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“These videos are fake. It is disturbing to see rampant misuse of technology.”

This was cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar’s reaction to his deepfake video being circulated online.

In the video, Tendulkar can be seen promoting an app called ‘Skyward Aviator Quest’ and even claims that his daughter Sara Tendulkar is earning good money by playing on this application.

Tendulkar is among the innumerable people – celebrities and commoners – who fall prey to this technology.

Deepfake Videos

What is Deepfake?

Deepfake videos, images, and audio are synthetic media created using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, particularly deep learning. This technology manipulates the original media to make it appear like someone is saying or doing something they never did.

Here’s how it works:

Deepfake technology involves training a deep learning model on a large dataset of a target person’s images, audio, and videos. This model learns the person’s facial features, expressions, and speech patterns. Then, using another set of images, video, and audio data, the model can synthesize new footage where the target person appears to be speaking or acting in a specific way, even if they have never done those things.

Deepfake videos, images, and audio are synthetic media created using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, particularly deep learning. This technology manipulates the original media to make it appear like someone is saying or doing something they never did.

Implications of deepfake technology

Deepfake technology, while powerful and innovative, presents a double-edged sword.

For businesses, its potential benefits include creating realistic simulations for training, enhancing customer service interactions through AI-powered chatbots, and personalizing marketing content. At the same time, the ethical and legal risks associated with deepfakes are significant. Malicious actors could use them to damage a company’s reputation through fake videos, launch sophisticated phishing attacks, or cause financial losses by manipulating stock prices. Businesses must be cautious and implement robust strategies to mitigate these risks while exploring the potential benefits of this evolving technology.

Despite their potential for entertainment or creative expression, deepfakes pose significant threats to individuals. They can be weaponized to spread misinformation and propaganda, tarnishing reputations and influencing public opinion. The technology can also be used for malicious purposes like privacy violations, creating embarrassing or damaging content, and even financial scams using voice phishing.

Deepfake Videos

Identifying Deepfake Media

Identifying deepfake media requires keen observation and awareness of subtle cues. Here are some handy tips to look out for in identifying potential instances:
Facial inconsistencies: Notice odd facial expressions, blinking patterns, or unnatural movements.
Lip sync errors: Check for mismatches between spoken words and lip movements.
Lighting irregularities: Examine lighting and shadows for inconsistencies that may indicate manipulation.
Blurred edges: Look for distorted edges around the face, especially near the hairline or chin.
Strange backgrounds: Watch for unusual patterns, reflections, or anomalies in the background.
Audio abnormalities: Listen for glitches, background noise, or changes in voice tone.
Deepfake detection tools: Utilize online tools or software to identify potential deepfake content.

Identifying media requires keen observation and awareness of subtle cues.

Deepfake Videos

Tips to protect yourself

  • Always confirm the identity of people online, especially if they request sensitive information or actions. If someone claims to be a friend or family member, ask them a personal question only they would know to confirm their identity
  • Report any suspicious calls to the police or at
  • If you suspect a call might be a deep fake or fraudulent, it’s best to end it immediately and report and block that number.
  • Do not give out personal information or money to people you do not know or trust.
  • Conduct a reverse search of the media shared.

Reporting Deepfake crimes

The Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021 remedies such crimes. Victims are encouraged to report suspicious experiences as a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station or https://cybercrime.gov.in/.

Awareness is critical to fostering a safe and secure online environment

Recognizing the importance of employees in combating cyber threats, AM International conducts regular cyber awareness programs. These modules are curated and led by industry experts.

AM International’s Cyber Awareness programs empower employees to become an active line of defense against cyber threats.

These sessions equip our team members with the knowledge and tools to stay vigilant and protect themselves and the organization from evolving online threats. Effectively, they empower employees to become an active line of defense against cyber threats.

This proactive approach strengthens AM International’s overall resilience against cybersecurity challenges.

