An Organisation’s Progress Lies in the Fitness of its Employees.

The best investment a nation can make is towards the health of its citizens. In line with the same thought, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Fit India Movement on 29 August 2019. The campaign initiated on the occasion of the National Sports Day, recognises fitness as a lifestyle choice. It is designed to encourage people to make sports and physical activities a part of their everyday lives.

At AM International, the launch of the Fit India Movement reiterates our approach to ensuring employee well-being. Just as fit citizens are integral to a country’s prosperity, healthy employees are essential to an organisation’s success. Better health increases work productivity, creates better work-life balance and results in decreased absenteeism. Consequently, they are better engaged at work. Highly engaged employees enjoy their work. They are, hence, less likely to quit their jobs. We give particular emphasis on the fitness levels of our employees.

The accurate measure of a society’s progress lies in the social welfare and well-being of its members. A fit India is essential to create a thriving nation. The country will prosper when its citizens perform well in their professions. For this, they need to be physically and mentally fit. Similarly, the citizens will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour only when they are in good health. Hence, fitness levels of our countrymen are essential to the socio-economic success of our country.

At AM International, our work culture focuses on promoting health, happiness and a balanced environment. The HR philosophy propagates work-life balance and inspires employees to imbibe fitness in their routine lives; the focus is on both physical and mental fitness.

For example, the recently-held Health is Wealth contest, showcases our commitment towards encouraging a healthy lifestyle among employees. The contest was initiated by one of our group company, Manali Petrochemicals Limited (MPL). It was conceptualised to create awareness about physical fitness, healthy living among employees and join the global fight against obesity. It was an endeavour by MPL’s HR team to inspire our team members to adopt an active lifestyle over a sedentary one. We also provided dietary guidance to the participants. After all, we are what we eat!

We celebrated the three winners at the end of the three-month contest. . However, the feedback by all participating members was that they were feeling more energised, fit and healthy. The competition has become an annual wellness event at MPL. Inspired by its success, our other group companies are also working to implement it across their organisations.

It is indeed heartening to see that our aspiration of a fitter culture finds resonance at the national level. We are confident that every citizen will feel equally energised and inspired as our team members when they make healthier lifestyle choices. A quote by our Chairman, Mr Ashwin Muthiah, is apt to sum up this vision, “A fit body & mind complement a healthy life.”

Trees are the lifeline of our planet. The advent of civilisation has led to large-scale deforestation. Large patches of forests have given way for fast-paced urban development and public infrastructure. A depleting forest cover heightens the climate crisis. The result is seen in environmental damages such as the Amazon Rainforest fire and rapidly melting ice sheets at Greenland. It is more important than ever before to maintain a healthy proportion of green cover.

At AM International, sustainable green initiatives around our sites are an ongoing activity. Recently, the team at EDAC Engineering undertook a tree plantation drive. The initiative was conducted at Singrauli Super Thermal Power Station (SSTP) located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. EDAC Engineering was recently awarded the contract for renovation & retrofitting of 3 X 200MW ESP of the power station.

India is currently facing the challenge of a decreased tree cover. Studies show that our country has just 28 trees per person. China, for instance, has 102 trees per person, whereas Brazil has 1,494 trees per person. India needs to ramp up its tree cover to ensure economic and environmental sustainability. Accomplishing this goal will require the collective efforts of all its citizens. As the Chinese proverb goes, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time is now.

Our team members planted 121 saplings as part of the tree plantation drive. The resulting tree cover will act as an ecological layer to absorb the pollutants such as fly ash and dust emitted by the thermal plant. It will lead to cleaner air and a greener environment. This augurs well for the sustainable health and well-being of the local communities.

The tree plantation drive was conducted in July with the arrival of the monsoons. This helped in the saplings receiving adequate water and vital nutrients naturally. As a part of the initiative, EDAC Engineering has facilitated for watering the plants during the non-monsoon months.

