Mahima Chandra’s journey in Bata’s CSR landscape is marked by strategic growth and deep community engagement. Since joining as General Manager – Global CSR, she has managed comprehensive corporate social responsibility programs impacting over 4,000 underprivileged children through initiatives like the Bata Children’s Programme (BCP).

This flagship program adopts schools around Bata’s operational areas, focusing on clean water and sanitation, good health and well-being, and education quality.

In partnership with KC Mahindra Education Trust’s Project Nanhi Kali, Bata extends educational support specifically aimed at empowering the girl child in underserved communities.

Her approach emphasizes integration of CSR into business operations rather than treating it as an ancillary function. Chandra oversees the end-to-end project lifecycle, including planning, budgeting, implementation, financial oversight, impact assessment, and stakeholder engagement.

Under her leadership, Bata’s CSR expanded to include skill development workshops, disaster management collaborations, and large-scale health and hygiene drives, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when Bata supplied over 1.9 lakh pairs of footwear to frontline medical workers globally as a mark of gratitude.

Moreover, Mahima Chandra has driven the rollout of global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategies and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policies within Bata, strengthening workplace equality and safety.

These initiatives not only serve internal employees but also foster Bata’s brand image as a responsible corporate entity that values people as much as profit. Awards such as “Most Impactful CSR Leaders” and “Best CSR Innovation” received recently underscore the effectiveness and innovation in her approach.

Building a Strong Sustainability Foundation: ESG and Beyond

Chandra’s role transcends classic CSR she has actively championed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, implementing reporting and monitoring tools that align with global sustainability standards.

Bata’s global ESG strategy, guided by her, connects corporate governance with community welfare, ensuring that the company’s environmental footprint continually improves alongside its social contributions.

Her experience traces back to managing PAN India CSR operations as early as 2014, steadily growing Bata’s social impact footprint.

By pioneering sustainability initiatives and embedding policies on diversity and inclusion into Bata’s global functions, Chandra ensures the company meets evolving stakeholder expectations, from investors to local communities.

Long-standing programs under her guidance stress community partnership as integral. For example, infrastructure upgrades like school washroom renovations at Bata Children’s Programme sites ensure sustainable facility improvements.

Distribution of hygiene kits and sanitation awareness campaigns constitute ongoing efforts to enhance health outcomes in Bata’s operational regions.

Global CSR Leadership at Bata

Mahima Chandra, General Manager and Global Lead for CSR at Bata Group since April 2024, continues to spearhead the company’s expansive corporate social responsibility efforts across more than 20 countries.

With a robust focus on education, skill development, girl child empowerment, disaster relief, diversity & inclusion (D&I), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, Chandra’s work aligns Bata’s business objectives with meaningful social impact.

Recognised for her leadership through multiple awards such as the “Best Global CSR Practices” and featured speaker engagement at the Indian Social Impact Awards 2025, she exemplifies how purpose-driven corporate initiatives can uplift communities and foster sustainable development.

Bata’s ongoing projects, including the Bata Children’s Programme and partnerships supporting marginalized groups, reflect these commitments under her stewardship.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The Logical Indian recognises leaders such as Mahima Chandra who elevate corporate social responsibility from mere compliance to a transformative force for social good. In today’s interconnected world, businesses wield immense influence beyond profits they have the power and responsibility to foster social equity, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing.

Chandra’s work epitomises how purpose-driven CSR, integrated with DEI and ESG principles, can enable inclusive growth. Bata Group’s commitment to underprivileged children’s education, women’s empowerment, frontline worker support, and global sustainability presents a replicable model for other corporations to emulate.

As The Logical Indian advocates peace, empathy, and collective progress, this story invites readers to reflect: How can Indian corporations and global businesses alike deepen their CSR commitments to produce systemic social change?

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