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Blog of my session at NACCMAR 24 Platform

Blog of my session at NACCMAR 24 Platform. 


It was an honor to deliver a speech at NACCMAR 2024, a platform dedicated to exploring how resilience and innovation drive sustainability in enterprises. 



Resilient Innovations in Sustainable Enterprises: Lessons from India's Leading Brands


In an era marked by profound changes, businesses today face a dual mandate—achieving profits while solving some of the world's most pressing challenges. The intersection of resilience, innovation, and sustainability is no longer a choice; it has become the foundation of enterprises that aim to lead in the future.


India, a nation of diverse challenges and opportunities, offers inspiring examples of how businesses are redefining themselves to meet these demands. Let's explore how some of the country's leading enterprises have embraced this paradigm, blending resilience and innovation to drive sustainability.



1. Resilience in Connectivity: Reliance Jio


Reliance Jio disrupted India's telecommunications sector in 2016 by making data affordable and accessible. Beyond innovation, Jio demonstrated resilience by enabling a digitally connected India. During the pandemic, Jio became a lifeline for businesses, students, and families, showcasing the power of inclusion. By bridging India's digital divide, Jio has underscored that connectivity is a cornerstone of sustainable progress.




2. Renewable Energy Revolution: ReNew Power and Adani Green Energy


India’s transition to renewable energy has been transformative, with ReNew Power and Adani Green Energy leading the charge. These companies have scaled solar and wind energy solutions despite global energy crises, building resilience in India’s energy infrastructure. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, they epitomize sustainable innovation and inspire hope for a greener future.



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3. Transforming Transportation: Ola Electric and Mahindra Electric


Transportation is undergoing a quiet revolution, thanks to companies like Ola Electric and Mahindra Electric. Ola’s affordable electric scooters cater to Indian roads and middle-class aspirations, while Mahindra’s E-Verito and Treo have redefined urban mobility. These companies tackle pollution and energy inefficiency, proving that sustainability can be accessible to all.




4. Empowering Communities: Hindustan Unilever’s Project Shakti


Hindustan Unilever’s Project Shakti is a testament to the power of grassroots empowerment. By creating a network of rural women as micro-entrepreneurs, it has built a resilient distribution system while uplifting countless families. This initiative blends economic and social sustainability, addressing challenges at the community level and inspiring enterprises worldwide.




5. Tech-Driven Resilience: Infosys and TCS


Technology giants Infosys and TCS exemplify how innovation can drive sustainability. Infosys achieved carbon neutrality through renewable energy and green buildings, setting a benchmark for corporate India. Meanwhile, TCS’s “25x25” model envisions 25% of its workforce working remotely by 2025, reducing costs and environmental footprints. These companies show that resilience can be woven into an organization’s DNA.




6. Food and Supply Chain Innovations: Amul and Flipkart


Amul, synonymous with India’s dairy revolution, has shown resilience through its digitized supply chain, ensuring uninterrupted supply during crises like the pandemic. Flipkart’s commitment to sustainable packaging highlights how e-commerce can reduce waste. These examples remind us that operational efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand.




7. Financial Inclusion: Paytm


Paytm revolutionized digital payments in India, particularly during demonetization. By enabling cashless transactions for millions, it showcased resilience in navigating financial upheavals. Paytm’s model extends sustainability to socio-economic growth, ensuring financial inclusion for underserved populations.




8. Inclusive Branding: Tanishq and Cadbury


Inclusivity is a key pillar of sustainable enterprises, as demonstrated by Tanishq and Cadbury. Tanishq’s “Ekathvam” campaign celebrated cultural harmony, while Cadbury’s hyper-local campaigns supported small businesses during the pandemic. Both brands exemplify how aligning with community values strengthens resilience and builds lasting trust.




The Road Ahead


The examples of these enterprises illustrate that resilient innovations are not just technological marvels—they are about transforming lives, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring a sustainable future. In India, resilience and sustainability are not abstract ideas; they are ingrained in our ethos.


As future leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the question before us is not whether resilience and sustainability matter, but how we can integrate them into every aspect of our work. Are we building resilience? Is our approach sustainable? And most importantly, are we creating a positive impact on society?


The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. By embracing resilience, innovation, and sustainability, we can shape enterprises that thrive today and leave a legacy for generations to come.



Let’s lead this transformation—one step, one innovation, one sustainable solution at a time.


The future is resilient. The future is sustainable. Let’s build it together.



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