Tuticorin Alkali Chemical and Fertilizers Ltd. (TFL), a group company of AM International, was recently awarded the Unilever Home Care Clean Future Award 2024 for “Taking bold steps towards competitive greenhouse gas reduction in Soda Ash.”

Ashwin Muthiah, Chairman, was invited by Unilever to receive the award in Orlando, USA.

Unilever’s Clean Future initiative aims to recognize “unmissably superior products that are sustainable and of great value.” We are proud that the green soda ash manufactured in our plant aligns with both our ESG-driven manufacturing goals and a strategy to reduce carbon emissions in manufacturing.

TFL was lauded for manufacturing a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solution. The initiative of producing the world’s first green soda ash utilizing green ammonia was also recognized asa leap forward to fulfill AMIH’s sustainability goals.

Green Innovation, Global ImpactTFL is the most prominent producer of soda ash in South India. Our ground-breaking innovation of green soda ash also makes us the world’s first company to manufacture soda ash with near-zero carbon emissions.

Our ground-breaking innovation of green soda ash also makes us the world’s first company to manufacture soda ash with near-zero carbon emissions.

About TFL’s Green Soda Ash

TFL started commercial production of green soda ash at its Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu plant. Mr. Muthiah commended the team’s efforts and said, “It is a matter of great pride to achieve this carbon-neutral milestone. The innovation aligns with our ESG vision of producing greener product solutions for our customers with the larger goal of contributing to a cleaner environment.”

The company has established this project by leveraging cutting-edge carbon-capture technology to establish carbon neutrality in manufacturing soda ash. It is the first company in the world to manufacture carbon-neutral soda ash.

Understanding the Process

To produce green soda ash, TFL set up a CO2 Recovery Plant to capture carbon from coal used as fuel in its boiler for steam production. Instead of releasing the carbon into the atmosphere, the plant captures it effectively. The carbon is then converted into biomass fuel to eliminate fossil fuel usage, thus achieving carbon neutrality in manufacturing.

Green Innovation, Global Impact

Further, TFL uses green ammonium, imported from Egypt, to produce its near-zero soda ash. Incidentally, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tamil Nadu, successfully handled 3×20 ISO Green Ammonia Containers weighing 37.4 tons of Green Ammonia from Damietta Port, Egypt, for TFL. It was for the first time that the port imported green ammonia.

“It is a matter of great pride to achieve this carbon-neutral milestone. The innovation aligns with our ESG vision of producing greener product solutions for our customers with the larger goal of contributing to a cleaner environment.” 

– Mr. Ashwin Muthiah

Fostering a Greener Planet

Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is a fundamental ingredient in numerous industries, from glass production to detergent manufacturing and beyond.

Traditionally sourced from natural deposits or processed through energy-intensive methods like the Solvay process, soda ash manufacturing has historically posed challenges in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Innovation, Global Impact

Its significance lies not only in its versatility but also in the environmental impact of its manufacture. The sustainable production of soda ash holds the key to minimizing ecological footprints and fostering a greener future.

By developing a basic manufacturing necessity such as soda ash with negligible emissions, TFL is actively shaping the creation of a more environmentally conscious world.

As we enter a new year, people often make resolutions. In the professional sphere, enhancing productivity often tops the list. But as the year progresses, our resolutions and productivity take on a downward trend.

The consequences of decreased productivity are substantial for businesses. There may be delays in projects, missed deadlines, and a decline in the overall quality of products or services. Inefficiencies can also lead to increased costs, affecting the bottom line. Additionally, a drop in productivity may harm the organization’s reputation, impacting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

On the other hand, a productive organization yields many positive benefits that extend across various facets of operations and overall performance. From improved resource utilization to fostering a positive work culture, a productive organization achieves financial success, customer loyalty, and a resilient competitive position in the market.

Good intentions and willpower rarely last the test of time. It is, therefore, crucial to implement actionable and sustainable strategies. At AM International, we believe in a balanced, long-term approach that brings about sustained growth, efficiency, and productivity.