Senior officials from the district administration graced the event. Mr Ramrati Rai, District Forest Officer, Singrauli and Mr Manoj Varma, BHEL Engineer, SSTPP were the chief guests at the programme. Key representatives of EDAC Engineering Mr B.M.Patel, EDAC Site Manager, SSTPP, Mr Prabath Singh, EDAC HSE in-charge, SSTPP and Mr Bala Murugan, EDAC Sr. Engineer – QC, SSTPP were present during the occasion.

The tree plantation drive is the first of many such eco-friendly initiatives undertaken by EDAC Engineering. The event reinforced the organisation’s ecological mindfulness as a critical business responsibility. A quote by Martin O’Malley sums up such efforts, “Reversing deforestation is complicated; planting a tree is simple.”

On 5 July 2019, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s first full-time women Finance Minister tabled the Union Budget 2019 on behalf of the newly-elected government. While all of us have read the fiscal numbers and analysis, what this budget does is give a new direction to an aspirational India! A landmark plan, the budget lays the foundation for the next chapter in India’s economic history. As the Finance Minister noted early in her budget speech, mega programmes and services initiated by the government in its first term will further accelerate through the provisions of budget 2019.

Particular focus on local level entrepreneurship, uplifting India’ education system alongside world-class infrastructure and green power is undoubtedly a successful combination. Moreover, India being an agrarian economy, ensuring the most crucial stakeholders – the agriculture community is uplifted is a vision that as it gets implemented, will see an immense socio-economic change.

While formulating the budget, Smt. Sitharaman and her team have introduced multiple reforms to catapult the Indian economy towards a USD 5 trillion orbit by 2024.In our assessment, below are the five areas where the budget has delivered essential reforms that will help in building a strong nation:

1. Entrepreneurship:

The budget recognises that India Inc., particularly the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) segment, is creating jobs for our countrymen and fuelling economic prospects. Hence, to sustain the nation’s growth momentum, private organisations and neo-entrepreneurs must be supported. In pursuit of this objective, the budget proposes several initiatives “for kick-starting the virtuous cycle of domestic and foreign investments”. These include reforms to ease the approach to doing business in the country. Prominent measures include ensuring better access to credit, reduction of red-tapism and more power to women entrepreneurs. The new era will focus on the principles of smoother compliances, digitalisation, cashless transactions.

All over the world, entrepreneurship is at the heart of advancing economies. Undoubtedly, entrepreneurship is the bridge to India 2.0. By introducing measures to nurture this tribe, Ms.Sitharaman has taken a step in the right direction.

2. Agriculture:

The budget 2019 introduced multiple initiatives to fulfil that the government’s pre-poll promise of doubling the farmer’s incomeby 2022.One of the major announcements by the Finance Minister was the allocation of INR 1,51,518 crore towards agriculture and allied activities. Another initiative was thetarget to form of over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) over the next five years.Based on the principle of co-oporative marketing, FPOs have historically helped farmers lowerthe cost of cultivation and achieve higher realisation from sales.

In her speech, Ms.Sitharaman noted that “Ease of doing business and ease of living, both should apply to farmers, too”. In line with her thinking, the budget creates a pathway for agriculture and rural prosperity. The impetus provided to the sector will also propel the growth of allied agri-industries such as fertilizers, logistics and others.

3. Education:

The budget 2019 introduced multiple initiatives to fulfil that the government’s pre-poll promise of doubling the farmer’s incomeby 2022.One of the major announcements by the Finance Minister was the allocation of INR 1,51,518 crore towards agriculture and allied activities. Another initiative was thetarget to form of over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) over the next five years.Based on the principle of co-oporative marketing, FPOs have historically helped farmers lowerthe cost of cultivation and achieve higher realisation from sales.

In our view, the budget has adopted a well-rounded and far-sighted in its approach to education policies. It has aptly addressed the pain points and also made provisions to optimise the sector’s potential optimally.

