ACCI launches Business and Affirmative Action Council (BAAC) to promote affirmative action, inclusive growth, and economic justice in Indian business.
NEW DELHI: On the auspicious occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, 14th April, the Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce and Industry™ (ACCI) formally launched its flagship initiative — the Business and Affirmative Action Council (BAAC) — marking a significant step towards promoting inclusive economic growth and equitable business practices in India.
The Council also announced the appointment of renowned social scientist and responsible business expert, Prof. Rohan Sarma, as its first Chairman. Under his leadership, and with the mentorship of Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, widely regarded as the Father of Indian CSR and Sustainability, the inaugural meeting of BAAC was successfully conducted in a virtual format.
Rusen Kumar, Promoter and National President of the Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce and Industry™, delivered a compelling keynote address, articulating a bold vision and mission to drive inclusive economic transformation and empower marginalized communities through entrepreneurship and affirmative action.
The meeting witnessed the participation of distinguished council members from diverse sectors, including industry, civil society, and academia. Representing a wide geographical spread, participants joined from cities such as Srinagar, Guwahati, Bhopal, Ranchi, Raipur, Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Delhi. The diverse composition of the Council reflects its commitment to inclusion across regions, disciplines, and social perspectives.
The Council members included:
- Anil Kumar Mahato, Coordinator CSR, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), Delhi;
- Dr. Alaknanda Das, Director, LOOMS Cooperative Federation, Guwahati;
- Shubhasish Chakraborty, author, award-winning filmmaker, social scientist and CSR leader, Mumbai;
- Nandini Sharma, Director, Centre for Responsible Business – Expert, Business and Human Rights, Delhi;
- Jasmir Thakur, Secretary and E.O., Sambhavna, Mumbai;
- Kavitha George, Founder and CEO, Communicare Education, Mumbai;
- Toyiba Shah, Corporate Sustainability Professional and CSR Consultant, Srinagar;
- Viniket Kamble, Founder and Director, Thunder Films, Mumbai;
- Soumi Dutta, Secretary, Ashraya – South Vihar Welfare Society for Tribal, Ranchi; and
- Siddhi Nigam, Practising Advocate, Madhya Pradesh Bar Council, Bhopal.
Their presence made the inaugural meet truly inclusive, interdisciplinary, and nationally representative.
The launch of BAAC aligns with the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whose ideals continue to inspire the Chamber’s mission. The Council aims to align Indian business practices with constitutional values, promote affirmative action in economic spaces, and encourage businesses to engage with underserved communities and neglected geographies. It also seeks to create and disseminate knowledge around inclusive growth and responsible business conduct.
Prof. Rohan Sarma, Chairman, BAAC, said, “The formation of BAAC is a defining moment in India’s journey towards inclusive economic development. We are not just creating a council; we are building a framework for responsible and equitable business practices. Our goal is to ensure that affirmative action becomes an integral part of corporate thinking and strategy, not just a peripheral idea.”
Delivering the keynote address, Rusen Kumar, Rusen Kumar, Promoter and National President of the Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce and Industry™, emphasized the need to move beyond social justice towards economic empowerment.
He stated, “Without economic power, the idea of equality remains incomplete. Through BAAC, we aim to democratize opportunity and create pathways for marginalized communities to become entrepreneurs and leaders in the business ecosystem. This is not just a council—it is a movement to transform social democracy into economic democracy.”
Rusen Kumar also highlighted that Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce and Industry™ is a Section 8 not-for-profit organization, incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, with a clear mission to promote inclusive growth, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic empowerment. The Chamber operates with a strong commitment to transparency, governance, and legal compliance, holding key registrations such as Niti Aayog Darpan, CSR-1, 12A, and 80G certifications.
During the inaugural session, council members shared their individual journeys, perspectives, and vision for BAAC, reinforcing a collective commitment to building an inclusive and equitable business ecosystem in India.
Ms. Toyiba Shah has been appointed as the Member Secretary of the Council. The Council will meet regularly to ensure sustained engagement, informed deliberations, and effective progress on its objectives.
With the launch of BAAC, the Ambedkar Chamber has taken a decisive step towards institutionalizing affirmative action in business, fostering collaboration, and shaping a new economic narrative rooted in equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.
The Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) envisions building an inclusive and equitable business ecosystem rooted in the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It aims to promote entrepreneurship among marginalized and underrepresented communities, enabling them to participate meaningfully in India’s economic growth. ACCI seeks to bridge gaps in access to capital, markets, knowledge, and networks, while fostering responsible and ethical business practices. Guided by the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chamber is committed to transforming social empowerment into economic empowerment, creating a new generation of entrepreneurs, and strengthening a more diverse, resilient, and socially responsible economy.
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