Mr Nadkarni has kindly made the text of his talk available for download here.
Abstract: This seminar will outline the Tata approach to sustainability through reviewing the background and current initiatives of the Tata Group in this area. On this basis we can debate these aspects of business and co-create perspectives on some of your key concerns. The Tata Group of Companies have long been known for their initiatives to contribute towards building India and supporting underprivileged communities in different ways, in addition to conserving and enhancing the environment and bio-diversity around the facilities of these Companies. Establishing a textile mill in Central India in 1868, our Founder, Jamsetji N Tata laid the beginnings of a value-based business practice that is epitomized in what he then said: "In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business but is in fact the very purpose of its existence". The Tata Council for Community Initiatives (TCCI) was set up in the late 1990s as a nodal agency in the Tata Group precisely to understand and evolve a debate on how business can work better with society. Each year the TCCI has brought together Champions from different Companies to deliberate on key themes and concerns. Practitioners reflect on, debate and converge on strategic positions from which to take concrete actions. TCCI has narrowed down these outcomes into a profile on Leadership, as well as critical success factors such as Ownership and Governance of business, a Sustainable Business Model, and Employee Volunteering - all evolving a movement called 'Tata Corporate Sustainability'.
Biography: Anant Nadkarni is Vice-President of Group Corporate-Sustainability and coordinates social, environmental and related initiatives to major Tata companies through a network of nearly fifty CEOs and two hundred champions. Anant initially created a conceptual framework and helped Tata companies to evolve Tata Guidelines on Social Development and Environmental Management. This resulted in a comprehensive 'business model' along with a Leadership Profile for Corporate Sustainability. He also conceptualized and partnered with the UNDP to develop the Tata Index for Sustainable Human Development. After graduating with a degree in Economics and Commerce and an MBA, Anant joined Tata Motors where he served for 18 years in different capacities in manufacturing, projects and audit. He sought assignments / sabbaticals with the Center for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA) in Pune and the Public Affairs Center (PAC) in Bangalore where he developed programmes in improving local self-governance. Anant is certified in environmental management, the Global Reporting Initiatives and sustainability reporting. He also represents Tata on several bodies promoting social responsibility and corporate sustainability. At present he conducts various programmes in Corporate Sustainability Leadership and Sustainability for the Tata Group, other businesses and institutions.