Thrissur, Aug 18: ESAF Small Finance Bank, in association with ESAF Foundation and Tribhuvan Sahkari University, hosted a Round Table under the auspices of ESAF Chair for Business on Values at the Institute of Rural Management Anand. The programme, titled “Business Values and the Future of Purpose-Driven Enterprises in India”, was held at Hyatt Regency, Thrissur. The event brought together policymakers, academicians and business leaders to deliberate on how Indian enterprises can pursue sustainable growth while balancing purpose, values and impact.
Prof. Dr. S. P. Singh, Vice Chancellor, Tribhuvan Sahkari University, inaugurated the event. Dr. K. Paul Thomas, Founder, MD & CEO, ESAF Small Finance Bank, delivered the presidential address and outlined the vision behind the Business on Values Chair and the importance of value-led enterprises in a changing economic environment. Smt. Mereena Paul, Co-founder, ESAF Group of Social Enterprises and Shri. Bosco Joseph, Executive Vice President, ESAF Small Finance Bank, also addressed the gathering.
The panel discussion featured Shri Rana Alok Singh, Regional Director – South Asia, Ethical Trading Initiative; Shri Royston Braganza, CEO, Grameen Capital India; and Dr. Geemon Korah, CEO & Executive Director, Mane Kancor Ingredients Pvt. Ltd. The session was moderated by Prof. Sushanta Kumar Sarma, Associate Professor and Co-ordinator of ESAF Chair for Business on Values, IRMA. The discussion focused on the “hybrid tension” faced by purpose-driven organisations, which must balance the expectations of investors, communities, regulators and employees. The panellists discussed topics such as measuring success through both financial and social outcomes, embedding ethical practices across supply chains, and preventing mission drift as organisations scale. A study report titled “Cooperatives as Inclusive Business: Insights from Vasudhara Dairy Cooperative” was also released during the Round Table.