Cycle Pure Agarbathi is an iconic Indian brand that stands as a testament to the immense potential of homegrown, family owned businesses. Established in 1948 by Shri N.Ranga Rao, the group has seamlessly weaved business success with community empowerment throughout its journey.
In this insightful interaction with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. R. Guru, Chairman of NR Foundation, sheds light on how Cycle Pure Agarbathi is redefining corporate social responsibility by embedding purpose into every aspect of its operations. With a legacy spanning eight decades, the brand has grown into a symbol of not just purity, but also people-centric progress and planet-friendly practices.
From empowering over 3,000 women through sustainable livelihoods to pioneering education for visually impaired girls at the Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled, Cycle’s initiatives are deeply rooted in compassion and community upliftment. Mr. Guru walks us through their bold environmental strides, including becoming a Zero Carbon Manufacturer, promoting eco-friendly packaging, and committing to plastic neutrality by 2026.
This interview offers a closer look at how tradition meets transformation—where every incense stick carries not just a scent, but a story of sustainability, empowerment, and hope.
Q&A
Q. How does Cycle Pure Agarbathi integrate social responsibility into its business values?
A. At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, social responsibility is at the heart of our operations. Established in 1948, Shri N. Ranga Rao, we've always believed in giving back to society. This commitment is evident through our NR Foundation, which focuses on education, health, art, culture, and supporting the differently abled. Our initiatives, such as the Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled, underscore our dedication to uplifting the underprivileged. Our NR Centre for Community Development trains graduates and final year graduates with employability skills.
Q. What led to the establishment of the Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled (RMSD)?
A. The Ranga Rao Memorial School for Differently Abled was founded out of a deep-seated commitment to empower visually impaired girls from low-income families. Recognizing the limited educational opportunities available to them, we established RMSD in 1988 to provide quality education, essential life skills, and a nurturing environment. We established RMSD to provide quality education and a nurturing environment, ensuring these young girls have the tools to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Q. What educational and vocational training does RMSD provide to visually impaired girls?
A. RMSD offers a comprehensive curriculum from the first to tenth standard, tailored to the needs of visually impaired students. Beyond academics, we incorporate vocational training, equipping students with skills that enhance their employability and self-reliance. This holistic approach ensures they are well-prepared to integrate into mainstream society.
Q. How does the school support students’ healthcare, medical needs, and skill development?
A. We believe in nurturing the overall well-being of our students. RMSD provides monthly health checkups for the students and addresses medical needs promptly, and offers skill development programs. These initiatives ensure our students are healthy and equipped with essential life skills, fostering their confidence and independence.
Q. How did Cycle Pure Agarbathi achieve Zero Carbon Manufacturer status? How much has Cycle Pure Agarbathi reduced its carbon footprint? What steps are taken to promote sustainability among customers and communities?
A. Achieving Zero Carbon Manufacturer status has been a significant milestone for us. Since 2014, we've collaborated on sustainability projects, including wind power initiatives in Tamil Nadu and West India, leading to a reduction of 11,040 tons of CO₂ equivalent over eight years. We've also
transitioned to energy-efficient processes and waste management systems. To promote sustainability, we're working towards eliminating plastic by adopting eco-friendly packaging materials and actively engaging with customers and communities to raise environmental awareness.
Q. How does innovation contribute to sustainability at Cycle Pure Agarbathi? Are there any upcoming eco-friendly products or initiatives?
A. Innovation is central to our sustainability efforts. We're proud to be the only zero-carbon incense manufacturer and are committed to offsetting our entire plastic footprint by 2026. Our packaging is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, and we utilize recyclable materials. We're continually exploring eco-friendly products and initiatives that align with our environmental goals.
Q. How many women have benefited from your livelihood programs? Can you share any success stories?
A. Empowering women has always been a priority for us. Over 80% of our manufacturing unit comprises women. In Tamil Nadu alone, we've expanded our team to 3,000. These initiatives have provided numerous women with stable livelihoods, fostering financial independence and community development. Through NR Centre for Community Development, we give training to ladies in villages in tailoring which helps them earn their livelihood.
Q. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) you track for impact assessment? How much has Cycle Pure Agarbathi invested in CSR over the years?
A. We assess our impact through various KPIs, including the number of beneficiaries in our educational and healthcare programs, and the success of our livelihood initiatives. While specific investment figures in CSR over the years are substantial, our focus remains on the qualitative impact of these initiatives on communities.
Q. What are your impact goals for the next five years in terms of livelihoods, education, healthcare, and sustainability?
A. Looking ahead, we aim to continue empowering women by creating more livelihood opportunities and supporting women-led entrepreneurship in the agarbathi industry. Expand the reach of RMSD and similar initiatives to support more differently-abled students across India. Enhance our healthcare programs to ensure comprehensive medical support for our employees and the communities we serve. Achieve complete plastic neutrality by 2026 and introduce more eco-friendly products to our portfolio. We remain committed to these goals, ensuring our legacy of quality and social responsibility continues to flourish.
x
