Dr. Mercia Honoured at the CSR Leadership Summit

The 15th CSR Leadership Summit, themed "Fostering CSR in Odisha: Showcasing Pioneering CSR Initiatives", successfully took place in Odisha on January 23, 2025. The event focused on innovation, inclusivity and the significant impacts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Among the distinguished guests was Dr. Mercia Selva Malar Justin, the Director of Courses, Research and Publications at CIM, who received the prestigious award  “Impactful Social Leader”.

The summit provided a vital platform for corporate leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange, celebrating transformative CSR projects that have made a difference in local communities. Some notable speakers at the summit included: Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of KIIT University, who presented awards to the winners, and influential figures such as Prashant Hota from Jindal Steel & Power and Ambika Nanda from Tata Steel, who shared invaluable insights during the sessions.

Dr. Mercia’s recognition is a testament to her involvement in various social initiatives over her three-decade-long academic career. Since 1997, she has participated in numerous projects through OISCA-International and JCI-India. Her initiatives at LEAD College of Management and her volunteer efforts in curriculum development for the Abdul-Aziz Bin Humaid Leadership Programme in Ajman, UAE, showcase her dedication to education and leadership.

Furthermore, Dr. Mercia played a vital role in the Kerala Flood Relief initiatives at the Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship. Her efforts included managing relief material logistics, conducting socio-economic impact assessments, and engaging with affected children and adults to help them cope with trauma. As the coordinator of the Social Responsibility club named XSEED, she facilitated impactful social initiatives. She also taught a course empowering students to work with NGOs and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Reflecting on her experience at the summit, Dr. Mercia shared, “I was received with a very warm welcome. Being among social leaders making a real difference at national and state levels was incredibly inspiring”. She emphasised that God’s guidance in her work, quoting various scriptures—Phil 4:13, I Chron 29:12 and Deut 28:13—made her committed to social change. She was filled with gratitude, stating that it was God’s faithfulness that made her stand before kings (Prov 22:29). 

Dr. Mercia’s contributions reflect the values of CIM, inspiring everyone to excel in their pursuits.