Managing Director's Message
Dear Valued Stakeholders,
Greetings!
The year that passed and under review was one of performance, and progress. I believe we are firmly on a path of achievement in line with our Vision 2031 which covers our aspiration for Growth, Profitability, Customer Satisfaction, People, and most importantly ESG.
This letter is specifically about the last but not the least – progress we have made on our ESG framework which is at the center of everything we do and helping us build resilience, creating long-term value, remaining compliant, while gaining stakeholder trust.
Understanding ESG at Happiest Minds
- Environmental: Refers to how responsibly we use resources and dispose of waste. It reflects our dedication to the conservation of ecosystems and reducing our environmental impact.
- Social: Demonstrates our commitment to human rights, labor relations, diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility through effective CSR that gives back to the community.
- Governance: Underpins our internal policies and strategic framework - transparency, ethical behavior, accountability, and decision-making in the best interest of all stakeholders.
Dun & Bradstreet recognition awarding us the prestigious 'ESG Champions of India 2024' award a national-level recognition reconfirms our commitment and progress on our initiatives.
We also won the 'Best Save Water Initiative of the Year' 2024 at the Global CSR, Sustainability and ESG Awards.
In accordance with our green awareness, we have made significant strides towards reducing our carbon footprint on the environment. We generated and consumed around 1,752.18 Giga Joules of solar power throughout the year. Our continued investment in solar appliances is also a model for energy conservation in the business.
We continue to strive to maintain our Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) status for our premises in Bengaluru through the treatment and reuse of all wastewaters showing our commitment to being a water-responsible Company.
In the last year, 0.19 metric tons of e-waste were properly disposed of in an eco-friendly manner by using certified vendors. We intend to dispose of electronic end-of-life assets in a proper and eco-friendly manner and as per international standards.
During our construction and maintenance work, we diverted 91.50 metric tons of construction and demolition (C&D) waste from landfills. Through recycling and reuse, we reduced our contribution to the environment and helped lower the landfill burden, an integral component of urban sustainable development.
We also enhanced effective disposal of operational waste by reducing 57.6 metric tons of non-hazardous waste through concerted waste reduction and recycling.
Beyond our in-house operations, we continue to make a lasting impact on the environment through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implementation partners.
A substantial part of CSR initiatives, in line with what we have been doing all through the past years, are aimed at environment, rainwater harvesting, water conservation, afforestation, and biodiversity enhancement.
Through our One Billion Drops (OBD) initiative, we are committed to constructing 1,000 percolation wells to support long-term groundwater recharge. Over the past two years, a total of 371 wells have been successfully constructed, facilitating the conservation of approximately 47.52 million liters of rainwater, a powerful step towards conserving over 128 million liters over the next few years.
A total of 3,22,000 trees have been planted so far, expected to sequester approximately 70,840 tonnes of CO₂ over the next decade, while also enhancing biodiversity and improving ecosystem health. Continuing to have sustainability as a priority, our aim of carbon neutrality by 2030 is an important focus in our ESG initiatives.
As we continue to make the world a better place, we're pleased to say that this year, we've donated 21,34,149 meals to the Akshaya Patra Foundation as is our practice of celebrating Smilestone with acts of giving. This brings our total donation to 10 million meals, a landmark that speaks volumes about our initiative to give back to society.
A substantial part of CSR initiatives, in line with what we have been doing all through the past years, are aimed at environment, rainwater harvesting, water conservation, afforestation, and biodiversity enhancement.
On the governance front, we continue to stress robust internal processes, ethical and transparent business practice, and good risk management. We also remain vigilant to ensure data protection and cybersecurity standards. These are building trust and accountability with our stakeholders and shareholders.
Around 50% of our Board represents diverse cultures and is actively engaged in decision-making. Annual Customer and Shareholder Surveys help assess performance and identify areas for improvement. Policies like Anti-Bribery, Whistle-Blower, Integrity, and Grievance frameworks ensure fairness and transparency. We uphold human rights through Equal Opportunity, D&I, Workplace Safety, and Anti-Harassment practices. Additionally, we are ISO 27701 certified, reinforcing our commitment to data privacy and security. To reinforce a culture of transparency and ethical conduct, we have put in place a dedicated grievance resolution mechanism. The “WE HEAR” portal provides a secure, accessible platform for stakeholders to disclose concerns or unethical behavior. This mechanism is supported by our policies on Anti-Bribery, Integrity, Whistleblowing, Disciplinary Conduct, and Grievance Redressal - ensuring fairness and accountability at every level.
We embraced the essential principles and practices to maintain and defend human rights in the organization, such as Equal Opportunity Statement, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Health and Workplace Safety, and Harassment-Free Workplace. We are ISO 27701 certified – the Privacy Information Management System standard, and we have implemented privacy policies and security practices to secure personal information.
Looking ahead, our ESG vision continues to strengthen. By 2027, we aim for at least 50% of our material suppliers to meet our sustainability standards - integrating responsibility into our business.
Thank you to every Happiest Mind who turned off a light, recycled e-waste, or volunteered time. You’re the reason these numbers mean something.
Our commitment to our communities endures in a world where digital uptake is speeding up and global dynamics are in constant flux. We’re building robust risk frameworks, setting measurable goals, and, most importantly, holding ourselves accountable to the promises we make.
I truly believe the best businesses of tomorrow will be those that care deeply today. I’m proud that Happiest Minds is one of them. Our doors and minds are open.
Thank you for your continued trust. There’s more work to be done, and we’re ready for it. Together, we are building something truly meaningful.
With warm regards,
Venkatraman Narayanan Managing Director
