Mohammad Turra, MD & CEO of Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd., views his volunteering efforts as a way connect with colleagues, strengthen team bond, make tangible difference and spend quality time with his son.

What inspired you to be involved in CSR initiatives and what keeps you motivated to continue?
CSR initiatives provide an opportunity to give back to society in a meaningful way. Initially, my inspiration came from my son, who wanted to participate in such activities, and I felt the need to set an example for him. Over time, I realised that these initiatives go beyond personal motivation—they allow me to connect with colleagues outside the workplace, strengthen team bonds and make a tangible difference. Seeing the direct impact of our efforts, whether through beach cleanups, mangrove restoration, or school engagement programs, keeps me motivated to continue.

Can you share a memorable experience or impactful moment from one of the CSR drives you have participated in?
One of the most rewarding experiences was a beach cleanup we conducted after the Ganpati festival. A team of 50 of us worked together to clear the litter left behind, and seeing the before-and-after transformation was incredibly satisfying. While municipal machines were also deployed for cleaning, our hands-on effort ensured that even the smaller, often-overlooked waste was removed. The impact was not just in the cleanliness we restored but also in the awareness it created among us about responsible waste disposal.

How do you balance a busy leadership role with your commitment to social and environmental causes?
Finding time for CSR activities can be challenging but scheduling them on weekends makes it easier. Additionally, involving my family, especially my son, means I’m not only contributing to a cause but also spending quality time with loved ones in a meaningful way. It transforms the experience from being just another task into something fulfilling that we do together.

Why do you think it’s important for employees and organisations to actively contribute to community and environmental well-being?
I believe this is a personal choice, but for many, the challenge is not the intent but the opportunity. Many of us want to contribute but don’t know where to start. When organisations take the lead in organising CSR initiatives, it removes that barrier, making it easier for employees to participate. It creates a culture of responsibility and collective action, which ultimately benefits both individuals and the larger community.

What message would you like to share with your colleagues to encourage them to join such initiatives and make a difference?
My suggestion is simple—just try it once. Get involved in an initiative that resonates with you. If possible, bring your family along—kids, spouses, siblings—so that it becomes a shared experience. And most importantly, pick a cause that you truly connect with. When you find something meaningful, participation becomes a choice, not an obligation.

What CSR activity is most important according to you?
The ones that create a lasting impact. While activities like beach cleanups are fulfilling, they don’t necessarily address the root cause. Long-term efforts, such as reducing waste generation or mangrove restoration, ensure a more sustainable change. Mangrove conservation, for example, helps protect coastal ecosystems for years to come. So, while immediate cleanups are valuable, focusing on preventive and systemic solutions can drive deeper transformation.

If you are part of any volunteering groups or activities, can others join in? How can they get started?
Opportunities for volunteering are all around us—you just need to look. There are initiatives happening in societies, local communities, and workplaces, and even in neighbourhood WhatsApp groups. A good approach is to start with something close to home. For instance, I was able to participate more regularly in the Aarey reforestation drive because it was near my residence. The proximity made it easier to stay engaged, rather than committing to something far away that might be harder to sustain.