ImpactPod’s Post

This week, my state of West Bengal has been simmering under a record-breaking heatwave with sustained daily temperature highs of 41-44 C across the state. Our farmers and their rain-parched lands have been reeling under record-breaking dry spells leading to an underproduction of the potato crop this year (full disclosure - I am now one such farmer, experimenting on sustainable agriculture with other farmers in the Bankura district of West Bengal, as part of the ongoing work of my foundation, The Last Person). And of course, who could have missed the deluge that hit the Middle East last week, and brought Dubai to its knees? Yet, it amazes me to no end to debate with the skeptics of the reality of the climate crisis, the need for ESG interventions, and the impact of CSR, in how little they are swayed by evidence staring them in their faces. While our country is the third-highest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, it still stands way below the global average in per capita emissions. However, it stands amongst the countries that are expected to be most significantly impacted by the climate crisis. I would argue that our country directly faces the threat at the intersection of three of the most impactful issues facing the world today - youth (dis)empowerment, climate crisis (specifically and more urgently - water crisis), and mental health crisis. The last one is a sleeper that not many talk about, but is extremely significant nonetheless, and one that my Foundation is going to get keenly involved with. Amid such cynicism about sustainability topics, I want to thank Sustainable Advancements and CITIZENS FOUNDATION for creating this wonderful literary platform gathering insights gained from the past ten years of the implementation of the CSR law in India, and extending me the privilege of authoring a chapter in this book. For those interested in supporting this noble cause, the book is now available on Amazon at https://amzn.in/d/2tX3a7c. 

𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂'𝒔 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒚: 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 #𝑨𝒂𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒓𝒃𝒉𝒂𝒓𝑩𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚! This Independence Day, as we proudly hoist our tricolour, let’s also raise our commitment to building an 𝐀𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐫𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭—𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 that thrives on sustainable practices, innovation, and resilience. At #ICCE, we believe that true independence is not just about self-reliance but also about how we consume, produce, and manage our resources. A #circulareconomy is at the heart of this vision, driving us towards a future where waste is minimized, resources are reused, and economic growth is decoupled from environmental degradation. 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 = 𝑨𝒂𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒓𝒃𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒂 By embracing circular principles, we can reduce our #dependence on external resources, create new #opportunities within our borders, and empower local communities. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, turning waste into wealth, and building a nation that stands tall—sustainably and independently. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐤𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐫𝐚, at the heart of the Indian flag, symbolizes #progress, movement, and the eternal wheel of law. Just as the Chakra's 24 spokes represent the principles of #life and #governance, the circular economy embodies the continuous flow of #resources, where waste is minimized, and sustainability is maximized. In a way, the Ashoka Chakra and the circular economy both remind us that true progress lies in our ability to maintain #balance between #production and #consumption, #growth and #preservation, and today’s needs and tomorrow’s responsibilities. Just as the Chakra inspires us to 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞, the principles of the circular economy guide us toward a future where economic activities are in harmony with #nature, ensuring #prosperity for generations to come. On this day of freedom, let’s pledge to contribute to a greener, more resilient India. Let’s work towards a future where Aatmanirbhar Bharat is synonymous with a Circular Bharat—where independence and sustainability go hand in hand. 𝑱𝒂𝒊 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒅! 𝑱𝒂𝒊 𝑪𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚! #IndependenceDay #AatmanirbharBharat #CircularEconomy #SustainableIndia #ICCE

Climate information shared adequately through digital platform to women smallholder farmers is an adaption strategy to climate change. Single impact at each household cumulatively leads to resilience of a community against climate change effect. Mercy Corps AgriFin is at it again through A4W India project. Real agent of change stimulating change at the most pivotal point.

