Rotary CSR Awards 2025 – A Celebration of the Most Impactful Community Service by Corporates

One of the most awaited and prestigious events of RID 3131 in Rotary year 2024-25 calendar, the Rotary CSR Awards 2025 ceremony, was held in a glittering functionin the grand ambience of the Ballroom of Hyatt Regency Hotel Pune on 18^th April 2025. The room was full to its capacity of 300with a galaxy of more than 100 top company executives, who were the real stars of the show. Also gracing the occasion were college of governors, Ms Shakuntala Raha and Ms Bhawna Verma of RISAO, serving presidents of many Rotary clubs of RID 3131 and other Rotarians and well-wishers. The event was hosted by 7 Rotary clubs together –Rotary Club of Pune Central, Rotary Club of Pune Deccan Gymkhana, Rotary Club of Pune Heritage, Rotary Club of Pune East, Rotary Club of Pune Kharadi, Rotary Club of Nigdi Pune, and Rotary Club of Kharghar Midtown.Generous sponsorship from Maharashtra Housing Corporation, promoter of “TheNature”, a high-end gated Villaments project at Mukaiwadi, Pune and Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-op Society Ltd. and magnanimous support from Rotary Foundation (India) helped to power the Rotary CSR Awards 2025.

As many as 29 companies (List attached) were honoured in an exciting atmosphere that celebrated the most inspiring CSR projects of the award winners. More than 80 companies had submitted their own nominations through an on-line application process. The awardees were most proud to receive their awards from the hands of the most esteemed Chief Guest Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, ASVM, NM, Commandant of National Defence Academy, Pune. The ceremony was followed by fellowship dinner.

The awards covered 4 categories of companies according to their sizes – small, medium, large and mega enterprises. There was also a special category for the organizations that executed CSR projects although it was not mandatory for them. The awards were given for the causes of Promoting Health, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, Providing Clean Water and Sanitation and Protecting Environment aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus. In addition, special awards were given to those companies whose CSR projects had special focus on Women Empowerment, Community Involvement, Innovation, Employee Engagement and Inclusivity. The companies which did not receive any awards were also recognised with a Certificate of Participation. The companies which had not submitted their nomination but had partnered with Rotary for their CSR projects were recognised by way of Certificates of Appreciation. All the awards and certificates were handed over by the Chief Guest and various Rotary dignitaries.

The awardee companies were selected by a very eminent Jury panel consisting of Lt. Gen. (Retd) D.B. Shekatkar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Mr. Mahesh Zagade: former Principal Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra, Sister Lucy Kurien, Founder of Maher, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Fine Arts Celebrity, Ms. Anjali Bhagwat, Sports Celebrity, Mr. Arvind Sethi, National Director, Assurance Practice, EY and Mr. Prasad Giri of E&Y

To ensure objectivity and fairness, the entire process of application short-listing and final awardee selection was audited byM/s D.V. Joshi & Associates, an independent Pune based firm practicing in the areas of Cost Accounting, Internal Audit, Business Advisory services.

RID 3131 hasinstituted the Rotary CSR Awards to recognize companies doing excellent community service using their CSR funds. The first edition of the program was held in 2019, culminating in a grand awards function on 14th June 2019 at the Conrad Hotel, Pune.

The second edition of the program was held on 19^th Jan’2024 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Pune.

Adding perspective at the beginning of the event, Senior Rotarian, Past President and CSR mentor Rtn. Rakesh Bhargava stated:       
"Rotary has long believed in the power of collaboration. Through these awards, we are not only recognizing excellence but also inspiring a broader movement of purposeful giving and responsible leadership within the corporate world."

The awards ceremony was graced by Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, AVSM, NM, Commandant of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune as the Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring keynote.
"True leadership lies in service. The corporate world has a powerful role in nation-building, and Rotary’s initiative to recognize this effort is truly commendable," he said.

The strength of a nation lies not just in its armed forces, but in the compassion and responsibility shown by its people and institutions. Events like these highlight the spirit of service that binds us all," he further added. 

Rotary District Governor, Rtn. Shital Shah added in his address, "These awards symbolize more than recognition—they represent a shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive development. Rotary is proud to facilitate such impactful partnerships."

"Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer a choice – it is an imperative. Through this platform, we aim to acknowledge and amplify the efforts of those who are truly making a difference," said Rotary District Immediate Past Governor Rtn. Manjoo Phadke, while addressing the gathering.

Rtn. Shailesh Palekar, Past District Governor, district 3131,spoke about the advantages of Rotary membership, emphasizing the value of long-term partnerships between corporates and Rotary clubs. He highlighted the mutual benefits of collaboration—where businesses fulfil their CSR goals while contributing meaningfully to community service projects. His insights reinforced how Rotary acts as a trusted bridge between corporates and impactful social initiatives.

PP Ravi Kapoor, Convener of the Rotary CSR Awards event commented, "The depth, innovation, and social commitment reflected in the entries were remarkable. It is encouraging to witness the evolution of CSR from obligation to genuine societal impact."

Rtn. Dhanshree Jog, CSR Director of Rotary District 3131,acknowledged and appreciatedthe companies that have maintained long-standing partnerships with Rotary, recognizing their sustained commitment to making a positive difference in society.”

In his concluding remarks, Rtn. Mohan Chaubal, one of the key conveners of the initiative, said:

“This event is a testament to what can be achieved when like-minded individuals and institutions come together with a shared vision. We are grateful to every participant, partner, and volunteer who made this possible. Let this initiative become the cornerstone of deeper engagement between Rotary and the corporate sector, for the greater good of society.”

The Rotary CSR Awards 2025 reaffirm Rotary’s mission to bridge the gap between corporate responsibility and community needs, championing its timeless motto—Service Above Self.

Rtn Ravi Kapoor

Convenor

Rotary CS Awards 2025

Rotary CSR Awards 2025:  List of Awardees