The CSR South 2025 event, held on March 16, 2025, at Shilpakala Vedika, Hyderabad, brought together industry leaders and CSR experts to explore the evolving role of corporate social responsibility in disaster preparedness and crisis management. Among the most compelling discussions was a session by Dada Sargar, a senior leader at ASTER DM Healthcare, who highlighted the need for proactive CSR-driven disaster risk reduction.
Leveraging CSR for Disaster Preparedness
With extensive experience in crisis management and medical aid, Dada Sargar underscored the need to shift from reactive disaster relief to proactive risk mitigation. He emphasized that businesses must integrate disaster risk management into their CSR strategies, investing in preventive infrastructure, early warning systems, and community preparedness programs.
“Over-preparedness must replace over-spending on rehabilitation. A well-structured disaster risk strategy can significantly reduce socio-economic and environmental losses,” he stated, reinforcing the need for long-term resilience planning.csr summit
Key Takeaways from Dada Sargar’s Session
✔ Beyond Relief Efforts: CSR should prioritize risk prevention and mitigation, not just post-disaster rehabilitation.
✔ CSR as a Strategic Tool: Under Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013, businesses can allocate CSR funds for disaster risk management, enhancing community resilience.
✔ Public-Private Partnerships: Effective disaster management requires collaboration between corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits to ensure sustainable and large-scale impact.
Building Resilient Communities Through CSR
Under Dada Sargar’s leadership, ASTER DM Healthcare has actively promoted corporate advocacy for disaster risk reduction, focusing on preventive infrastructure investments and community education initiatives. His session served as a strong call to action, urging businesses to embed disaster preparedness into their CSR strategies, ensuring greater sustainability and protection for vulnerable communities.