Doing Business in India For Dummies®

Giving Back to India

When you do business with a country as giving as India, it’s also important that you figure out ways to give back. You may think that you’re doing a nice job giving back to India simply by doing business there and enriching the economy, but India may touch your heart, and then you’ll want to discover ways to give more. Check out the following sections for ways to give.

Taking part in corporate social responsibility

There are many non-government organizations (NGOs) to go to as a starting point for your corporate social responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a new concept for many companies in India, and this is where foreigners can have a huge effect. It needs to move from “event-based” actions—such as the recent tsunami relief efforts—to regular corporate philanthropic and issue-based action. HIV, AIDS, fresh water supply, and education are all areas that could really use corporate assistance and attention in India.

Some impressive strides have been made by companies looking to promote green and environmentally friendly initiatives in India. The Western standards in these areas are far more advanced than those in India, and most Indian companies flout standards without hesitation. On environmental issues, India needs deep awareness programs, and widespread funding. Physical infrastructure is very poor, and if you’re interested in promoting more sustainable practices that’s an area on which you could focus. If you give back to India in return ...