The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) inaugurated the second edition of its Annual CSR Conclave in New Delhi. Aptly themed as ‘Building the Nation, Responsibly’, the Conclave saw all the key SIAM members and other stakeholders coming together to ensure inclusive development of the society, while protecting the environment and ecology.
The CSR Conclave was inaugurated by Smt. Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. While addressing the delegates, Smt. Patel highlighted the fact that the auto industry has the potential to reach out to the masses and impact them in a major way.
She said, “I urge SIAM to support the National Health Mission and Prime Minister’s endeavour of nation building, Swacch Bharat Abhiyan and Digital India. Automobile Industry is the potential partner in the expansion of reach to the social sector in terms of sanitation and education.”
“SIAM should continue with its efforts to educate people on health and safe driving. In today’s rapidly changing world, self-driving cars will soon be a reality. I insist that SIAM should educate the citizens about safety, as well as fuel-efficient cars, in order to ensure a better environment for tomorrow. Auto industry is moving towards responsibly building the nation,” Smt. Patel said while sharing her views on the corporate social responsibilities that the automobile industry is entitled to.
Delivering his welcome address during the session, Naveen Soni, Chairman, SIAM CSR Group and Vice President, External Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. said, “All corporate are doing their bit in being socially responsible. Corporates have taken different routes; some are training school children about road safety while some are doing their bit by training the drivers. We must put in sustainable collective efforts so that we can build something relevant and meaningful for the future. Auto industry is slowly moving from activity based efforts to impact based efforts.”
The Hon’ble Minister also launched the SIAM CSR Compendium which encapsulates all major work done by SIAM members till date. The SIAM-CSR Conclave 2017 saw participation from some of the key automobile manufacturers, representatives of various government departments, NGOs and other stakeholders. The vote of thanks was delivered by Sushant Naik, Co-Chair, SIAM CSR Group and National Head – Government Affairs, Tata Motors Ltd.
The auto industry has decided to focus on key areas for inclusive social development – skills, health care & sanitation, environmental rejuvenation and road safety. SIAM is working towards supporting sustainable development of the Indian automobile industry with the vision that India emerges as the destination of choice in the world, for design and manufacturing of automobiles.
