At CSR South 2025, held on March 16, 2025, at Shilpakala Vedika, Hyderabad, industry leaders came together to explore transformative CSR initiatives. One of the key voices was Siva Bavanari, a leader at Cognizant, who delivered an insightful session on how education, skill development, and impact hiring can empower rural youth.
Building Pathways for Underserved Talent
As a strong proponent of inclusive technology and workforce development, Siva Bavanari highlighted how corporations can bridge employment gaps by investing in skill-building initiatives for underserved communities. His session underscored the critical role of CSR in creating sustainable job opportunities within the technology sector.
“Empowering rural youth through skilling and mentorship is not just a corporate responsibility—it’s a necessity for building sustainable communities,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of corporate participation in skill development programs.
Key Takeaways from Siva Bavanari’s Session
✔ Education as a Foundation: Providing skill-based training ensures that rural youth are job-ready in an increasingly digital world.
✔ Corporate Involvement: Employee volunteering programs play a key role in mentoring and upskilling underprivileged talent.
✔ Impact Hiring: Companies must adopt inclusive recruitment strategies to create economic mobility for young professionals.
Scaling Workforce Development Through CSR
Under his leadership, Cognizant’s CSR initiatives have enhanced education and workforce training, helping young talent connect with industry opportunities. His session was a call to action for businesses to invest in rural skilling programs, ensuring that corporate hiring strategies drive long-term social and economic impact