The purpose of this study is to find out the role of human resource management (HRM) in driving socially responsible and sustainable initiatives in organisations. The annual reports of two major Indian companies, Tata Steel and ITC were studied with specific focus on their HR policies and practices, business responsibility and sustainability activities and analysed by the authors. The findings show the role that HRM plays in implementing following SDG goals. The paper is an interdisciplinary study viewing the role of HRM in CSR and sustainability and extends and broadens the area of research by an in-depth study of two established companies in India.