The success of community development depends on the understanding between the various sectors comprising non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business organisations, and local populace for creating sustainable development, said M. Chandrasekaran, president of Association for Professional Social Workers’ Registration and Accreditation (APSRA).Mr. Chandrasekaran inaugurated the workshop on ‘Comprehensive Community Development Approach for the Sustainable Development’, which was organised in association with the Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) in the city on Tuesday.He said community development, which took different names, has a long history with the goal being to bring large scale rural and urban development.K.A. Mathew, chairman of MSSW, highlighting the several studies conducted by MSSW in community development, said the workshop would be a platform for bringing various stakeholders together including corporates, educational institutions, and NGOs.Mr. Mathew said that corporates have a wide knowledge on community service as corporate social responsibility (CSR) is mandated by the Central government. That knowledge needs to be passed on to NGOs.C.J. Paul of MSSW also spoke on the occasion. Published - May 27, 2026 12:30 am IST