Tell us about yourself.
Growing up I always wanted to do 3 things in life….be a teacher, do social work, and …Shhhh (yet to accomplish).
In India, I was actively involved in social work and various volunteering activities involving children, youth, and senior citizens.
Later during my tenure at Dulsco in UAE, I was identified as part of a Talent management where my Coach asked me what I wanted to do in life, which reignited my passion for social work. Lucky for me, I soon saw an article in the newspaper about a Group that was teaching English at a labour accommodation in Al Quoz and that’s how I fulfilled my dream of being a teacher, an experience that is still close to my heart. Within the next year, a new position was created in Dulsco for Corporate Social Responsibility, and I was chosen for the role given my interest.
My current role as a CSR Manager at Dulsco enables me to fulfill my dream of doing social work and giving back to the community and environment. It also enables me to educate people of all ages on environmental sustainability through awareness sessions, workshops, quizzes, and cleanup drives.
What inspired you to embrace eco-friendly practices and make a shift towards sustainability?
From a young age, I learned to appreciate what I had and to be mindful of those who had less. This awareness instilled in me the importance of finding creative ways to reuse items, donating things I no longer needed, and ensuring that no food went to waste—all of which reinforced the idea that every resource has value. This mindset naturally guided me towards embracing eco-friendly practices.
What are the primary steps you take to integrate eco-friendly practices into your lifestyle? Share some of the most effortless yet impactful eco-friendly changes you’ve made in your daily routine.
Using Reusable Bags and Water Bottles: I consistently opt for reusable bags and water bottles to minimise plastic waste.
Choosing Imperfect Produce: I am not fussy about the shape of the fruits and vegetables when purchasing them as it doesn’t impact the taste and helps reduce food waste and also recognises farmers’ efforts.
Adding Greenery: I have many plants on my office desk and in my home, which add a touch of greenery, and help improve the air quality.
Supporting local produce: I prioritise using local produce wherever possible, it helps in reducing my carbon footprint.
Reusing Through Donations: I regularly donate clothes, books, and toys, giving them a second life instead of discarding them.
Inculcating Recycling Practices: I ensure to recycle at home, thereby reducing the waste that ends up in landfills.
What difficulties have you encountered while striving to live in an environmentally conscious manner?
I am an ardent believer in recycling and ensure that I do proper source segregation. Living in a apartment that has no facility for recycling can be challenging as it becomes difficult to drop recyclables at recycling stations on a daily basis.
Describe a rewarding moment on your sustainability journey.
I would like to share two rewarding moments…
Joining the Dulsco team to visit the school built in Nepal as part of Dubai Cares ‘Adopt a School’ programme was a profound experience. The excitement and the joy on the faces of the students, their parents, and the entire community were priceless and etched a mark on my memory. It was a celebration, with the whole village coming together to greet us and express their gratitude for providing their children access to education. It made me realise how often we take our access to education for granted.
When my sister won an award for English Honours, my parents accompanied her to the ceremony. At that moment, I fleetingly wished that I could someday take my parents to an award ceremony. After 16 years, God fulfilled my heart’s desire, and I was recognised as one amongst the 100 Most Impactful CSR Leaders in a global listing, with the ceremony held in Mumbai. I flew down to Mumbai, and my parents accompanied me to the event. The joy and pride in my mother’s eyes are beyond words.
What are some misconceptions about being eco-friendly that you’d like to debunk?
Many people think that being eco-friendly is not effective on an individual level. I believe that every effort counts in the sustainability journey just as every drop makes an ocean.
How do you plan on continuing your sustainability journey? What other aspects do you plan to change?
Today, I am trying to focus on all the various principles of ESG – namely Environmental, Social and Governance – in my role. Looking ahead, I envision myself opening an NGO dedicated to providing life skills to individuals. I believe that while it is valuable to give someone a fish, it is even more important to teach them how to fish.
Lastly, how do you think we can ensure that eco-friendly options and choices are available and attainable for a diverse range of individuals?
We should focus on increasing accessibility and affordability and promoting awareness about the benefits of eco-friendly choices.