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Go-Green Initiative by Young Managers at the ISB |
Only the bicycle remains pure in heart ~ Iris Murdoch
 As the group of ten odd bicyclists reached the point where
the road turns into the gateway of the Indian School of Business (ISB), a large number of students, waiting at the spot, cheered the entourage and the cause. They then joined the cyclists, all forming a colourful and enthusiastic band, cycling along the main pathway of the School towards the Recreation Lawns at the ISB.
Among them was Shrenik Rao, creator of the TreeCycle project, CEO of a media company and an avid cyclist, who enroute his bicycle marathon from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, stopped a while at the ISB. Rao, an environment activist, throughout his journey, aims to spread awareness about planting trees. He will be covering almost 4000 kms, crossing seven states and two union territories in 80 days, until he reaches his destination.
Partnering this cause was the ISB community, who organised a get-together to welcome Rao, and to embrace the worthy cause. Significantly, the Class of 2009 has earmarked this year for creating a greener and cleaner ISB. “The Net Impact Club and other professionals Clubs at the ISB have decided to develop projects that will be ‘sustainable and measurable’ in the long run,” confirmed Rajarshi Ray, President of the Net Impact Club at the ISB.
Further, the event was organised to keep in tune with one of the themes of this year’s Graduate Students Board (GSB) – that of ‘green conscience’.
 Rohit Kapoor, President GSB, said, “Caring for our environment in today’s context has become one of the most pressing issues. We, as today’s managers with conscience and tomorrows leaders, should develop, nurture and carry this theme with us through our lives. Only then can we hope to make an impact.”
Kapoor outlined some of the proposed plans of GSB - conduct a variety of activities under the Net Impact club and independently, ensure at least two events per term under theme, involve contribution from all clubs, social or professional, and last tap into the talent and experience of the student pool who have been involved in social welfare activities etc. Kapoor added, “I am sure this initiative by the Class of 2009 will transcend all boundaries and the legacy will be passed on to the next batch.”
Rao, while at the ISB interacted with ISB community, sharing his experiences during the journey, discussing issues relating to the environment and global warming, and finally making a pledge with the ISBians, to make the ‘green drive’ a part of life. “It is really encouraging to see future managers coming together here at the ISB for such a cause, and in the process set an example for others,” he said. To the Class of 2009 he had one message- “Just Act.”
 The day saw active participation from students, spouses, and the entire ISB community, who took part in different activities like poster painting, bike-athon, tree plantation, etc.
"We all care for the environment and planet but sometimes don't realise how to take things forward. Participating in initiatives like this creates awareness, brings like-minded individuals together, and gives us concrete action items to take back into our lives,” shared Kaavya Kasturirangan, Director Marketing & Communications, Student Council, and an active volunteer during the day’s event.
Student Spouse Aparna Deshpande, accompanied by little Atmaan, was seen cheering during the entire event. “It’s a great cause to come together. We at the Spouses and Families Association (SFA) have already initiated some green projects on campus, for e.g. we are trying to reduce the waste produced at the dining hall here,” she said.
Student Rashmi Sonthalia was riding a bicycle after years. “Initially I found it difficult, but soon I stated enjoying the breezy ride. I really associate with the cause of planting more trees, and I feel a morning like this is a great starter to take things ahead,” she shared.
The ISB has always incorporated methods and initiatives to leverage ‘green thinking’ - the 260 acre of picture perfect nature that is designed consciously to preserve biodiversity and boasts of more than one lakh different plants, some which are on the rim of extinction, the solar powered heaters on campus, recycling water, energy conservation methods being some of them.
 The green drive at the ISB is also finding its way into the classrooms. Professor Gireesh Shrimali, Assistant Professor, Information Systems, at the ISB, endorsed the need to integrate environment consciousness with the Business School curriculum. “In our one dimensional pursuit of wealth we have created many environmental problems. Though many of these problems are better addressed with government policy, the role of the private sector is crucial. In this light there is a need for courses in business schools that serve a twofold purpose: first, to teach students about environmental issues and policy; and second, to enable the students to think about entrepreneurial approaches to solving environmental problems and creating sustainable businesses. To address this need, we at the ISB are offering a course ‘Green Technology and Sustainable Enterprise’ in term 8,” he informed.
The next brand of young leaders from the ISB will definitely engage more energetically with the environment, be responsible for it, address environmental challenges, remediate damages, and finally as business visionaries of tomorrow learn how to balance development with sustainability. |
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