4. Infrastructure:

The budget focuses on creating infrastructure assets that will trigger investments and propel faster economic growth. Ms.Sitharaman said that the government had allocated INR 100 crore to the sector over the next five years. The investments will be directed towards augmenting rural connectivity, creation of a national highway grid, completion of the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) and development of newer industrial corridors among other purposes. Further, the government indicated that public-private partnerships (PPP) might be the way forward to ensure faster development and delivery of passenger freight services.

A well-developed infrastructure is integral to the economic prosperity of the nation. By focusing on increased efficiencies for the infrastructure sector and its sub-sectors, the Finance Minister has emphasised the government’s commitment towards this objective.

5. Power:

Ms.Sitharaman and her team are in the process of formulating the ambitious One Nation, One Gridproject. The objective is to ensure power connectivity to states at affordable rates. She proposed to make available a blueprint for developing gas grids, water grids, i-ways, and regional airports.The budget also entailed revival schemes for state distribution companies and fuel-starved power plants that depend on natural gas. Also, the government will address the sustainability element by going green (pollution-free) and blue (water-secure). Our focus on solar power generation is well in line with the nation’s mood for a clean and sustainable environment.

The budget recognises that noted that a robust connectivity infrastructure is integral to India’s superpower aspirations. It is heartening to see that the plan has endeavoured to address the power sector’sage-old challenges on a priority basis.

Apart from these, the budget entails many more proposals that will change the course of the Indian economy. In a bold move, the government has steered clear of a populist mandate for the budget in spite of winning with such a thumping majority.Instead, the team has sustained its focus on the long-term vision of the nurturing a robust economy.

At AM International, we are enthused by the opportunity that the new budget offers not just to our group but to the entire nation. Indeed, the plan provides a clear pathway for the transformationof the nation – steadily directing the country into the trajectory of a developed economy.We are confident that the government will achieve its goals. As Ms.Sitharaman quoted in the speech, “Karya purusha karena lakshyam sampadyate.” (with determined human efforts, the task will surely be completed).

A workshop on Emotional Intelligence held recently for SPICTRA employees received an enthusiastic response from participants.

In the past decade, Emotional Quotient (EQ) has been recognized as being as important as Intelligence Quotient (IQ) – both from an employee and organizational performance perspective. At AM International and its operating companies, it goes well with our people philosophy of employee care, work-life balance, and doing things in the right manner. We recognize that an emotionally intelligent work environment produces better leaders, fosters stronger bonds, and creates higher levels of work satisfaction among employees.

So what exactly is Emotional Intelligence (EI) or Emotional Quotient? It is that aspect of human behaviour that makes a person handle (react to) any situation, especially, strenuous ones, with a calm and balanced approach. It is an intangible yet measurable aspect of human workplace behaviour. Today, EI is an essential aspect of our professional identity; leaders across professions, be it business, politics or any other role in society demonstrate high levels of EQ. As organizations globally face competition and disruption, only the ones with high EQ levels are likely to survive.

An employee with good EI will always look for solutions rather than playing the blame-game in a situation gone wrong. Such people believe in team work and choose to encourage colleagues than being rude and hostile. The ability to visualize the larger picture and goal and work towards it in a disciplined yet focussed manner, instead of getting carried away in daily routine work is a key characteristic of such a person. Bosses who are able to give objective (dispassionate) feedback to juniors yet at the same time not be demoralizing or finger pointing show high EI.

Can EI be taught in classrooms?

SPICTRA is part of our healthcare science vertical and manufactures high end mission-critical medical devices that are used by the doctor and hospital fraternity during life-saving surgeries in operating theatres. Our young and enthusiastic HR colleague, R Naresharvind conducted one such workshop at the MM Nagar Plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and witnessed enthusiastic participation by employees. The workshop was a part of the personality development program for middle-level employees. We believe that such initiatives help in shaping future leaders.

During the training, employees were guided to become more responsive and positive in their approach to emotional situations. An alert state of mind and positive lookout go a long way in enhancing the quality of their work life.

