A Powerful Conversation with Shri Uttam Lal Ji – Understanding NHPC Ltd’s CSR Vision Through PRISM
Explore insights from PRISM’s conversation with Shri Uttam Lal Ji, Director (HR), NHPC Ltd. Learn how NHPC’s CSR initiatives focus on grassroots development, sustainability, and community empowerment across India in alignment with Samabhavana’s mission.
Introduction: CSR Leadership Insights from NHPC Ltd
In one of the most insightful episodes of PRISM by Samabhavana, we had the privilege of hosting Shri Uttam Lal Ji, Director (HR), NHPC Ltd — India’s largest green power company and a prestigious Navratna Public Sector Enterprise.
The conversation offered meaningful insights into the CSR process of NHPC Ltd, highlighting how corporate social responsibility can go beyond compliance and create sustainable, grassroots-level transformation.
NHPC Ltd operates under the CSR framework defined by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, which governs CSR in India.
🔗 Reference: https://www.mca.gov.in/
However, as Shri Uttam Lal Ji emphasized, NHPC’s CSR philosophy extends far beyond statutory obligations — it focuses on long-term empowerment and community resilience.
NHPC Ltd: A Navratna Company with a Purpose-Driven CSR Approach
NHPC Ltd is widely recognized for its leadership in hydropower and renewable energy. As a Navratna company, it stands for operational excellence and national development.
But NHPC’s commitment does not stop at energy production.
Through structured and strategic CSR initiatives, NHPC focuses on:
- Need-based development
- Community participation
- Sustainable growth
- Long-term empowerment
The objective is not short-term relief — but sustainable transformation.
This vision aligns closely with Samabhavana’s mission of building self-reliant communities through education, health, and empowerment initiatives.
🔗 Internal Link: Explore Samabhavana’s Mission & Vision
https://samabhavana.in/
How NHPC Plans and Implements CSR Initiatives
1. Need-Based Assessment Before Action
A key insight shared during the PRISM conversation was NHPC’s strong emphasis on groundwork before implementation.
Before launching any CSR initiative, NHPC teams conduct detailed field surveys to understand:
- Community needs
- Local socio-economic challenges
- Livelihood opportunities
- Gaps in education and healthcare
This ensures that projects are relevant, practical, and impactful.
As Shri Uttam Lal Ji explained:
Development should not happen in isolation. When one area grows, surrounding communities should grow together.
2. Collaboration with Local Stakeholders
NHPC’s CSR projects are implemented in collaboration with:
- District administrations
- Village committees
- Local leaders
- Community representatives
This collaborative model ensures transparency, accountability, and shared ownership.
Such partnerships reflect the broader vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
🔗 Reference: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Real Impact at the Grassroots Level
The PRISM episode highlighted several inspiring examples of NHPC’s CSR impact across India.
Women-Led Livelihood Programs in Arunachal Pradesh
NHPC supported women’s empowerment through:
- Sericulture training
- Cooperative business models
- Income-generation initiatives
These programs strengthened economic independence and boosted local confidence.
Strengthening Education in Remote Regions
NHPC’s CSR efforts in education include:
- Smart classrooms
- Computers and digital tools
- Uniforms and learning kits
Such initiatives reduce educational inequality and improve access to quality education in underserved regions.
🔗 Internal Link: Learn more about Samabhavana’s Smile Hub Programme
https://samabhavana.in/
Healthcare Support in Challenging Terrains
NHPC has also invested in healthcare infrastructure, including:
- MRI machines
- X-ray facilities
- Telemedicine services
In remote areas like Ladakh and Kashmir, these initiatives have significantly improved access to healthcare services.
The Core Philosophy: Empowerment Over Dependency
One of the most powerful messages from the conversation was clear:
CSR is not about holding someone’s hand forever — it is about helping communities stand strong on their own.
This philosophy resonates deeply with Samabhavana’s work in:
- Promoting self-reliance
- Strengthening education systems
- Building health awareness
- Supporting sustainable livelihoods
Both organizations believe that meaningful change comes from empowerment, not dependency.
Why PRISM Matters: Beyond a Podcast
PRISM is not just a series of interviews.
It is a platform for:
- Honest conversations
- Real-life experiences
- Lessons from challenges
- Reflections on grassroots realities
Guests are encouraged to speak freely — without pressure or scripted responses.
Behind every successful CSR initiative are:
- Field-level struggles
- Difficult decisions
- Learning from setbacks
- Community engagement efforts
PRISM brings these authentic stories to light.
A Platform for Learning and Collaboration
Each PRISM episode features voices from CSR leaders, development professionals, and changemakers.
At Samabhavana, we believe sustainable change happens when people:
- Listen with empathy
- Share knowledge openly
- Learn from lived experiences
- Collaborate across sectors
In today’s fast-paced world, PRISM creates space for reflection and thoughtful dialogue.
Listeners have described the episodes as relatable, inspiring, and deeply informative — particularly for those interested in CSR partnerships, education reform, and community development.
PRISM: Strengthening Relationships Through Stories
PRISM stands for:
- Building understanding
- Strengthening relationships
- Learning from real journeys
Every conversation opens new perspectives and challenges conventional thinking about development.
Guests trust Samabhavana with their stories — and that trust is honoured through respectful, meaningful engagement.
Moving Forward: Conversations That Create Change
PRISM exists because:
- Stories matter.
- Listening matters.
- Conversations create change.
Through PRISM, Samabhavana continues to amplify voices that contribute to India’s social development ecosystem.
Behind every CSR initiative, every partnership, and every success story — there are human journeys.
And PRISM is here to share them.