Ashok Leyland Wins 2024 Mother Teresa Award for CSR Excellence

Ashok Leyland, a titan in the commercial vehicle industry and the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has once again proven that business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. The company was recently honored with the prestigious Mother Teresa Award for Corporate Citizen of the Year 2024, a recognition that underscores its unwavering commitment to transformative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The award ceremony, held at the esteemed Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) in Chennai, saw Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, presenting the coveted accolade to Ashok Leyland’s CSR team. This honor is no ordinary feat—the award, established in 1998, is reserved for organizations that demonstrate an exceptional dedication to societal welfare, environmental sustainability, and ethical business conduct.

Driving Change Beyond the Roads

For Ashok Leyland, corporate responsibility isn’t just a checklist—it’s a movement. “Our commitment to nation-building extends beyond manufacturing world-class vehicles,” stated Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO. “We strive to uplift communities, protect the environment, and drive meaningful change.”

And drive change, they have. Their flagship CSR programs—‘Road to School’ and ‘Road to Livelihood’—have impacted over half a million students, with 92,000 new enrollments this year alone. By the next fiscal year, they aim to add another 100,000, reinforcing their relentless pursuit of educational empowerment.

The ‘Road to School’ Revolution

Education is the backbone of progress, and Ashok Leyland is making sure no child is left behind. The ‘Road to School’ (RTS) initiative, in collaboration with the Learning Links Foundation, was launched in 2015 with a modest 36 schools in Tamil Nadu. Today, it spans 2,505 schools across seven states, transforming the educational journey of over 481,000 students from grades 2 to 12.

But this is no ordinary school intervention. It is a holistic development program that nurtures not only academic growth but also health, hygiene, emotional well-being, and sports. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, RTS is shaping well-rounded individuals, not just students.

A Legacy of Purpose-Driven Business

Mr. Balachandar NV, Head of CSR and Corporate Affairs at Ashok Leyland, takes immense pride in their far-reaching initiatives. “Our CSR programs are not just about immediate results; they are about sustained, long-term impact,” he remarked. “For us, ‘Road to School’ isn’t just a project—it’s a commitment, a responsibility, a promise to the future.”

This recognition isn’t the only feather in Ashok Leyland’s cap. The company recently secured the No. 1 global ranking in Sustainalytics' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risk Rating for the Heavy Machinery and Trucks sector in Q3 FY25, further cementing its reputation as a socially responsible corporate leader.

Beyond Education: A Broader Impact

Ashok Leyland’s CSR vision extends far beyond the classroom. Their initiatives span multiple domains—healthcare, road safety, skill development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. With an unwavering focus on fostering an inclusive and sustainable future, the company is not just driving vehicles but also driving change where it matters the most.

The Mother Teresa Award for Corporate Citizen is a testament to their extraordinary commitment to social responsibility. In a world where businesses are often judged solely by their bottom line, Ashok Leyland is setting an example—one where success is measured not just in profits, but in lives uplifted, futures secured, and communities transformed.

Stay tuned with 91trucks for all the latest news and updates related to new launches, commercial vehicles and industry insights. 91trucks is the fastest-growing digital platform aimed at providing you with the latest updates and information related to the commercial vehicle industry.