1. Bridge communication gaps

Upholding AM International’s ethos of trust, we believe in transparent communication as the cornerstone of successful collaboration. Misunderstandings can derail even the most meticulously planned project. Without a clear and documented understanding of decisions made during meetings and calls, team members may interpret information differently, leading to confusion, delays, and rework.

How can we combat this? Simple: Written confirmation after meetings and calls. By summarizing key points, action items, and deadlines, we create a single source of truth for everyone involved. This clarity fosters accountability, reduces confusion, and prevents wasted effort clarifying ambiguous verbal exchanges.

What can you do?

After a project kickoff meeting, send a follow-up email summarizing the project brief, the scope of work, objectives, individual action items, and owners. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands their responsibilities.

2. Plan, plan, plan

Productivity tips to ace your work outcomes in 2024

Impromptu project starts may seem exhilarating, but they often lead to underestimated timelines and internal frustration. Without thorough pre-project planning, teams may encounter unforeseen challenges, leading to delays and increased stress levels.

To avoid this, prioritize thorough pre-project planning. This entails a detailed breakdown of the project scope, resource allocation, and contingency measures. Invest the time upfront to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s demands and potential roadblocks. This proactive approach prevents costly mid-course corrections and fosters a sense of confidence within the team.

What can you do?

Before starting a new project, hold a planning meeting with all team members. Discuss the project’s objectives, anticipated hurdles, and required resources. This will help the team prepare for the project and set realistic expectations.

3. Correct course in real-time

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing and engineering, unexpected issues can arise. These issues may go unnoticed without regular project reviews until they become significant problems, leading to delays, cost overruns, and decreased team morale.

Regular weekly and monthly project reviews for large projects and daily for smaller ones serve as vital checkpoints. These reviews allow for early identification of deviance, enabling timely course correction before costly errors snowball. This iterative approach saves valuable resources and cultivates a proactive problem-solving culture within the team.

What can you do?

For a large project, schedule weekly review meetings with the team. Discuss the project’s progress, identify any deviance, and discuss potential solutions. This will help the team stay on track and address issues before they become significant problems.

4. Learn from every project

Productivity tips to ace your work outcomes in 2024

Without a structured process for learning from past projects, valuable lessons may be lost. Teams may repeat mistakes, miss improvement opportunities, and lack a standardized approach to handling similar challenges.

Post-project, a debriefing discussion is important for capturing the learnings. By taking the time to analyze what went well, what could have been improved, and what potential pitfalls were encountered, the team equips itself for future success. Implement these learnings into standardized operating procedures and project templates to streamline future endeavors. This knowledge transfer ensures continuous improvement and injects a sense of purpose into every project, making work not just productive but also joyful.

What can you do?

After project completion, hold a post-project debriefing with the team. Discuss what went well and what didn’t. Consider the lessons learned. Use this information to improve future projects and update the team’s standard operating procedures.

The key is to foster a culture of clear and constant communication, detailed planning, proactive monitoring, and continuous learning.

Remember, small yet incremental changes, when applied consistently, yield significant results. Let’s make 2024 a year of focused improvement, one well-timed email, one detailed plan, and one insightful debrief at a time.

Sustainability is a key focus area at AM International; it is an integral part of our business strategy and culture. The investments unveiled by our fertilizers businesses led by SPIC, at the Global Investors Meet (GIM) 2024 aligns with our ESG driven ethos at AMIH.

GIM 2024, the business summit organized by Government of Tamil Nadu to facilitate domestic and foreign investments in the state, saw SPIC and its affiliate companies announce CAPEX investments totalling ₹1,900 crore over the next two years. This investment will help move towards sustainable manufacturing, and create additional direct and indirect jobs.

AMIH’s commitment to building businesses trusted by society is embedded in our values, and SPIC’s investment plan exemplifies this dedication.

