Posted on: 12 November 2025 | Location: New Delhi
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in collaboration with WNS Global Services, has launched the IICA–WNS Ybrant CSR, ESG and Sustainability Programme on 11 November 2025. The initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to lead responsibly, aligning corporate growth with sustainable social development.
Focus on Responsible Leadership and Social Impact
The event was inaugurated by Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General and CEO, IICA, and Mr. Gopal Agarwal, Head CSR, WNS Global Services. Addressing the gathering, Shri Singh highlighted that the Ybrant Programme marks a strategic move to mainstream CSR, ESG, and sustainability within management education. He stated that the programme is designed to prepare future leaders who view business as a force for inclusive and sustainable progress, rather than solely a profit-making enterprise.
He noted that India’s CSR expenditure has witnessed remarkable growth, rising from ₹10,065.93 crore in FY 2014–15 to ₹34,908.75 crore in FY 2023–24. Over the past decade, companies have collectively spent more than ₹2.2 lakh crore on CSR activities. This, he said, demonstrates the evolution of India’s CSR ecosystem and the growing need for professionals capable of integrating responsible business conduct with sustainability principles.
Academic and Industry Collaboration
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gopal Agarwal described the Ybrant Programme as a collaborative initiative uniting government, corporate, and academic efforts. He explained that the programme adopts a blended learning model combining academic theory with industry-based case studies. It aims to nurture a generation of young professionals and future CEOs who understand the essence of sustainable development from an early stage in their education.
The programme features digital certification through IICA’s verified credential system, which includes QR code verification, DigiLocker integration, and LinkedIn sharing options.
Programme Structure and Academic Framework
Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Head, Centre for Excellence in CSR & Corporate Citizenship at IICA, provided details of the programme structure. He informed that the six-month programme includes 22.5 hours of academic sessions and 18 hours of fieldwork, covering 15 modules ranging from fundamental CSR concepts to advanced topics such as global CSR trends, Indian CSR laws, impact assessment, ESG reporting, corporate governance, and leadership.
Learners will participate in weekly live sessions led by IICA faculty and industry experts. The entire curriculum is hosted on IICA’s online Learning Management System, ensuring accessibility to students across India and abroad.
Participation and Collaboration with Academic Institutions
The programme’s inaugural event witnessed participation from over 250 students representing five premier academic institutions:
| Institution Name | Location |
|---|---|
| IIM Shillong | Meghalaya |
| CHRIST University | Bengaluru |
| Banasthali Vidyapeeth | Rajasthan |
| Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University) | Pune |
| St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) | Mangalore |
Conclusion of the Event
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ankita Sharma, Senior Research Associate, IICA. The proceedings were moderated by Ms. Sana Farid, Research Associate, IICA. The collaboration between IICA and WNS Global Services reflects a shared commitment to fostering responsible business leadership and advancing sustainability education in India.