?? ESG Amidst the Glittering Crystal: Unlocking Conscience

At the prestigious ET Awards for Corporate Excellence, an extraordinary address captured the audience's attention amidst the glittering crystal and gleaming damask. Ms. Meera Jain, the visionary founder of Evoke, stepped up to the podium with a powerful message: “My keynote today is to unlock your conscience.”

The Stark Reality

Ms. Jain began by sharing startling numbers: “1,50,000 animals perish each minute.” These figures underscore the urgency of our situation. She then delved into the concept of the Sixth Extinction, a manifestation of the Anthropocene—the era in which human impacts are reshaping our planet.

Humanity’s Impact

“Humanity has wiped out 60% of the world’s wildlife since 1970,” Ms. Jain stated, her tone tinged with irony. She pointed out that this destruction owes its origins to Alfred Nobel’s gunpowder—a stark contrast to the Nobel Prize, which celebrates human achievement.

A Call to Action

But there is hope. Ms. Jain highlighted praiseworthy initiatives from the world of enterprise, specifically those aimed at helping nonhuman species. She recounted her visit to Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre established by Anant Ambani. Vantara exemplifies world-class care for species rescued from poachers, wildlife traffickers, and circuses worldwide. It is a testament to humanity at its best.

Ratan Tata’s Compassion

Ms Jain also lauded Ratan Tata’s hospital for dogs and small animals in Mumbai. Her call to action extended to Tata company directors, urging them to allocate more CSR funds to animal welfare. After all, compassion knows no boundaries.

Beyond Speciesism

Ms. Jain challenged us to reflect on our legacy. As we engage in succession planning, we must guard against speciesism—the illusion that only human lives matter because only humans create value. Nature’s ecosystems, she emphasized, generate tremendous value. Animals contribute stability and abundance to our planet.

The Real Math

“Industry relies on the conservation of nature,” Mrs. Jain asserted. She urged a broader perspective—a “focus on all life in CSR.” This shift could transform spheres, from entertainment to the military-industrial complex. Let us see non-human lives not as commodities but as “an anthology of loss.”

Together, we can rewrite the narrative. Let our actions speak louder than words. ????

Feel free to share her thought-provoking thoughts in this post with your LinkedIn network and inspire positive change! ?????

#CSR #TimesEvoke #TimesofIndia #TheEconomicsTimes

Source and Picture Credit: The Economics Times, March 18, 2024