Q1. Can you tell us more about your journey from being a research chemist to becoming a Certified CSR Professional and an environmentalist? What inspired this transition?

From Research Chemist to Environmentalist

I have always been fascinated by science and the natural world, which led me to pursue a career in chemistry. After completing my M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, I began working as a research chemist at a German collaboration company in Mumbai. My work focused on developing new dyes and specialty chemicals for exports.

While I enjoyed my work, I felt that I wanted to do something that had a more direct impact on society. I began to study for an LL.B. in the year 1982 and completed it in 1985. Then, I became a Company Secretary in 1995. I worked as a Company Secretary till 2014 and retired from Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited.

After retiring, I pursued my passion for sustainability and social justice by becoming a CSR professional and environmentalist. I passed my LL.M. in 2017 and became a CSR Professional in 2022.

I believe that businesses have a responsibility to operate in a sustainable and ethical manner. I also believe that we all have a responsibility to protect the environment and promote social justice. I am inspired by the many people who are working to make the world a better place, and I believe that together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Q2. With your extensive background in organic chemistry, how do you see the intersection of science and environmentalism shaping our world today?

The intersection of science and environmentalism is shaping our world in many ways. Science is helping us to understand the complex environmental challenges we face, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. It is also helping us to develop solutions to these challenges, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technologies.

Here are a few specific examples of how the intersection of science and environmentalism is shaping our world today:

• Climate change: Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental challenges we face. Scientists are working to understand the causes and effects of climate change and to develop solutions to mitigate its impacts
• Pollution: Pollution is another major environmental challenge. Scientists are working to identify and reduce the sources of pollution and to develop technologies to clean up pollution.
• Biodiversity loss: Biodiversity loss is a serious threat to the environment and human well-being. Scientists are working to understand the causes and effects of biodiversity loss and to develop solutions to protect biodiversity. 
• In addition to these specific examples, the intersection of science and environmentalism is also shaping our world in more general ways. 
• Overall, the intersection of science and environmentalism is playing a vital role in shaping our world today. It is helping us to understand and address the environmental challenges we face, and to create a more sustainable future for all.

I am excited to see how the intersection of science and environmentalism will continue to shape our world in the years to come. I believe that science and environmentalism can help us to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Q3. You have an impressive academic background, including an LLM in Environment Law and a Diploma in International Contract Negotiation, Drafting, and Enforcement. How have these qualifications informed your approach to environmental advocacy and corporate governance?

My LLM in environmental laws and Diploma in International Contract Negotiation, Drafting, and Enforcement have guided my approach to environmental advocacy and corporate governance in several ways.

Environmental advocacy

My knowledge of environmental laws has helped me to be a more effective environmental advocate. I am able to understand and interpret complex environmental laws and regulations and to use this knowledge to advocate for policies and practices that protect the environment. For example, I have used my knowledge of environmental laws to advocate for clean energy policies and to protect biodiversity.

Corporate governance

My knowledge of international contract negotiation, drafting, and enforcement has helped me to promote sustainable corporate governance practices. I am able to advise companies on how to negotiate and draft contracts that incorporate environmental and social responsibility considerations. I can also advise companies on how to comply with international environmental and social responsibility standards.

Q4. You’ve authored articles on environmental concerns for the Annual National Conventions of ICSI. Could you share some key insights or initiatives in the realm of corporate governance and environmental responsibility that you’ve highlighted in your work?

In my articles on environmental concerns for the Annual National Conventions of ICSI, I have highlighted the following key insights and initiatives in the realm of corporate governance and environmental responsibility:

• The importance of environmental responsibility for businesses: Environmental responsibility is not just a moral obligation for businesses; it is also a strategic imperative. Businesses that operate in a sustainable and responsible manner are better positioned to manage risks, attract and retain customers and employees, and build brand reputation.
• The role of corporate governance in promoting environmental responsibility: Corporate governance plays a critical role in promoting environmental responsibility. A strong corporate governance framework ensures that businesses have the necessary systems and processes in place to identify and manage environmental risks, and to make decisions that are in the best interests of all stakeholders, including the environment.
• The need for greater transparency and accountability on environmental issues: Businesses need to be more transparent and accountable to their stakeholders on environmental issues. This includes disclosing their environmental performance, setting ambitious environmental targets, and engaging with stakeholders on environmental matters.

