu (Madurai) and West Bengal (Murshidabad) under its ‘Digital Sakhi’ programme. Digital and financial literacy is imparted to rural women through this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

The programme which was initiated in 2017, has expanded its geographical footprint in 7 states namely, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala with a cadre of 1,370 trained Digital Sakhis over the years.

Digital Sakhi is a flagship programme of LTF, which equips rural women with the skills and knowledge to confidently impart Digital and Financial Literacy (DFL) training to households in their communities and nurture an ecosystem of digital financial transactions. The programme focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality wherein women are identified from rural communities and trained extensively on DFL, leadership and technology.

These women are called “Digital Sakhis”. Each Sakhi is equipped with a mobile tablet with preloaded DFL modules. The program also nurtures women entrepreneurs from the communities, providing them with upskilling and enterprise development trainings to help them build their businesses and enhance their livelihoods.

The project was launched in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district in 2023 and during the year more than 1,00,000 women were reached through various awareness activities in the first year, as per an announcement.

Cancer Detection and Awareness Mobile Van – CSR of Power Finance Corporation

Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) Ltd., a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the Indian power sector, launched a Cancer Detection and Awareness Mobile Van under its CSR initiative aimed at addressing the high prevalence of cancer in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal.

The van will be operated in partnership with Lilavati Hospital Kolkata, providing cancer screenings and raising awareness in rural areas. The van is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, such as digital mammography, thermal ablation devices, digital X-ray, colposcopy, and real-time PCR.  It will offer early cancer detection for both men and women, with a particular focus on cervical and breast cancers.

Parminder Chopra CMD, PFC, stated, “Through this CSR initiative, we aim to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of the people. The mobile van will detect cancer early and raise awareness about cancer prevention and the importance of regular screenings”.

CSR of NTPC

Ambulance donated by NTPC to Bharat Sevashram Sangha

As part of their CSR initiative, NTPC Farakka distributed blankets to the needy people of Farakka block on 31st December, 2022. Manirul Islam, MLA, Farakka, Ziaur Rahman, HOHR, NTPC Farakka, Nikesh Kumar, DGM(HR) and other dignitaries graced the event held at Ratan Pur, Dhuliya, Farakka, Murshidabad.
As part of the CSR initiative of NTPC, an interaction session was held with villagers in Farakka regarding the importance of girl child empowerment and education in May-June, 2022. The Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) 2022 programme saw the participation of female students and their parents from various local and neighbouring schools.

As part of their CSR initiative, NTPC donated a basic Life Support Ambulance to Bharat Sevashram Sangh Baharampur branch. The ambulance was handed over by Baharampur MP and Leader of Opposition Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to Swami Mangalananda Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangh Baharampur branch.
Apart from these, the public sector power company runs an adult education centre in the district.

CSR of Hero Motocorp

As part of Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Hero Motocorp Limited, 40 Hero Glamour motorcycles were handed over to Murshidabad Police Department in May 2022. The motorcycles were handed over by Himadri Das (Managing Director, Golden Motors Pvt. Ltd.) in presence of the Superintendent of Police.

Hero Motocorp donating motorcycles to Murshidabad Police

CSR of Ambuja Cement

Ambuja Cements Ltd built and inaugurated a check dam across the Kalnoi river at Murshidabad of West Bengal in July, 2022. The purpose is to ensure availability of water for irrigation by farmers, clean drinking water, and improve the quality of life of local residents. Over 10,000 households reportedly receive drinking water from the check dam located near the ash pond of Ambuja Cements’ manufacturing unit in Kalaidanga.

Ambuja Cements Ltd built a check dam across the Kalnoi river at Murshidabad in 2022

Bharti Enterprises – Satya Bharti Schools

In 2011, Bharti Foundation (the CSR arm of telecom giant Bharti Enterprises) launched six Satya Bharti Schools in the villages of Amaritakunda, Chanak, Chargachi, Patkeldanga, Noapara and Dhalsa in Murshidabad district.

More than 60% of the students at these schools are girls. Most of the children enrolled in these schools are first generation learners – their parents did not experience the joys of formal education. These children are not only receiving quality education, but also nutritious mid-day meals, exposure to a range of co-curricular activities.

The Satya Bharti Schools in West Bengal have been built incorporating the ‘Building As Learning Aid’ (BALA) technique. As per this technique, walls, windows and other structures of the school building are painted in the form of calendar month, school map, height charts, abacus grill, mathematics tables, distance markers.

This method ensured that with multiple exposures to the built-in learning aids in the school buildings, children remember them in the long run. The curriculum in the schools also integrates community campaigns to develop life skills as well as critical and creative thinking among the children.

Singer India – Women Empowerment Project

For women from the weaker sections of society, a vocational skill like sewing holds an important alternative as they can set up a sewing machine set up in their homes and cater to making clothes for their family and neighbourhood while still continuing their roles as homemakers.

As part of Singer India’s CSR Programme of Ek Nai Pehchaan, the appliance maker has committed itself to aggressively aiming to uplift women from the weaker sections of society who are coming from the slums and lower-middle strata.

The Mahila Selai School in Murshidabad is a Skill Development Centre for providing women with vocational training in order to help them learn the skill of sewing. Most of the women are unemployed, school drop-outs and widows. The Singer skill centre is equipped with the latest industrial machines – all part of the training course aimed at making women embrace work in garment factories. The school offers three-month Certificate and six-month Diploma courses.

As part of the company’s humanitarian efforts during COVID-19, the women at the Mahila Selai School have taken the initiative of making and distributing fabric face masks for the poor. Their mask-making efforts have found support from volunteer groups in the local community.

Other companies spending towards CSR in Murshidabad district include Pataka Industries Private Limited (promoting education), Bajaj Finance Limited (healthcare for children), East End Silks Private Limited (education), Baharampore-Farakka Highways Limited (healthcare) and Titan Company Limited (entrepreneurship skills for trafficked women).

Hindi Manch

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