(PRESS RELEASE) SURAT — A global leader in the world of diamond crafting and exports, Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) organized ‘SRK Sustainability Conclave 2023’ on 20th May 2023 in Surat, Gujarat. The first-of-its-kind conclave was supported by Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and The Southern Gujarat Chambers of Commerce & Industry, with knowledge partner as The Global Network for Zero.
The conclave, whose theme was “Rethinking Corporate Climate Action”, highlighted how leaders in India are addressing critical topics such as sustainability, green building, net zero, and corporate social responsibility while maintaining a growth mindset, and discuss how best to handle the most pressing issues faced by industry, government and society due to climate change. Over 400 attendees enriched their perspectives on corporate climate action, networking with industry veterans.
Surat has been a frontrunner in the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Prime Minister Awas Yojna (PMAY) amongst various others. The city has also been declared the “2nd Cleanest City of India’ consecutively for the last three years. And now, organizing a conclave of global importance at this scale in the city reflects its determination and resilience to make a significant change towards climate action to western India’s prominent business hub by being more environment-friendly in all the aspects.
The sustainability conclave was attended and addressed by renowned personalities like Mahesh Ramanujam, President & CEO- The Global Network for Zero; Kamilla Kristensen Rai, Counseller at the Delegation of the European Union to India- Urbanisation; HE Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, MD- HRH Group of Hotels; Prof. Rajat Moona, Director-IIT- Gandhinagar; Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder & Director- Centre for Environment Education (CEE); Prashant Tiwari, Chief Sustainability Officer- Amara Raja Group; Anindya Chowdhury, Country Manager- Energy Transitions Program- Shell; CA Priti Savla, Chairperson- Sustainability Reporting Standards Board, ICAI; Ravi Agrawal, Managing Director- Gencrest; Arun Misra, CEO & Whole Time Director- Hindustan Zinc (Vedanta Group); Prof. Haritha Saranga, Indian Institute of Management- Bangalore and Mohal Lalbhai, Founder & CEO- Matter Group. Along with them, Shri Ajay Tomar, Police Commissioner of Surat was also graced the event.
Keynote speaker, Shri Mahesh Ramanujam, President & CEO of Global Network for Zero, talked about the concerning gap between sustainable intentions and actionable commitments among Indian businesses. He applauded SRK for stepping up and urged other businesses to take inspiration from SRK.
The conclave, adorned with riveting speeches and discussions, saw Shri Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Prince of Udaipur & MD of HRH Group of Hotels discuss decarbonization strategies, while Prof. Rajat Moona showcased how advanced technologies could help evade a climate disaster. “In India, if each person commits to planting a tree every six months, we have the potential to contribute to the growth of approximately 284 crore trees. Let us begin today and embrace this pledge as a collective effort to enhance our environment”, remarked Shri Rajat Moona during his speech.
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The two panel discussions served as a powerful call to action on sustainability for corporations, with delegates deliberating on insights around strategies, data utilization, and the importance of storytelling in sustainability narratives.
SRK is well-regarded for its leadership in sustainable practices and has committed to be Net Zero for both its diamond crafting facilities by 2024, which is six years ahead than India or any Indian MNC. A preview report named “Pure Impact” was launched at the conclave. The landmark report includes a history of SRK’s sustainability evolution, an in-depth look at local and global philanthropic endeavors, detailed updates on their sustainability, the industry leading employee benefits and workplace experience that has allowed them to give back so much to their people, and retain a sub 1% attrition rate.
Emphasizing SRK’s commitment to environmental wellbeing, Founder-Chairman, Shri Govind Dholakia declared, “Our duty is to restore our environment to its healthy state.”
As industry leaders came together under one roof, the event demonstrated that sustainability is not just a buzzword, but an imperative for enduring success.
Watch the recording of the SRK Sustainability Conclave 2023 here.
