The event had in-depth discussions on CSR clause in the Companies Act, 2013

Encouraging corporates to contribute to society and promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, the Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (HYSEA), in association with NASSCOM foundation, organised its maiden edition of Annual HYSEA CSR Day at the HICC on Monday.

The event broadened the understanding of sustainability and community development topics that are the key focus areas for HYSEA CSR forum by connecting with experts. It also showcased efforts of the industry to a larger audience and how associates were contributing to both these areas through various initiatives, ideas and innovations. The fact that the IT/ITES industry has made notable contributions in bringing about improvements in community life and has taken several steps towards environment sustainability was showcased through a conference and a mini expo.

IT minister KT Rama Rao was the chief guest at the event. Other dignitaries present at the event included Rita Soni, CEO – NASSCOM Foundation and Dr Gullapalli Nageshwar Rao, founder and chairman, LV Prasad Eye Institute.

KT Rama Rao said, "We are extremely happy to see the initiatives the IT sector has taken up for the uplifting the underprivileged. We are sure that the industry would continue the momentum and play an important role in supporting the government in its mission to provide better living conditions for everybody in the form of better education, higher employment, healthy environment and many such things."

Explaining the objective of the event, Ramesh Loganathan, president, HYSEA, said, "To acquaint the member companies with the regulations relating to CSR and enable them to invest their efforts effectively in an inclusive and sustainable manner is what we are looking forward to."

Briefing the audience on the forum and its activities, Bharani K Aroll, HYSEA CSR leader, and VP, Butler America, said, "The collective resources and reach of this forum is much larger than what individuals and their own companies can offer. This group has taken up eco-initiatives like tree planting, education by supporting schools, flood relief by taking up reconstruction efforts in few villages with significant financial support, health, in the form of numerous blood donation drives, cycle rides and health awareness drives, animal welfare in association with groups like the Blue Cross and many other similar charitable activities for the benefit of the society at large. HYSEA has also encouraged member companies on the green journey by institutionalising awards for companies for their ‘green’ initiatives."

The keynote address to the conference was delivered by Michael Mullins, Consul General of the US Consulate General Hyderabad and John Hogan, senior managing director, Broadridge Financial Services. Cyberabad Commissioner CV Anand and deputy commissioner Avinash Mohanty also spoke on the occasion on the role of corporates for a safer Hyderabad and initiatives on road safety respectively.

The daylong event brought together around 350 delegates participated in the event. Some selected NGOs, award winning IT companies including TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, Wells Fargo, Wipro, GGK Technologies, Broadridge, and Microsemi, non-IT companies including ITC, Bayer and ICICI Foundation showcased their CSR activities at the expo through presentations.