In a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and strengthening Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Odisha, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha CSR Forum.
The MoU was formally exchanged on May 25, 2026, between Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, and Shri Brajendra Kumar Mishra, Convener of Odisha CSR Forum. The occasion was attended by senior officials from both institutions, including Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), Prof. Ashis Biswas, Dean (Alumni, Corporate & International Relations), Shri Pradeep Kumar Sahoo, Deputy Registrar (Alumni, Corporate & International Relations), and Shri T.C. Hota from Odisha CSR Forum.
The collaboration aims to establish a robust framework for advancing CSR-driven social impact programmes by leveraging IIT Bhubaneswar’s academic and research expertise alongside the industry outreach and CSR experience of Odisha CSR Forum.
Under the partnership, both organizations will jointly organize training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences, CSR conclaves, stakeholder consultations, and consultancy projects focused on CSR strategy, sustainability reporting, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, skill development, and social impact assessment.
The MoU also outlines collaborative implementation of projects in critical sectors including education, healthcare, environmental conservation, livelihood generation, rural development, renewable energy, climate action, and community welfare initiatives across Odisha.
A key highlight of the agreement is its emphasis on youth and student participation through volunteer engagement in CSR and outreach activities. The collaboration will also support scholarships and fellowships for meritorious students and those from economically weaker backgrounds.
Officials from both institutions emphasized the growing importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing emerging developmental and societal challenges. The initiative is expected to strengthen CSR-led community development efforts and create a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and impactful interventions throughout Odisha.
Article Credit: ibgnews