Here are some specific examples of initiatives that I have highlighted in my work:

• The development of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting standards: ESG reporting standards are helping businesses to measure and report on their environmental, social, and governance performance. This information is becoming increasingly important to investors and other stakeholders.
• The rise of sustainable investing: Sustainable investing is a growing trend, as investors are increasingly looking to invest in companies that are committed to environmental and social responsibility.
• The development of green bonds and other sustainable finance instruments: Green bonds and other sustainable finance instruments are helping to mobilize capital for sustainable investment projects.

Q5. In 2021, you presented a paper on climate change at an international conference jointly organized by IIM Jammu, Bradford University UK, ICSI, and ICAI. Can you give us a glimpse of the key takeaways from that conference and your role as a co-chair of the sessions?

The key takeaways from the international conference on climate change jointly organized by IIM Jammu, Bradford University UK, ICSI, and ICAI in 2021 were as follows:

• The urgency of climate action: The conference highlighted the urgency of climate action, and the need for a coordinated global response. The speakers emphasized that climate change is a real and present threat, and that we need to take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
• The role of businesses in climate action: Businesses play a critical role in climate action. They can reduce their own environmental impact, invest in renewable energy and other clean technologies, and advocate for policies that support climate action.
• The importance of sustainable finance: Sustainable finance is essential for financing the transition to a low-carbon economy. The speakers discussed the growing role of sustainable investing and the development of green bonds and other sustainable finance instruments.

As a co-chair of the sessions, I had the opportunity to moderate discussions on a range of climate-related topics, including climate change science, climate risk management, and sustainable finance. I also had the opportunity to network with other experts and practitioners in the field of climate change.

I was very impressed by the quality of the papers presented at the conference, and by the level of engagement from the participants. I believe that the conference was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and expertise, and to build partnerships for climate action.

I am committed to continuing to work to promote climate action and sustainable finance. I believe that these two issues are essential for creating a more sustainable future for all.

Q6. As a member of the Advisory Panel of Edsom Fintech Pvt. Ltd., what initiatives or projects are you involved in to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in the fintech industry?

As a member of the Advisory Panel of Edsom Fintech Pvt. Ltd., I am involved in a number of initiatives and projects to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility in the fintech industry. Here are a few examples:

• Developing sustainable fintech products and services: I am working with Edsom to develop sustainable fintech products and services. For example, we are developing a mobile banking app that will allow users to track and offset their carbon footprint.
• Promoting sustainable investment: I am working with Edsom to promote sustainable investment. For example, we are developing a sustainable investment platform that will allow users to invest in companies that are committed to environmental and social responsibility.
• Advocating for sustainable fintech policies: I am working with Edsom to advocate for sustainable fintech policies. For example, we are working with regulators to develop policies that promote the adoption of sustainable fintech practices.

I believe that the fintech industry has the potential to play a leading role in promoting sustainability. Fintech companies can develop innovative products and services that help people reduce their environmental impact and invest in a sustainable future. Fintech companies can also advocate for policies that support sustainability.

I am committed to working with Edsom and other fintech companies to create a more sustainable financial system. I believe that this is essential for creating a more sustainable future for all.

Here are some additional thoughts on the role of the fintech industry in promoting sustainability:

• Fintech companies can use their data and analytics capabilities to identify and manage environmental risks.
• Fintech companies can develop innovative financial products and services that support sustainable businesses and projects.
• Fintech companies can educate their customers about sustainable finance options and encourage them to invest in a sustainable future.
• Fintech companies can advocate for sustainable fintech policies and regulations.

Q7. You’ve been a faculty member at ICSI and LawSikho, the world’s largest Edtech company in India. What are the essential aspects of corporate governance that you emphasize when teaching aspiring independent directors?

When teaching aspiring independent directors, I emphasize the following essential aspects of corporate governance:

• Fiduciary duties: Independent directors have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. This means that they must put the interests of the company above their own personal interests, and make decisions that are in the long-term best interests of the company.
• Duty of care: Independent directors have a duty of care to the company. This means that they must exercise due diligence and care in making decisions, and act in good faith.
• Duty of independence: Independent directors must be independent of the company’s management and other directors. This means that they must be free from any conflicts of interest that could influence their decision-making.

In addition to these essential fiduciary duties, I also emphasize the importance of the following aspects of corporate governance:

• Transparency: The company should be transparent in its dealings with shareholders and other stakeholders. This means that the company should disclose all relevant information in a timely and accurate manner.
• Accountability: The company’s board of directors and management should be accountable to shareholders and other stakeholders. This means that the board of directors and management should be held responsible for their decisions and actions.
• Risk management: The company should have a robust risk management framework in place. This means that the company should be able to identify, assess, and manage the risks that it faces.
• Sustainability: The company should operate in a sustainable manner. This means that the company should consider the environmental and social impacts of its decisions and actions.

