For almost two centuries, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) has stood not just as an institution of business, but as a quiet, constant force of care. Long before CSR became a buzzword or a legal mandate, the Chamber was already reaching out — to comfort, to rebuild, and to restore dignity where it was needed most.

From standing beside people during the Bengal Famine and drought years, to helping communities rise again after cyclones like Aila and Amphan, the Chamber has been a witness to Bengal’s hardest moments — and an active participant in its healing. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when uncertainty shook the world, BCC&I chose compassion as its guiding principle.

 A New Chapter in Responsibility

In 2014, BCC&I’s work took on a new form when it partnered with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). This collaboration wasn’t just a milestone — it set the Chamber on a national path, becoming the Nodal Agency for CSR awareness and training in Eastern India. Through this, BCC&I began strengthening how organisations approach development, not just as charity, but as shared responsibility.

Today, the Chamber works across education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, environment protection, skill development, and community inclusion — helping businesses think beyond profit, and towards purpose.

Impact Through Real Stories and Real People

BCC&I’s efforts have reached children, teachers, athletes, young learners, and underserved communities across different districts. Working with organisations like Exide Industries, Balmer Lawrie, Andrew Yule, CESC, and Infinity Infotech Parks, it continues to create change that feels personal, not promotional.

Some heartwarming initiatives include:

• Performing arts and therapy workshops for underprivileged and specially-abled children
• Professional tennis coaching, helping young players dream beyond limits
• Teacher development and inclusive education programmes
• Better school infrastructure and sanitation facilities in rural districts like Bankura and Purulia
• The “Spreading Smiles” initiative — where over 400 children received festive clothing and emotional support

These are not just projects — they are reminders that hope grows when someone decides to care long enough.

A Platform Where Ideas Meet Action

Beyond on-ground work, BCC&I also creates spaces where conversations turn into solutions. Through CSR Pitch Sessions, Talk Shows, and the Annual Social Leadership Awards, changemakers, organisations, development leaders, and youth come together to rethink the future of social development.

A Partnership with Purpose

As the Strategic CSR Partner and Project Management Unit (PMU) for Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), BCC&I plays a pivotal role in planning, guiding, and executing development initiatives on the ground. The Chamber supports project design, SDG alignment, monitoring, environmental programmes, youth skilling, capacity building, and impact documentation — including the CSR Coffee Table Book that captures stories of change with dignity and depth.

Legacy Written with Humanity

Across its long history, one belief has remained unchanged — that true development is not measured in numbers, but in people whose lives are touched with respect, empathy, and opportunity.

As new challenges emerge and communities evolve, BCC&I continues to stand by its promise:
CSR is not compliance — it is care. And care, when sustained through collective action, becomes legacy.