Bajaj Finserv has elevated Swapna Wazalwar to the position of Senior Lead - CSR Communication. This promotion comes at a time when the company is intensifying its focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Bajaj Finserv, known for its commitment to social impact, has been actively involved in various projects aimed at empowering vulnerable communities, especially in areas such as education, healthcare, and livelihood enhancement.In the fiscal year 2023, Bajaj Finserv invested significantly in CSR activities, spending over ?117 crore on various projects, with a strong emphasis on youth and child development, as well as financial inclusion for underprivileged sections of society. Their initiatives, such as the Certificate Programme in Banking, Finance, and Insurance (CPBFI), have empowered thousands of first-generation graduates from rural areas, providing them with employment opportunities in the financial sector.Swapna Wazalwar will now play a crucial role in communicating and expanding these impactful initiatives, ensuring that Bajaj Finserv continues to lead in making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.

Adgully’s IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, the premier PR industry event, took place on July 18, 2024, at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to celebrate excellence in public relations and communication.The event witnessed an insightful panel discussion on ‘Navigating Geopolitics: The Role of Public Policy and ESG in Shaping Global Communication Strategies’. The panel was led by Rahul Kashyap, Executive Director, PRP Group, and the esteemed panelists included:Sonal Singh, Head - Corporate Communications, Jindal StainlessAnil Patni, EU Policy and Outreach Expert, Apex AdvisersSanghpriya Gautam, Director, Speyside.The industry experts explored how geopolitical factors influence government actions and the resultant effects on businesses, particularly within the Indian manufacturing sector. They also delved into the critical role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in shaping business strategies.In today’s global landscape, the interplay between geopolitics and corporate strategy is undeniable. Government decisions, often shaped by international dynamics, profoundly impact business operations.Rahul Kashyap opened the conversation by posing a crucial question: “How do you see that geopolitics affects government decisions and the effect of it on the corporate side of it?”Sonal Singh, representing the Indian manufacturing sector, provided insights into how communication strategies often come into play post-crisis. She explained, “I believe a lot of communication strategies kick in after the geopolitical disaster has already happened.” Citing the impact of Chinese imports on various industries in India, Singh highlighted how the Trump administration’s Section 232 tariffs catalyzed global shifts from globalization to nationalization. She noted, “That one decision of Trump triggered governments all across the world to take action.”Singh further illustrated the importance of timely government intervention by referencing India’s dependency on imported containers. Despite ample research and advocacy, significant policy changes often occur only during crises, such as the Galwan incident. She stated, “India is such a large behemoth. There are so many other pressing issues in front of the government that sometimes things have just to be jerked into action.”Transitioning to the topic of ESG, Rahul Kashyap remarked on its critical importance and the perception of its weaponization. Anil Patni responded by tracing the evolution from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to ESG. He observed, “Before this buzzword of ESG came around... we had something called CSR.”Patni emphasized on the longstanding tradition of Indian companies engaging in social responsibility as a strategic business practice, which has now expanded to include environmental considerations due to global awareness initiatives like the IPCC reports. He added, “Now, companies are forced to become good citizens. They have to pay attention to their carbon footprint.”Patni underscored the regulatory aspect, stating, “In Europe, you have a European climate law. In India also, now it is compulsory for the top thousand companies... to compulsorily report on their environmental performance.”Sanghpriya Gautam elaborated on the intrinsic value of ESG, asserting its necessity. He stated, “Everyone in this world is using resources... So that’s how the environmental aspect of ESG comes in.” Gautam stressed on the importance of addressing local needs and fostering sustainable CSR programs to ensure long-term benefits for communities. He highlighted the governance aspect by pointing out the safety concerns in regions like Gurgaon, which can deter investment. Gautam emphasized, “Investment in ESG is not negative; you get really good returns.”In conclusion, the discussion illuminated the profound impact of geopolitical decisions on government actions and corporate strategies. The emphasis on ESG underscores its growing significance as a framework for responsible and sustainable business practices. As businesses navigate these complex dynamics, the integration of geopolitical awareness and ESG principles will be crucial for long-term success.

mPokket, India's fastest-growing loan app, today announces the appointment of Ms. Rajani Jalan as its new Director of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and People Relations (PR). In her new role, Ms. Jalan will lead mPokket's efforts in developing robust CSR strategies, enhancing public awareness of the company's social commitments, and steering the brand's narrative across various platforms.Ms. Jalan's passion for CSR is deeply rooted in her belief in the power of businesses to make a meaningful impact on society. At mPokket, she is inspired by the company's existing CSR initiatives and the welfare of its employees. Her vision includes ramping up employee participation in social responsibility efforts and launching more sustainable CSR initiatives within the organization. Her approach aligns with mPokket's commitment to contributing positively to the community and fostering an ethical, socially responsible corporate culture.Gaurav Jalan, Founder and CEO of mPokket, commented, "Rajani's passion for enacting positive change aligns perfectly with our values, and we are confident that her leadership will further amplify our efforts in social responsibility. With her unique blend of creativity and dedication, we look forward to achieving greater impact and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable approach to corporate social engagement. We are confident that her leadership will not only enhance our CSR and PR endeavours but also inspire our team to contribute to our collective goals as an organisation." With a unique blend of creativity and social consciousness, Ms. Jalan brings to mPokket an impressive background as a Textile Designer from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Before joining mPokket, she carved a niche for herself as an independent designer, contributing to export houses and managing a successful cloud kitchen business. Her freelance projects have not only showcased her design prowess but also her dedication to social causes, making humanitarian work a core part of her professional journey. Speaking on her appointment, Ms. Jalan commented, "The vision and mission of mPokket resonate profoundly with my inherent drive to effect positive change through corporate social responsibility endeavours. I look forward to leveraging my unique background and experiences to implement strategies that will not only amplify our impact but also foster a more inclusive and sustainable approach to corporate social engagement, while cultivating a strong culture of philanthropy within the organisation." Ms. Jalan's appointment underscores mPokket's ongoing dedication to social responsibility and ethical practices. Under her guidance, the company aims to strengthen its position as a leader in CSR within the financial sector, fostering community well-being and promoting sustainable business practices. Additionally, her role as Director of People Relations marks a strategic transition in mPokket's organizational strategy, aimed at enhancing internal stakeholder engagement and fostering employee engagement, and ensuring the well-being of the organisational workforce.