India is gaining recognition as an intriguing destination for exploring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
The nation's rapid advancements across various sectors underscore its commitment to sustainability and innovation, providing a rich context for academic study.
In recent decades, India's infrastructure has seen remarkable growth. The road network is expanding at an impressive rate of 36 kilometers per day, while the railway system has added over 79,000 kilometers after the end of British rule, with 95% now electrified, that is ahead of the US and EU in terms of using fossil fuels to run the railways. This progress extends to high-speed trains, including the indigenously developed Vande Bharat trains that can run at 180 kmph, now being exported globally. Moreover, India is exporting metro train coaches to 16 countries, reflecting its engineering prowess.
Energy sustainability is another area where India excels. The country boasts the fastest-growing solar energy plants and generates 41% of its electricity from renewable sources. India has committed to completely transition away from conventional energy by 2075, a pledge unmatched by any other nation. One of the world's largest solar parks, generating 500 megawatts, is located near Bangalore, showcasing the country's solar capabilities.
Technological adoption in India is also noteworthy. The country has surpassed China in per capita mobile phone usage and is on track to do the same with smartphones. Even among the illiterate population, mobile technology is widely used for communication and financial transactions, demonstrating India's ability to integrate technology across all societal levels.
India's efforts in increasing forest cover amidst a growing population, its rise as the third-largest producer of startups, and the pioneering use of artificial intelligence in education underscore its dynamic approach to ESG. These achievements make India an unparalleled destination for studying ESG, offering rich insights and real-world applications in sustainability and governance.
Therefore, it's an honor for SDMIMD to welcome students, alumni, professors and staff from Porto Business School to study ESG in India. We are preparing a program in which we will address many of these examples, not only in class, but through corporate visits and a social project visit. This initiative will provide a comprehensive understanding of India's ESG landscape and its innovative practices.
Dr. S. N. Prasad
Director of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD)
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