SPIC and Affiliate Companies Unveil INR 1,900 Crore Sustainability-Led Investment

Ashwin Muthiah, Chairman, SPIC & Founder Chairman AMIH, said,
“Our expansion strategy will be mainly supported through brownfield projects. The investments are sustainable and realistic.”

The culture at AMIH is guided by the belief that successful businesses that are sustainable in the long term deliver business profit and social good in equal measure to create a positive impact on society. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the state government underscores our commitment to economic development and sustainable business practices.

SPIC’s expansion plans include a ₹970 crore revamp of its existing urea plant to augment capacity and establish a 150 tonnes per day Green Ammonia plant. This expansion reflects our commitment to bolstering production capacity, diversifying operations, and driving sustainable growth.

Greenstar Fertilizers, a SPIC group company, will invest ₹640 crore in a Water Soluble Fertilizer (WSF) Mixing plant in Chennai, a 2500 MTPA Sulphuric Acid plant, and the refurbishment of DAP I and II plants in Thoothukudi. Notably, this investment marks the establishment of the second WSF facility, following the inauguration of the first plant in Thoothukudi in November 2023, operated entirely by female employees.

WSF play a transformative role in empowering farmers by offering a highly efficient and targeted approach to nutrient delivery, contributing to sustainable and responsible farming practices.

SPIC and Affiliate Companies Unveil INR 1,900 Crore Sustainability-Led Investment

Further, our group company, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (TFL) is allocating ₹290 crore to establish a Soda Ash and Ammonium Chloride Plant in Thoothukudi. TFL achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by becoming the first company to manufacture Green Soda Ash and Green Ammonium Chloride at its Thoothukudi plant.

Across the three businesses, intertwining profitability with social and environmental responsibility, we aim to foster a sustainable and inclusive future.

As we move forward, our focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives remains steadfast.

The year 2023 was a very eventful one for AMIH, packed with happy surprises, remarkable achievements and some ground-breaking milestones. We felt truly empowered because we emerged with so many wins despite the challenges posed by an uncertain geopolitical climate, disruptions in supply chains, the climate crisis, and volatile energy and raw-material prices, all of which impacted our operative businesses in different ways.

We realised that to stay rooted, we would have to acquire new tools. One of these was increasing our reliance on technology and innovation, which helped us pivot at every turn. We also learnt that for stability and success in the long run, we would have to further strengthen our focus on sustainability in our operations and products, and invest in people in a bigger way.

So, in the spirit of celebrating the year that was, we share five milestones that will be remembered by all our stakeholders, events that have made the AMIH family proud!

1

We marked a global first in sustainable manufacturing with the production of green soda ash by our group company, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (TFL). The company, which rolled out the first consignment of green soda ash on November 4, 2023, achieved this breakthrough by using cutting-edge carbon-capture technology at its plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. We are boldly pushing boundaries to prioritise our ESG agenda, a mission we take very seriously.

2023 in Review: Our Top Five Memorable Milestones

2

In another major milestone, our flagship business SPIC was the first company in Tamil Nadu to supply fertiliser under the Indian government’s ambitious ‘One Nation One Fertiliser Scheme’. We have always been heavily invested in promoting self-sufficiency among our farmers and contributing to India’s food security. By being first off the blocks with our ‘Bharat Urea’ consignment, we demonstrated our steadfast commitment to nation-building and a more sustainable future.

3

Tamilnadu Petroproducts Limited (TPL) did us proud by becoming the first company in India to have its flagship product, Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB), conferred BIS12795:2020 certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

LAB is a key ingredient in the manufacture of synthetic detergents and industrial cleaners, and TPL is the only authorised seller of LAB in the Indian market. The certification is a feather in our cap as it gives our LAB the government’s stamp of excellence.

2023 in Review: Our Top Five Memorable Milestones

4

When we say our ESG agenda is a key focal point at AMIH, we’re dead serious. Manali Petrochemicals took a huge step in this direction recently, when it renewed its long-term Gas Sale Agreement with Indian Oil Corporation Limited. This reaffirmed our commitment to environmental protection by ensuring the continued use of ecofriendly fuel – Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). We initiated this sustainable practice in 2019, a significant step towards a more environmentally responsible future.

