With festivities around the corner, conversations on India’s art, culture, and heritage regain momentum. Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013: (v.) protection of national heritage, art, and culture including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art; setting up public libraries; promotion and development of traditional art and handicrafts; specifically urges companies to actively contribute to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural legacy through their CSR initiatives.
CSR Times brings together insights from leading corporates, experts and thought leaders who have a voice to showcase how responsible business practices and innovative initiatives invested in art and culture are also an investment in the nation’s identity, creativity, and future generations.
When corporations preserve heritage, the impact extends beyond restoring a structure, it strengthens community identity, sustains traditional craftsmanship, and reconnects people with their shared history. Virtusa Foundation’s restoration of Mumbai’s 132-year-old Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institute (BJPCI), honoured with the 2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation, reflects our belief that education and heritage together empower communities and create lasting social impact.
Amit Bajoria
Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa Corporation
India's cultural heritage symbolizes the spirit of its civilisation: rich, diversified, and long-lasting. In accordance with UNESCO's mandate to protect world heritage, corporate India can employ CSR to play a transformative role in monument preservation, safeguarding intangible cultural assets, and traditional arts revitalisation.Cultural investment is more than generosity, it is a pledge to preserve India’s identity and ensure that our history continues to inspire future generations.
Karthik Gurumurthy
Communications and Branding Specialist , HealthEdge
HCCB proudly continues to make a difference by supporting collective action to sustain resilient watersheds for the people and communities that need it most. By partnering with S M Sehgal Foundation, HCCB has rejuvenated centuries-old lakes in Nelamangala (built by the Chola, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara dynasties) and Mamadapur Lake (built by Adil Shahi Sultans) in Karnataka. These efforts combine technical solutions, such as desilting, embankment reinforcement, forming Tank User Groups, and installing piezometers for groundwater monitoring."
Mr. Himanshu Priyadarshi
Chief Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages
At Embassy Group, we believe that the preservation of India’s cultural heritage is integral to nation-building. Through our support for the Partition Museum and the Lost Homeland of Sindh Gallery, in collaboration with the Sindhi Culture Foundation, Embassy Group is proud to help safeguard stories of courage and migration that shaped our collective identity. We remain committed to promoting initiatives that celebrate history and keep cultural memory alive for generations to come.”
Ms. Shaina Ganapathy
Head - Community Outreach Initiatives for Embassy Group, Embassy Group
JSW Foundation believes preserving India’s rich cultural heritage is fundamental to building a strong national identity, pride, and continuity. Aligning our efforts with Schedule VII (v) of the Companies Act, 2013, our CSR mandate focusses on safeguarding traditions. This includes the meticulous restoration of historic sites as well as the promotion of traditional arts and the empowerment of the artisans who sustain them. For us, heritage preservation is a powerful catalyst for inclusive social and economic empowerment, ensuring our culture thrives for all future generations.
Mr. R. Pavithra Kumar
CEO, JSW Foundation
Food in India is more than sustenance — it’s a way to celebrate, connect, and share stories. Corporate initiatives that incorporate local recipes, festive traditions, regional chefs, and traditional ingredients into workplace dining help preserve culinary heritage, support local communities, and foster cultural continuity. Thoughtful practices like local sourcing and waste reduction ensure that India’s rich culinary legacy continues to thrive in contemporary settings.
Sandipan Mitra
Co-Founder & CEO, HungerBox, HungerBox
Books are the quiet keepers of culture, and reading keeps that culture alive. By fostering Gujarati literature and the joy of reading, we help young minds stay connected to their roots. Our CSR efforts are directed towards nurturing a generation that values knowledge and heritage alike."
Mr. Pradip Chokshi
Founder, Silvin Additives Pvt. Ltd, Silvin Additives Pvt.Ltd
