Century Ply’s ‘Empathy in Action’ Transforms CSR Through Compassion-Led Engagement

Kolkata, India, Feb 26: Century Plyboards (India) Ltd. today announced the successful execution of its employee-led Corporate Social Responsibility initiative titled “Empathy in Action”, reflecting the company’s deep-rooted belief that empathy is not merely a sentiment, but a decisive force for meaningful societal impact. 

Guided by the leadership of Chairman Mr. Sajjan Bhajanka, CenturyPly’s CSR philosophy prioritises human dignity, compassion and sustainable empowerment, considering CSR not as a statutory obligation, but as a mindset intrinsic to business value.

“Empathy begins with recognising another’s pain and choosing not to look away,” said Mr. Bhajanka, citing the wisdom of the Dalai Lama. “At CenturyPly, we measure organisational strength not only by what we build, but by the lives we touch.” 

Driven by the enthusiastic participation of nearly 80–90 volunteer employees, affectionately called Century Ninjas, the initiative turned empathy into tangible action across multiple regions in India, investing approximately INR 5 lakh in community-first engagements. The programme’s outreach focused on nurturing young aspirations, restoring dignity to vulnerable individuals, and fostering meaningful human connection through grassroots involvement. 

The initiative kicked off at CenturyPly’s Head Office and extended to Joka, Kolkata, through collaboration with Adhigam Bhoomi, where employees experienced first-hand how grassroots efforts are empowering children with entrepreneurial skills, educational support, and pathways to rural development. Interactive activities including photo booths, ice-cream counters and gift hampers infused a sense of joy and celebration, deepening employee ownership of CSR work while connecting with the local community on a human level. 

CenturyPly has also reinforced its support for Adhigam Bhoomi’s ambitious mission to empower 12 lakh schools by 2031—a vision strongly championed by Mr Bhajanka—further cementing the company’s long-term commitment to nation-building through education and enhanced opportunity. 

At CenturyPly, CSR is therefore not undertaken merely to maintain a corporate image. The guiding question remains: Did lives measurably change because of our actions?

One deeply moving incident during the initiative answered this question with quiet clarity. In Chennai, Century Ninjas encountered a mentally disturbed homeless man. What began as an act of care—personal grooming, fresh clothing, and compassionate engagement—became a journey of restoration. Volunteers helped rebuild his sense of dignity, traced his past, and eventually reunited him with his family after nearly four years, underscoring the transformative power of empathy and human connection. 

In Badvel, CenturyPly partnered with Shalom Charitable Trust and Rising Sun Rural Development Society to conduct a comprehensive clothes donation drive benefiting old-age homes and orphanages. In Hoshiarpur, Century Ninjas organised a spirited cricket tournament that engaged nearly 250 government school students, fostering teamwork, confidence, and holistic development.

Additional engagements were held in Lucknow, where volunteers visited an old-age home of 170 residents, including individuals with mental health conditions, serving meals, distributing essentials and spending quality time to create moments of warmth and belonging. 

Ms. Nikita Bansal, Executive Director of Century Plyboards (India) Ltd., added “For us, CSR is about understanding real human needs and responding with sincerity and action. ‘Empathy in Action’ reflects our belief that real change happens when businesses step closer to communities, listening deeply and contributing time, care, and commitment alongside resources.”

Through the initiative, CenturyPly reiterates its philosophy that lasting social impact often begins with simple human kindness, and that what the company builds extends beyond infrastructure to shape a more caring, inclusive and compassionate society.