Event Details

The Pan India Symposiums 2025

FROM 17 Jun 2025 TO 17 Jun 2025

Venue : SMU @

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES AND LIBERAL ARTS

Report on The Pan India Symposiums 2025

PAN India Symposiums 2025 – Gangtok Edition, initiated by the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Liberal Arts (FHSSLA), Sikkim Manipal University and jointly organised by HCLTech Grant and CSRBOX, was held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok, Sikkim.

This significant event brought together NGOs, corporate leaders, government representatives, experts, and policymakers on a common platform to discuss the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in nation-building. As part of the 11th Edition of the HCLTech Grant, this symposium emphasised the foundation’s continued commitment to supporting grassroots development, especially in the critical areas of Water, Biodiversity, Health, and Education.

Objective of the Symposium:

The primary objective of the Symposium was to strengthen the NGO ecosystem in Sikkim by promoting regional and sectoral dialogue around CSR. It aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing, highlight governance best practices, and encourage collaborative models for sustainable development. The event served as a platform for NGOs and CSR professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build partnerships aimed at scaling impactful social initiatives.

Event Highlights:

• Welcome Address: Dr. Muralidhar V Pai, Dean of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences.
• Keynote Session: Ms. Simi Suri and Mr. Robin Thomas from HCL Foundation introduced the HCLTech Grant’s vision and mission.
• Experience Sharing: Field experts from Meghshala, Grant Thornton, and HCLFoundation shared insights into rural development projects. The session was moderated by Ms. Shally Kaushal, Deputy Manager, HCLTech Grant.
• Session on Good Governance Practices: Led by Ms. Ruchi Sadhana, Vice President, HCLTech, focusing on enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in NGOs.
• Panel Discussion – “Biodiversity Beyond Borders: Pathways for Ecological Stewardship”: Featured panelists included Dr. Nakul Chettri, Ms. Usha Lachungpa, Dr. Laydong Lepcha, and Mr. Ashok Biswal. Moderated by Mr. Samuel Khaiba. This session explored the need for regional collaboration and ecological consciousness in CSR initiatives.
• Group Activity – “Design for Impact”: Participants proposed innovative, impact-driven ideas through collaborative group work.
• Networking Lunch: Provided space for informal engagement and idea exchange among stakeholders.
• Closing Reflections: Shared by Mr. Robin Thomas and Dr. Nilanjana Sen, reinforcing the themes of cooperation and forward-thinking social responsibility.

Conclusion:

The Gangtok edition of the Pan India Symposiums was a resounding success. It not only facilitated meaningful dialogue around CSR but also highlighted the critical role of collaborative, ground-level action in driving sustainable change. The event reaffirmed the HCLTech Foundation’s unwavering dedication to empowering NGOs and fostering scalable solutions for India’s development challenges.