5

At AMIH, we believe that a business truly succeeds when it benefits the larger society and the communities in its vicinity. This belief is at the heart of our group’s CSR arm, AM Foundation, which is doing a splendid job in the delivery of primary healthcare in rural India. The Foundation’s ‘Happy Periods’ project, aimed at women’s health and hygiene, has been a resounding success in raising awareness in menstrual hygiene in government schools in Tamil Nadu. The project is thoroughly inclusive, covering boys, girls and teachers. We believe that by creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere for girls in schools, we can help reduce the dropout rate among girl students

Are we incredibly ambitious? But of course! It’s what pushes us to be the best version ourselves.

It’s that time of the year when we look back at the last 12 months, and what that makes us feel is an indicator of the readjustments we may need to make in our lives. What defines a ‘good’ year, or a ‘bad’ one? Did you achieve your goals? Were you content with your choices? How did you deal with change?

As we prepare for 2024 at AMIH, here are five goals you might want to consider for the year ahead. We’ve carefully chosen these goals as they encourage a work-life balance, and align with AMIH’s work culture of care, compassion and consideration.

Self-care

2024 Unleashed: New Goals For The New Year

Back in the early 20th century, even though they didn’t have the same jobs we do today, W H Davies totally got why it’s crucial to have downtime. The celebrated, working-class poet expressed this sentiment in his composition, Leisure (What Is This Life If Full Of Care, 1911). So, if your work makes you feel overwrought and overwhelmed, start taking back the reins. Set aside time to regularly switch off and make time for yourself. It sends your brain a powerful message – that you too are important.

You could spend that time with people whose company you enjoy, take a stroll every evening, or just kick your feet up and relax. Remember, you get to choose what to do; there’s a reason it’s called ‘me time’. Prioritizing self-care reduces stress levels, creates the distance needed to re-focus, and helps you recharge, enabling you to better manage the demands of a busy day.

Attitude of Gratitude

Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the good things in your life. Start your day, saying, “I am grateful for…” and make sure you have five items on your gratitude list. Remember, five fresh items every day. Perhaps say ‘thank you’ a little more often to the people around you!

Resetting your perspective to a positive mindset creates a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Focusing on what you have rather than on what you don’t reduces stress and leads to increased happiness. It’s amazing how it can turn your life around.

Physical Activities

The work-from-home model introduced in the Covid years probably made your work even more intense. To offset those endless hours spent glued to your seat in front of a computer screen, we suggest you get moving – literally. An exercise regimen is the obvious choice but if you want something more lightweight but healthy, we have an alternative – exercising at your desk. When you’re always-on, introducing a physical element into your day is not only refreshing, it’s a must for mental and physical well-being.

Professional Learning

“What have I learnt lately?” is a question you should ask yourself every so often. Sure, take a course to upskill; attend a webinar to keep up with current trends; or sign up for a workshop to expand your knowledge base. But do you know there’s opportunity knocking at your very door? Are you maximizing your learning opportunities at work itself? Every day can teach you something new – if you keep an open mind and are hungry to learn. Observe, ask questions, try out new things, seize the initiative. You’ll be surprised at what you discover about your capabilities.

2024 Unleashed: New Goals For The New Year

Personal Hobbies

‘Work-life balance’ is almost a cliché in our conversations at work – we know it’s important but we don’t try hard enough to get there. You can change that by find a joyful pastime or hobby. Hobbies serve as a buffer against burnout, they reduce stress levels, and bring a sense of fulfillment. A hobby can also lend a sense of purpose. Who is to say that journaling couldn’t be the first step to discovering the author in you? A hobby doesn’t have to be elaborate. Some hit ‘refresh’ by gardening, cooking or reading. Research shows that people who have hobbies experience fewer negative emotions; they also have higher levels of self-esteem. Find something you love to do, and just do it!

