Awantipora: An interactive session on “Sustainability as Part of Corporate
Responsibility (CSR) Initiative in Coca Cola” was held at Islamic University of Science and
Technology today. The event was organized under the Industry Connect initiative and was
presided over by Prof Lily Want, Dean Outreach, IUST.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Want said that the Vice-Chancellor, IUST, Prof Shakil Ahmad
Romshoo had established the Dean Outreach office at IUST which happens to be the first of
its kind in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. She then explained the objectives of the four
verticals working under the aegis of Dean Outreach. “Corporate Social Responsibility CSR
has become increasingly relevant from both economic and moral perspectives and should be
made an integral part of academics. This would involve bringing together of business
academic and business leaders which is the mission of Industry Connect initiative.”
The key speaker of the program was Mr. Satinder Singh Nanda, Director & Vice-President of
Technical Supply Chain Kandhari Beverages. He spoke in length about the Social Corporate
Responsibility in the beverage industry, Coca-Cola, and talked about the legal and social
responsibilities of a profitable industry. Talking about the global environmental challenges
like Climate Change, and ground-water depletion he said, “Sustainability of any industry
depends upon its responsibility to society. Focus on profitability yields short-term benefits
but a socially responsible attitude fetches long-term results”. He motivated students to refresh the world by ‘inspiring moments of happiness, respecting values, and working for a positive change.
Thanking the guests and the participants Dr. Aamir Hussain Dar, IUST Industry Connect
Coordinator hoped to organize more such interactive sessions in the future to develop
networks with industry representatives and get inspiration for industry-driven research at
IUST.