Bhubaneswar, Oct 2: With acknowledging a new milestone in Corporate Social Responsibility, the Indian Steel tycoon Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) Group has clinched the prestigious CSR Journal Excellence Award 2024.
In recognising JSP’s outstanding contributions and commitments to the promotion and development of sports in India, the prestigious award was presented to the organisation during the 7th edition of the ceremony held in Mumbai on September 30.
JSP’s General Manager (CSR) Vargil Lakra proudly represented the Jindal Foundation and received the award from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla who as the Chief Guest during the special ceremony.
This award acknowledges the company’s extensive efforts, through its social arm Jindal Foundation, to foster sports talent and enhance sports infrastructure, particularly at the grassroots level.
Chairperson of Jindal Foundation, Shallu Jindal, congratulated the team JSP for the new achievement and said, “We’re honoured to receive this for the second consecutive time. This award affirms our commitment to nurturing sports talent and promoting sports as a tool for empowerment. My heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team and partners for making this possible.Together, we will continue driving positive change in society farther”
Chief Guest. Birla in his address emphasized the importance of corporates giving back to rural areas and supporting the needy through their CSR activities. The programme witnessed several eminent personalities including President of the Indian Olympic Association PT Usha and Rajya Sabha MP Aditi Tatkare, Minister for Women & Child Development, Government of Maharashtra; and Amit Upadhyay, Editor-in-Chief of ‘The CSR Journal’, an inhouse souvenir of JSP incapulating CSR roadmap of the Jindal Foundation,along with a host of social workers and dignitaries from various sectors.
The Jindal Foundation is proud to have been acknowledged for its efforts in promoting sports and remains committed to empowering communities through its wide-ranging CSR initiatives. Aligning with the Government of India’s Khelo India initiative, JSP is committed to nurturing and training young athletes in various sports such as Wushu, Kabaddi, archery, football, and cricket. JSP provides enhanced sports infrastructure, nutrition, training, and opportunities for participation in national and international programs. The company has supported the development of 30,000 young athletes across India, with a focus on Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, including 5,000 aspiring hockey players from the Sundergarh district of Odisha. The Company, through Jindal Foundation, also runs a Cricket Academy in Raigarh District.
Worth mentioning, the Jindal Foundation has constructed at least 20 playgrounds, two sports complexes and stadiums, and one sports hostel dedicated to underprivileged athletes.
The Sports Hostel in Barbil offers tribal and disadvantaged athletes free accommodation, nutrition, education, and intensive sports coaching. Several athletes supported by JSP have gone on to win medals at national and international sporting events.