As we embark on a new year, embracing goals like these will set us on a path of growth and self-improvement. So let us welcome the coming year with open hearts, ready to embrace change and work towards becoming the best versions of ourselves.

Today, the recurring theme among corporations is one of ecological costs. More and more businesses around the world are now working to minimize carbon costs, introducing green technologies to manufacture and produce. The most major environmental challenge is controlling carbon emissions, as greenhouse gas (GHG) is causing global warming and a climate imbalance.

Green-Tech Revolution

Carbon Capture:

Switching from fossil fuels to green fuels such as hydrogen and natural gas can significantly reduce one’s carbon footprint but it’s not enough. Companies are also using high-tech carbon-capture technology to extract carbon dioxide from the point of emission. The captured carbon is then compressed, transported and stored, and used in one of two ways – it is either injected into deep geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, or used in the production of fertilisers, synthetic fuels and building materials, among other things.

AM International’s operating companies are relentlessly implementing an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy, and leveraging technology to achieve carbon neutrality. For instance, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited has established a global milestone in sustainable manufacturing with the production of green soda ash, an ingredient in products of everyday use. It arrived at this breakthrough when it starts producing the green chemical at its plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Green-Tech Revolution

Another AMIH group company, Manali Petrochemicals Limited (MPL), has tied up with UK-based Econic Technologies to make eco-friendly polyols. Harnessing the power of science and innovation, MPL has retrofitted its production facility in Chennai to make CO2-containing polyols, thus reusing carbon and reducing GHGs.

Green-Tech Revolution

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD):

This widely used sustainable practice involves the treatment of waste water generated by industrial processes, whereby solid waste is extracted and disposed of responsibly, and the water that remains is reused, for instance, in irrigation. This process, of recycling waste water and reusing it, results in Zero Liquid Discharge or ZLD. Most of the factories across our operating companies are implementing ZLD as part of AMIH’s ESG strategy. For instance, Tamilnadu Petroproducts Ltd has commissioned a Reverse Osmosis plant, which treats the effluents generated by its Linear Alkyl Benzene plant, and reuses the water thus produced.

Green-Tech Revolution

3D Printing

This technology has captured the imagination of engineers and the general public, but does it promote environmental sustainability? Those who count 3D printing as green tech point out that it involves zero wastage of raw materials as the process builds products layer by layer, thus using the exact amount of material needed. Also, 3D printing consumes less power than traditional manufacturing processes, which often deploy wasteful techniques as part of the production process. Besides, printed objects can often be made in situ, eliminating the carbon footprint generated by transportation. The technology can also be used to make limited quantities of a product, further reducing wastage. From specialty chemicals to jet engine components, to hearing aids, to doorknobs, 3D printing is still showing us what it is capable of.

Green-Tech Revolution

The good news is that more and more businesses are adopting green technologies to repay their environmental debt. Let us pull together and vigorously pursue our ESG goals to address the concerns of a planet that needs our help.

Implementing an ESG strategy is no longer an option; it is an essential part of doing business as it reduces input and operational costs. It also forges a sustainable connection with customers, vendors and the public, which circles back to business gains.

Blood Donation At SPIC Nagar

AM Foundation in collaboration with the Rotary Club, Lions Club of Spic Nagar and Government Medical College Hospital, Thoothukudi, organised a Blood Donation drive at SPIC Nagar Medical Centre, on 6th August, 2023. Blood transfusions meet a key requirement in medical interventions and can be a life saver.

A Tasty Snack, Healthy Learning Spaces & Medical Checks

Donating blood at the camp were participants from Rotaract, Interact, Leo Club and employees of our group companies SPIC, Greenstar Fertilizers and Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals and Fertilizers. The camp was inaugurated by Ekanurthy Balu, Whole-Time Director, SPIC.

A Tasty Snack, Healthy Learning Spaces & Medical Checks

A total of 88 people donated blood while many expressed their gratitude for our services.

