Corporate Social Responsibility

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of World Mangrove Day, celebrated on July 6, 2025, Diageo India’s Signature Packaged Drinking Water unveiled a compelling new campaign titled “The Mangroves Regeneration Pledge”. Featuring brand ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana, the campaign underscores the urgent need to protect and restore India’s fragile mangrove ecosystems.

At the heart of the initiative is a short film that pays tribute to the resilience of India’s coastal communities and the silent strength of mangroves in battling climate change. Through immersive visuals and Ayushmann’s evocative narration, the film captures the on-ground challenges of conservation, highlighting the role of grassroots action in environmental stewardship.

The film draws attention to Signature’s flagship Mangrove Regeneration Project in Odisha—a three-year, community-led initiative that aims to restore over 62 acres of degraded coastal land. The project involves planting more than 30,000 mangrove saplings and empowering five coastal villages to engage in long-term conservation efforts.

Varun Koorichh, Vice President and Portfolio Head – Marketing, Diageo India, said, “The Mangrove Regeneration Project in Odisha is a powerful expression of what we stand for–community-driven action, sustained commitment, and meaningful environmental progress. With our proposition ‘One With Nature’, we honour the quiet resilience of ecosystems like mangroves and the communities that protect them. This initiative, like our engagement at the Ziro Festival of Music, reinforces our belief in conscious living and environmental responsibility.”

Ayushmann Khurrana, actor and brand ambassador, added, “What drew me to this campaign was its deep connection with real-world impact. This isn’t just a film—it’s a tribute. Mangroves are unsung heroes, silently protecting coastlines, restoring biodiversity, and fighting climate change. Signature Packaged Drinking Water’s approach goes beyond raising awareness—it drives meaningful action. I hope this campaign inspires many to take the pledge and join us in nurturing nature.” Mangroves are among the most efficient carbon sinks on the planet, capable of absorbing up to four times more carbon dioxide than rainforests. Their preservation is critical to climate resilience, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of coastal communities

In a recent collaboration aimed at enhancing the employability of persons with disabilities (PwDs), the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) has partnered with Diageo India to provide vocational training to 300 students. This initiative falls under Diageo India’s “Learning for Life” program, aiming to address the skill gaps in the Business and Hospitality sectors.

The training, focusing on Food and Beverage Services, will be conducted in various SCPwD-affiliated centres across India. Certified trainers and assessors will oversee the residential programs, offering students a curriculum tailored to their needs. This partnership signifies a step towards inclusivity and diversity in the workforce, aligning with Diageo’s broader societal goals for 2030. The announcement was made in a ceremony attended by representatives from the National Association for the Blind (NAB) Karnataka, along with other industry stakeholders.

Hina Nagarajan, MD & CEO, Diageo India said, “Driven by the common objective of creating a vibrant and diverse workforce, we are delighted to expand our partnership with the Skill Council for Persons with Disability. Last year, we began this initiative by extending the scope of our ‘Learning for Life’ programme, to include the PwD community to help them overcome employment barriers. We strengthen our commitment this year to promote sustainable growth by scaling up this programme to provide equal access to the right resources, skills, and employment opportunities across India.”

Ravindra Singh, CEO, Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) said, “We are delighted to partner with Diageo India whose commitment to inclusion and diversity is exemplary. Last year, we trained 100 Persons with Disabilities as part of Diageo India’s ‘Learning for Life’ programme. The success of this programme encourages us to expand this specially curated programme which focuses on providing hands-on training in hospitality skills and enhance employment opportunities.”

The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for accessible education and training programs that equip PwDs with the skills necessary to enter and succeed in the workforce, thereby promoting sustainable growth and diversity.