I believe that these essential aspects of corporate governance are essential for independent directors to be effective in their oversight role. Independent directors must act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders, and they must hold the company’s board of directors and management accountable.

Here are some additional thoughts on the role of independent directors in corporate governance:

• Independent directors can play a vital role in protecting the interests of minority shareholders and other stakeholders.
• Independent directors can help to ensure that the company is managed in a transparent and accountable manner.
• Independent directors can help to identify and manage the risks that the company faces.
• Independent directors can help to promote sustainable corporate practices.

I am committed to teaching aspiring independent directors about the essential aspects of corporate governance and the importance of their roles.

Q8. During your tenure in the legal department of Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd., you dealt with various legal aspects of a multinational corporation. How has this experience shaped your perspective on corporate social responsibility, especially in the context of global operations?

My experience in the legal department of Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd. has shaped my perspective on corporate social responsibility (CSR), especially in the context of global operations, in the following ways:

• The importance of managing CSR risks: Multinational corporations face a variety of CSR risks, such as human rights abuses, environmental pollution, and corruption. These risks can arise from the company’s own operations or from the operations of its suppliers and subcontractors. It is important for multinational corporations to manage these risks effectively.
• The need for a global CSR strategy: Multinational corporations need to have a global CSR strategy that is aligned with their business strategy and that takes into account the different cultural and legal contexts in which they operate.
• The importance of stakeholder engagement: Multinational corporations need to engage with their stakeholders, including employees, communities, and NGOs, to understand their CSR concerns and to develop and implement CSR programs that address these concerns.

During my time at Clariant, I worked on a number of CSR-related projects, including:

• Developing and implementing a CSR policy and code of conduct
• Conducting due diligence on suppliers and subcontractors to identify and mitigate CSR risks
• Managing CSR complaints and grievances
• Engaging with stakeholders on CSR issues

This experience gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities of managing CSR in a multinational corporation.

I believe that CSR is essential for multinational corporations to operate in a sustainable and responsible manner. CSR can help multinational corporations to manage risks, build reputation, and attract and retain customers and employees.

Here are some additional thoughts on CSR in the context of global operations:

• Multinational corporations have a responsibility to respect human rights and labor standards throughout their global supply chain.
• Multinational corporations should minimize their environmental impact and contribute to sustainable development in the countries where they operate.
• Multinational corporations should be transparent and accountable for their CSR performance.

Q9. Can you share some of your insights and experiences related to environmental technology, bio-degradation, solid waste management, and environmental audit and impact assessment of emerging technologies during your time at Colour-Chem Ltd.?

During my time at Colour-Chem Ltd., I worked on a number of projects related to environmental technology, bio-degradation, solid waste management, and environmental audit and impact assessment of emerging technologies. Here are some of my insights and experiences:

Environmental technology

I worked on projects to develop a new water treatment technology that would reduce the amount of wastewater generated by the company’s manufacturing process. I also worked on a project to develop a new process for recycling the company’s waste products.

Bio-degradation

I worked on a project to develop a new biodegradable end products that could be used for final discharge in municipal streams. I also worked on a project to develop a new bio-digester that could be used to break down the company’s organic waste.

Solid waste management

I worked on a project to develop a new solid waste management plan for the company’s manufacturing facility. The plan included measures to reduce the amount of waste generated, to recycle and reuse waste materials, and to dispose of waste in an environmentally safe manner.

Environmental audit and impact assessment of emerging technologies

I worked on a project to develop an environmental audit and impact assessment process for the company’s emerging technologies. The process was designed to identify and assess the potential environmental impacts of new technologies and to develop mitigation strategies.

These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of environmental technology, bio-degradation, solid waste management, and environmental audit and impact assessment. I learned that it is important to consider the environmental impacts of all products and processes throughout their lifecycle. I also learned that it is important to involve stakeholders in the development and implementation of environmental programs.

Here are some additional thoughts on the importance of these areas in the context of environmental protection:

• Environmental technology can help businesses to reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability performance.
• Bio-degradation can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and incinerators.
• Solid waste management is essential to protect public health and the environment.
• Environmental audit and impact assessment can help businesses to identify and manage their environmental risks.

I am committed to promoting environmental protection in the business sector. I believe that businesses have a responsibility to operate in a sustainable manner.

Q10. Given your involvement in the National Skills Development Programme of the Government of India, how important do you think skill development is for addressing environmental challenges and promoting corporate social responsibility?