Medical Check-Ups

Health is often not a priority in marginalised communities and yet it is vital to living a normal and productive life and to our overall well-being. Aiming to mainstream health as an important goal, AM Foundation conducted two medical camps recently. On 5th August 2023, with the support of Tamilnadu Petroproducts (TPL), we organised a free General, Skin and Gynaecology camp at Tsunami Quarters Community Hall, Ennore, Chennai, for the benefit of the local community.

A Tasty Snack, Healthy Learning Spaces & Medical Checks

The camp was attended by more than 220 patients, while more than 25 patients availed the Foundation’s Laboratory facility.

As part of our commitment to deliver essential healthcare services, AM Foundation also organised a General Medical Camp at Anthoniyarpuram, in Thoothukudi, on 30th July 2023. The camp was organised with the support of Greenstar Fertilizers and SPIC, and benefitted around 120 patients while 30 patients used the Foundation’s Laboratory.

A Tasty Snack, Healthy Learning Spaces & Medical Checks

Nutritional Mix & Path Lab in Abirami Nagar

Am Foundation achieved another milestone in our CSR outreach work in July, when we delivered two health services in Abirami Nagar AMPHCC, Thoothukudi. To support the nutritional needs of children and women in this community, we distributed Nutritious Mix, a tasty and well-balanced, healthy snack, on 14th July 2023.

A Tasty Snack, Healthy Learning Spaces & Medical Checks

On the same occasion, the Foundation also inaugurated a Pathology Laboratory in Abirami Nagar AMPHCC, an important step in our journey towards delivering the highest standards of diagnostic testing and patient-centric care. The lab will provide testing services for blood sugar, blood-urea, complete blood count, serum bilirubin, dengue card method (IGG, IGM, NS1).

A Tasty Snack, Healthy Learning Spaces & Medical Checks

PHCC & Sanitation Blocks

We’ve been really busy taking our outreach work to the maximum number of vulnerable people who need them, and the month of September saw AM Foundation launch two more vital health facilities.We inaugurated the AM Primary Health Care Centre in Seemavaram, Chennai, under the CSR wing of Tamilnadu Petroproducts, on 25th September 2023. Seemavaram covers more than 4 villages, and around 5,000 individuals will benefit from our new initiative.

A Tasty Snack, Healthy Learning Spaces & Medical Checks

We are also excited to announce the inauguration of our Sanitation Blocks at Thoothukudi on behalf of our group company, Sicagen India Limited. As we support Swachh Bharat’s goal to end open defecation, the Foundation initiated the renovation of sanitary blocks in government schools in Thoothukudi, creating a healthy space for learning.

On behalf of Sicagen India Limited, the sanitation blocks for boys and girls at Seena Vana Government Higher Secondary School, Thoothukudi, were inaugurated.

A Tasty Snack, Healthy Learning Spaces & Medical Checks

AM International Holdings (AMIH) is proud to have accomplished a global milestone in sustainable manufacturing, with our group company, Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (TFL), becoming the first company in the world to make carbon-neutral soda ash, or green soda ash.

TFL, a part of the green energy solutions business of the AMIH Group, will start production of green soda ash on November 4, 2023, at its plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. We are especially pleased with this achievement as we push boundaries at every opportunity to prioritise our ESG agenda.

Soda ash is an ingredient used to make products of everyday use. Also called sodium carbonate, it is used in the manufacture of window panes, in laundry detergents and rechargeable batteries that power our appliances, among other things.

TFL Produces Green Soda Ash

We asked ourselves how we could take an ordinary chemical and do something extraordinary with it, in line with our ESG goals. Since soda ash is a widely used chemical ingredient, we realised that it could greatly help our EFG agenda due to its multiplier effect.