India's development is a multifaceted challenge with no single solution. Here are some key areas and potential strategies: * Economic Growth: * Diversification: Move beyond agriculture towards manufacturing, services (especially technology), and renewable energy. * Infrastructure: Invest heavily in roads, railways, ports, and digital connectivity to improve efficiency and competitiveness. * Ease of Doing Business: Reduce bureaucratic hurdles, streamline regulations, and combat corruption to attract investment. * Skill Development: Focus on vocational training and higher education to equip the workforce with the skills needed for a modern economy. * Social Development: * Education: Improve access to quality education at all levels, with a focus on STEM fields and vocational training. * Healthcare: Expand access to affordable healthcare, improve public health infrastructure, and address critical health issues like malnutrition and communicable diseases. * Poverty Reduction: Implement targeted programs to lift people out of poverty, such as social safety nets, affordable housing, and rural development initiatives. * Gender Equality: Empower women through education, economic opportunities, and legal reforms to ensure their full participation in society. * Environmental Sustainability: * Climate Action: Transition to renewable energy sources, promote sustainable agriculture, and implement measures to mitigate climate change. * Pollution Control: Address air and water pollution through stricter regulations, technological innovation, and public awareness campaigns. * Conservation: Protect biodiversity and natural resources through effective conservation efforts and sustainable land use practices. * Governance and Institutions: * Good Governance: Promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in decision-making processes. * Rule of Law: Strengthen the judiciary and law enforcement to ensure equal justice for all. * Decentralization: Empower local governments to address the specific needs of their communities. It's important to remember that these are interconnected challenges. Progress in one area will often have a positive impact on others. Additionally, a sustained commitment to development requires a long-term vision, consistent policy implementation, and active participation from all sectors of society.

MOSPI MyGov India NITI Aayog NITI Aayog Official Government of India Government of India Official Sustainable Development Goals - National Indicator Framework - Progress Report, 2024 COPY URL: https://lnkd.in/duJEhPPu #SustainableDevelopment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #SDG #SDGs #2030Agenda #MOSPI #GovernmentofIndia #GoI #2024 The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by United Nations Member States in 2015, provide a roadmap for a better future of this world. A world which is free from poverty to gender inequality to climate change. A world which has peace and prosperity for all. Emphasising the interconnectedness of global issues, the goals provide an overarching approach to tackle the social, economic and environmental challenges facing the world. India has been playing a significant role in shaping the SDGs and is committed to achieving them within the specified timeframe. In this endeavour, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has developed a National Indicator Framework for facilitating monitoring of SDGs at the national level. SDG Progress Reports, released by MoSPI, help in measuring progress towards sustainable development and ensuring accountability in achieving the SDGs. In this series, the current report, “Sustainable Development Goals - National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024,” provides an overview of India’s progress on SDGs apart from throwing light on the data gaps that need to be filled for more effective monitoring of SDGs at national level. This publication, “Sustainable Development Goals - National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024,” presents the time series data on the SDG national indicators based on the data received from the concerned line Ministries. The data will be instrumental in monitoring the national-level progress on the 17 SDGs.

Economic empowerment is crucial, but without social reform, it's like a bucket with a hole. We can't truly fill people's pockets if societal barriers prevent them from keeping what they earn. Let's invest in both. India Can Wait No More!! Global Vikas Trust - Palghar Global Vikas Trust #FarmersFirst #SustainableAgriculture #Horticulture #WaterConservation #SoilEnrichment #CropDiversification #MassPlantation #SDGs #ESG #GlobalVikasTrust #GVT #NationFirst #TransformingIndia

The Indian diaspora leads globally with $978B Fortune 500 revenues, $1.5–2B philanthropy, and 78% bachelor’s degree holders excelling in STEM, business, and healthcare. Explore more in the Indiaspora Impact Report 2023!

Can industry and society join hands to shape a better tomorrow? At the India Ideas Conclave 2024, Lakshminarayana K R, Chief Endowment Officer at the Azim Premji Foundation, will chair a powerful plenary session on how industries can become catalysts for societal transformation. Get ready for thought-provoking ideas and actionable solutions to create an inclusive, sustainable future for Bharat! #ImaginingIndiasDecade #IndiaIdeasConclave #Sustainability #wmg #IndustryAndSociety #BuildingBrandBharat"

Social enterprises play a crucial role in addressing India's social challenges while driving inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability. Prof. Prabhat Pani and SPJIMR alumnus Vyankatesh Kharage (PGPDM 2020-2022) discuss how these enterprises can bridge the resource gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By attracting impact investment, philanthropy, CSR funding, and creating jobs, social enterprises have the potential to transform India's economy into a more inclusive and sustainable one. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/dNr8dXth For more news and updates, visit our Newsroom: https://lnkd.in/d_gcfpZT #IamSPJIMR #SocialEnterprise #SustainableDevelopment #CSR #SDGs #EconomicTransformation

Our sister organisation Technology and Action for Rural Advancement is inviting registrations for a workshop on "Fostering Societal Demand for a Green and Circular Economy in India". For more details, check the poster below #GreenEconomy #CircularEconomy