Skill development is essential for addressing environmental challenges and promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the following ways:

• Environmental challenges: Skill development can help to equip people with the skills they need to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. For example, people with skills in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental management can help businesses and governments to reduce their environmental impact.
• Corporate social responsibility: CSR is about businesses taking responsibility for their impact on society and the environment. Skill development can help businesses meet their CSR commitments by providing jobs and training opportunities to people in disadvantaged communities. For example, businesses can invest in skill development programs to train people in green jobs, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) of the Government of India is a flagship program that aims to skill India’s workforce and make it more competitive globally. The NSDP includes a number of initiatives that are focused on skilling people for green jobs. For example, the NSDP includes a program called Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP), which aims to train people in green skills, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental management.

I believe that skill development is essential for addressing environmental challenges and promoting CSR. I am committed to working with the Government of India and other stakeholders to promote skill development in India.

Here are some additional thoughts on the importance of skill development for addressing environmental challenges and promoting CSR:

• Skill development can help to create a more sustainable workforce. A skilled workforce is better equipped to develop and implement sustainable solutions.
• Skill development can help to reduce poverty and inequality. Green jobs can provide people with a decent livelihood and help them to escape poverty.
• Skill development can help to promote social inclusion. Skill development programs can be targeted at disadvantaged communities, such as women, youth, and people with disabilities, to help them participate in the economy and contribute to sustainable development.

I am confident that skill development can play a vital role in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Q11. What advice do you have for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of corporate social responsibility and environmental advocacy, especially those with a background in law and chemistry like yourself?

Here are some tips for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental advocacy, especially those with a background in law and chemistry:

• Develop your expertise. The more you know about CSR and environmental issues, the more effective you will be in making a difference. There are many resources available to help you learn more, including online courses, books, and articles.
• Network with others in the field. Networking is a great way to learn from others, share ideas, and find opportunities to get involved. There are many professional organizations and online communities where you can connect with other CSR and environmental professionals.
• Get involved in a cause that you are passionate about. This will make it more likely that you will stick with it and make a real impact. There are many different CSR and environmental causes to choose from, so find one that you are excited about and that you believe in.
• Use your skills and experience to make a difference. If you have a background in law, you can use your skills to help businesses and organizations develop and implement CSR policies and programs. If you have a background in chemistry, you can use your skills to help businesses reduce their environmental impact and develop sustainable products and processes.

Here are some specific examples of how you can use your skills and experience to make a difference in the field of CSR and environmental advocacy:

• If you have a background in law, you can:
  • Help businesses and organizations develop and implement CSR policies and programs.
  • Advise businesses and organizations on CSR and environmental law.
  • Represent businesses and organizations in CSR and environmental lawsuits.
• If you have a background in chemistry, you can:
  • Help businesses to reduce their environmental impact.
  • Develop sustainable products and processes.
  • Conduct research on environmental issues.
  • Advocate for policies that promote environmental sustainability.

I hope this advice is helpful. I encourage you to get involved in the field of CSR and environmental advocacy. It is a rewarding field where you can make a real difference in the world.

I would also like to add that it is important to be patient and persistent. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort to make a meaningful impact. But if you are passionate about CSR and environmental advocacy, and if you are willing to work hard, you can make a difference.

Q12. Lastly, could you tell us about any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about that aim to further your mission of promoting environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility?

Yes, I am excited about a number of upcoming projects and initiatives that aim to further my mission of promoting environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. Here are a few examples:

• I am working on a book about Corporate Governance which covers environmental advocacy for businesses. The book will provide businesses with a practical guide to developing and implementing CSR and environmental programs.
• I am also working on a series of online courses on CSR and environmental advocacy. The courses will be designed to help individuals learn more about these topics and develop the skills they need to make a difference.
• I am also involved in a number of initiatives to promote CSR and environmental advocacy in India. 

I am particularly excited about the potential of these initiatives to reach a large number of people and help them make a difference in the world. I believe that CSR and environmental advocacy are essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

In addition to the above, I am also interested in exploring the following areas:

• The use of technology to promote CSR and environmental advocacy. For example, I am interested in developing mobile apps and other digital tools that can help businesses and individuals to track their CSR and environmental performance and to engage with others on these issues.
• The role of the arts and culture in promoting CSR and environmental advocacy. I believe that the arts and culture can play a powerful role in raising awareness of CSR and environmental issues and in inspiring people to take action.

I am open to new ideas and collaborations, so please feel free to reach out to me if you are interested in working together to promote environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.

I believe that we all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable and equitable future. I am committed to using my skills and experience to make a difference, and I hope that you will join me.