TFL achieved a breakthrough by using cutting-edge carbon-capture technology to establish carbon-neutrality in the manufacture of soda ash. The company set up a CO2 Recovery Plant to capture carbon from coal used as fuel in its boiler for steam production. The carbon is converted into biomass fuel to eliminate fossil-fuel usage, thus achieving carbon-neutrality in the manufacturing process. Further, TFL is also using green ammonium chloride, which it is importing, to produce its near-zero soda ash.

TFL Produces Green Soda Ash

Globally, around 74 million MT of soda ash is produced every year. TFL is the sole producer of this chemical compound in South India and has been at the forefront of innovation in its manufacturing practices. The company’s path-breaking project to make carbon-neutral soda ash is a turning point in our endeavor to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in our manufacturing operations and minimise its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The AMIH Group places a premium on ESG as we realise that adopting sustainable practices is the only way we can work towards a cleaner, greener and stable future. We also realise that to make a real difference, companies need to innovate with technology, to find solutions to the climate crisis and to reduce GHG and achieve carbon-neutrality.

Congratulations to our R&D team, which dug deep to come up with an innovative green solution. And we are already making a difference. TFL boasts a prestigious list of customers who support its sustainable manufacturing practices and has already tied up with one of the world’s largest MNCs for the supply of its green soda ash in the manufacture of detergents.

TFL Produces Green Soda Ash

‘Runner-up today, champion tomorrow’ – it’s the kind of thinking that breeds true greatness. It is also the motto that has catapulted the young prodigy from Chennai, R Praggnanandhaa, into the elite club of chess geniuses. After settling for silver at the FIDE World Cup in August 2023, the unstoppable 18-year-old refused to look back; instead, he said he was confident of becoming world champion one day.

A new sporting hero for India, Praggnanandhaa’s story has captured hearts across the globe. His humility is touching, not to mention the ease with which he carries the aspirations of the nation. Every time he slammed the button on the chess clock, every Indian skipped a heartbeat, hoping and praying he would inch closer to victory.

A Chess Genius Gives A Management Lesson, Or Two

The young chess champ is an inspiration in being #future-focused. He won the World Youth Championship Under-8 title, followed by the Under-10 title, he became an international master at age 10 and a grandmaster at age 12, before he went on to become runner-up at the World Cup. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “If you’re in it to win it, always look ahead. Never be distracted by missteps; they are just bumps along the way.”

From humble beginnings to #bigdreams, Praggnanandhaa is a shining example of what we can achieve even when we start small, really small. The chess prodigy’s father is a banker, his mother a homemaker, and his parents initially had to borrow money so that he could follow his dream. The youngster had no special resources and yet he is now literally at the top of his game, on top of the world.

A Chess Genius Gives A Management Lesson, Or Two

Just like Praggnanandhaa, some of the world’s biggest corporations too had terribly humble beginnings – some were born in a garage, others in college dorm rooms, and one of the world’s largest fast-food franchises started as a sandwich shop. A humble start is not new to the AMIH Group either. We trace our origin to the launch of India’s first motor scooter. Many years later, it took a brilliant lad with a big dream to turn the family legacy into a global corporation.

Praggnanandhaa may have done all the hard work but it was his mother, Nagalakshmi, who gave him strength during his nerve-wracking duel with Magnus Carlsen. Remember that picture which went viral, of a doting mother whose expression said it all as her son addressed the media? It appears she accompanies her son (and daughter, who too is a grandmaster) to all their tournaments and cheers silently from the sidelines as they battle it out in the spotlight.

A Chess Genius Gives A Management Lesson, Or Two

The corporate world can sometimes test our stamina and resilience, and we all need someone in our corner when we take tough calls. We need colleagues who can act as a sounding board when we’re having a bad day. We need team-mates to be our #cheerleaders in our moments of success.

After his epic battle, Praggnanandhaa said something few will forget, that his #fightingspirit is his main weapon for success. He said, “I am always good at finding resources in bad positions… and I feel this fighting quality is needed to be the best.” Those wise words have many takeaways for team leaders and CEOs: think laterally, dig deep, pivot when required, and, most importantly, never give up.