UW–Madison delegation members from GHI, WFAA, and WARF joined by individuals affiliated with Pidilite and their CSR programs (Photo from GHI)
From March 16–19, 2025, a delegation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s (UW–Madison) Global Health Institute (GHI) traveled to India for an in-depth exploration of Pidilite Industries’ impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects. The delegation, composed of key figures from UW–Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), engaged with Pidilite’s initiatives, focused on sustainable development, education, healthcare, and empowering marginalized communities.
Day 1: March 16 – A Journey into Pidilite’s CSR Impact
Upon their arrival in India, the UW–Madison delegates were welcomed with a tour of the Residential School Campus. This tour included a meaningful interaction with the students during their evening prayer, providing an opportunity to witness the values of discipline, community, and holistic education embedded in Pidilite’s CSR programs.
The first official stop was the Centre for Agriculture & Horticulture, Manar, a 100-acre demonstration farm. The delegates learned about the innovative practices in agriculture, horticulture, and the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal crops. The farm’s objective is clear: to increase farmers’ incomes by providing advanced farming techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, and value-added products. This visit highlighted the impact of Pidilite’s CSR in rural development and its commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers through education and hands-on demonstration.
Next, the group visited Hanumant Hospital & Nursing Institute, a 150-200 bed multi-specialty hospital serving over 60,000 rural patients annually. The hospital also includes GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) and BSc Nursing courses. During their visit, the delegates were given a tour of the medical facilities and heard presentations on the hospital’s significant contributions to healthcare accessibility in rural India. The delegates were impressed by the hospital’s dual role in providing critical healthcare services while training the next generation of healthcare professionals to continue serving the region.
The final stop of Day 1 was Parekh College, Mahuva, a higher education institute offering courses in Management, Commerce, Engineering, Computer Science, and Law. This college serves over 3,000 rural students annually, empowering youth with the education and skills they need to succeed in competitive fields. The delegates observed how Pidilite’s support for higher education is fostering opportunities for students in rural areas who otherwise might not have access to such resources.
Day 2: March 17 – Women’s Day Celebration and Further Engagement
On Day 2, the UW–Madison delegation attended a special Women’s Day event at the TKF Campus, a key location for Pidilite’s CSR activities focused on gender empowerment. The event celebrated the achievements of women in the workforce and highlighted Pidilite’s initiatives aimed at improving women’s access to education, healthcare, and economic independence.
The celebration underscored the company’s dedication to fostering gender equity, and the delegates were moved by the inspiring stories of women whose lives had been transformed through Pidilite’s programs. This was a moment of reflection on the importance of empowering women in the context of global health and development, a value shared by both Pidilite and the UW–Madison Global Health Institute.
Key Fact: A Strong Connection to UW–Madison
A notable highlight of the visit was learning about the strong UW–Madison alumni connection within Pidilite’s leadership. The company’s family business is led by three alumni from the University of Wisconsin–Madison: Narendrakumar Parkeh, M.S. ’63 (Vice Chairman); Madhukar Parekh, M.S. ’69 (Chairman); and Apurva Parkeh, ’93 (Whole-Time Director). This connection added a personal touch to the visit, strengthening the bond between the Global Health Institute and Pidilite.
Delegates’ Reflections and Moving Forward
Throughout their visit, the UW–Madison delegates, including Lora Klenke (Managing Director of International Alumni Relations), Calyn Ostrowski (Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships & Development at GHI), Katie Newcomb (Communications Director at GHI), Luxme Hariharan (GHI Fellow), and Jennifer Gottwald (Director of Licensing at WARF), expressed their admiration for Pidilite’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development. The trip provided invaluable insights into how corporate initiatives can support health, education, and rural development, especially in underserved areas.
The delegates were particularly impressed by the company’s integrated approach, where projects are not only focused on providing immediate relief but also creating long-term solutions for improving communities. The experience solidified the shared values of both organizations: a commitment to health equity, education, and sustainable development.
The visit concluded with discussions on potential partnerships between UW–Madison and Pidilite Industries in future global health initiatives. Both sides expressed enthusiasm for exploring collaborative opportunities that will further their mutual goals of improving lives through innovative, sustainable, and community-driven projects.