KOCHI: For the first time, the Kerala Management Association will organise a conclave on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the annual awards ceremony on Friday at Le Meridien in Kochi. The conclave will be inaugurated by Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands Venu Rajamony.V-Guard founder and chairman Kochouseph Chittilappilly, former additional secretary Ashok Pavadia, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation operations head Karuna Nath Segal and Eastern Group MD Navas Meeran will be the guests of honour.
The concept of CSR has got a momentum of late with many business houses going beyond charity to integrate social and environmental causes into their firms’ processes. Though the state government and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) make efforts to reach out to the downtrodden, many NGOs are unable to alleviate problems in society for want of financial support. “It is at this juncture KMA decided to create a platform where the benefactor and the beneficiary can meet and share their ideas to get the best results,” said Vivek K Govind, president, KMA.
“With this conclave, KMA intends to provide a platform for various stakeholders like corporate entities, business houses and NGOs to present their best practices done during the year based on jury selection,” he said. Selected applicants and leaders from various related industries will share their knowledge in education, health and hygiene, child and elderly care and environment and greenery with the participants.
KMA’s management leadership award this year will be given to Federal Bank MD and CEO Shyam Srinivasan and the IT leadership award will be given to Siby Vadakekkara, founder and chairman, Marlabs Group.
“Besides these, other awards instituted by KMA along with CSR awards will be given during the event. Chief Secretary Tom Jose will inaugurate the awards function which will be held in the evening,” said Vivek.