Father of CSR in India, Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Joins CIMP as Professor of Practice and Chief Advisor of CSR & ESG Studies Foundation

Patna: Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) has announced the appointment of Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, widely regarded as the Father of CSR in India, as Professor of Practice at CIMP and Chief Advisor to the CIMP Centre for CSR & ESG Studies Foundation.

Welcoming the appointment, Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director, CIMP, said, “We are honoured to welcome Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee to CIMP. His unparalleled expertise and visionary leadership in CSR and ESG will significantly strengthen our academic foundation and position CIMP as a national and global thought leader in sustainable development. With his guidance, we aim to inspire transformative collaborations that bridge academia, industry, and society for inclusive growth.”

Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee is a distinguished civil servant, educator, and thought leader with more than three decades of experience in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). He has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s corporate responsibility framework. As Secretary to the Government of India, he authored the landmark CSR and Sustainability Guidelines for Public Sector Enterprises (2010) and was instrumental in the inclusion of Section 135 in the Companies Act, 2013, making India the first country in the world to mandate Corporate Social Responsibility by law.

During his distinguished career, he has held several key leadership positions, including Director General and CEO of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Principal Adviser in the Planning Commission. He has also chaired several national committees on sustainability and governance. An accomplished author, his book CSR – The Indian Way helped position India’s CSR model prominently on the global stage.

His contributions have significantly aligned CSR initiatives with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting inclusive growth and positioning corporate responsibility as a powerful tool for social development. Dr. Chatterjee has represented India at numerous international forums and continues to be a guiding force in advancing CSR and ESG practices globally.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee said, “I am delighted to join CIMP as Professor of Practice and serve as Advisor to the Centre for CSR & ESG Studies Foundation. This role will enable me to share my experience with students and help nurture responsible leaders who integrate sustainability and inclusivity into business practices. I also look forward to contributing meaningfully to the Foundation’s work and supporting India’s journey toward sustainable development. Together, we can take CIMP to new heights of excellence.”

Kumod Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer, CIMP and Chairperson of the CSR & ESG Studies Foundation, said, “Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee’s association with CIMP marks a defining moment for our institution. His unmatched expertise in CSR and ESG will help us build a strong foundation for impactful research, education, and practice. With his guidance, the CSR & ESG Studies Foundation will evolve into a hub of innovation, fostering partnerships that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across India and beyond.”

Established in 2023, the CSR & ESG Studies Foundation at CIMP serves as a dedicated academic and research hub focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainability, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The Foundation aims to integrate corporate responsibility with inclusive development and climate resilience while positioning Bihar as a thought leader in sustainable business practices. Organizations such as TERI and UNICEF collaborate with the Foundation on various initiatives.

In his new role, Dr. Chatterjee will represent CIMP at national and international forums while guiding the Foundation’s mission to advance CSR and ESG education, research, and practice. His leadership is expected to foster meaningful collaborations between academia, industry, and civil society.

Sunil Kumar, Associate Dean, CIMP, added, “Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee’s presence at CIMP as Professor of Practice will be a tremendous inspiration for our students. His deep knowledge and vast experience in CSR and ESG will broaden their perspectives and instill the values of responsible leadership. With his guidance, CIMP is poised to emerge as a national hub for excellence in sustainable development and corporate responsibility.”