Now we come to the oft-asked question, Can EI be taught in classrooms and workshops or is it natural human trait? Research has shown that every human being (brain) has a certain level of EI. However, such initiatives help in making an employee aware of each person’s emotional quotient in a better manner. For example, the workshop aimed to help employees manage their emotions during difficult circumstances. Further, it had tips to keep calm in high-pressure situations, maintaining healthy interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships, and sustaining an optimistic outlook even under the most challenging circumstances.

At AM International, we believe, every employee is inherently a good human being. However, in today’s complex work environment, regular training to enhance and sharpen such ‘soft’ skills, along with professional competencies, goes a long way in creating a ‘happy’ and hence, productive work culture. Stressful situations like crises, emergencies or everyday events such as an unsatisfied customer, absent colleague or missed sales targets are bound to happen. The approach to handling such cases will define successful professionals and their organizations. Proper analysis, guidance by experienced seniors and oodles of positivity, determination and a will to win can help us scale the highest peaks. On the contrary, any hot-headed response, careless and complacent attitude or negativity can snowball a small mistake into a major crisis.

Emotional Intelligence leads to a better quality of work-life and creates a happy organization

Another misconstruction of EI is that it is only meant for senior leaders or when taking critical organizational decisions. We believe that sharpening EI is vital for every employee, including interns, freshers and middle-level team members. Employees with high EQ, across all levels, will be able to contribute better to the organization’s goal. By extension, such training will enable them to become more evolved individuals, both at work and at home.

At the end of the workshop, the participants were better prepared to take on the challenges at work as well as in their personal lives.

Since time immemorial, philanthropy has been an essential component of businesses across the globe. In the new age corporate era, CSR is becoming an integral part of every business organization. It is but natural for companies to give back and nourish the communities in which they thrive and grow their business. At AM International group companies, CSR is a strategic initiative that drives compassion and care. The group’s CSR initiatives are driven through AM Foundation which practices impact investing to drive change.

Why CSR?

We believe that being a responsible corporate citizen and working towards the upliftment of the downtrodden and less fortunate is an equal responsibility. A narrow-minded aim towards profiteering can be harmful in the long run – creating unnecessary friction and disbalance in our society. Rather a corporate culture of making a positive impact and a sense of giving can help build the organizations’ soul with empathy, kindness and a sense of responsibility towards other fellow human beings.

To share an example, AM Foundation has been running a medical camp for the past three years for distributing prosthetic limbs free to differently abled patients. This year’s camp concluded in SPIC Nagar Medical Centre at Tuticorin. Did you know, India today has 26 million who are differently abled forming 2.1% percentage of its population. Such a large portion of our society is rendered incapacitated due to a medical condition, maybe from birth or during one’s lifetime – leave aside physical disability, the mental and social trauma that is associated with such patients make an individual’s life difficult. The ability to make a big difference to the lives of such needy people by many such small acts like this gives every employee of the AM International group a sense of purpose and joy.

Unlike previous times, checkbook philanthropy or faith led donations are being replaced by CSR efforts driven by employee volunteerism. When an organization can motivate its employees to devote time to social causes, it creates a sense of institutional volunteering and a sense of joy for employees. Recent research has proven that employee volunteering can help in better decision making at work, more compassionate society and less objectification of fellow human beings. Today the AM International group of companies comprise of a strategic mix of manufacturing, global supply chain, and new age businesses like green energy and healthcare – hence, customer empathy and service orientation is a must in today’s competitive world.

Imagine the sense of purpose the team at the SPIC Nagar Medical Center felt while organizing this year’s camp for free distribution of prosthetic limbs to the needy patients. Like each year, months of preparation went into making the program a success. Over 50 differently abled patients were provided with prosthetic limbs at a function where our group Chairman, Mr. Ashwin Muthiah was personally present showing his support and commitment to such causes. His thinking and efforts in giving back to society have shaped the formation of AM Foundation, that undertakes CSR activities of its member corporate including Manali Petrochemicals Limited, Tamil Nadu Petroproducts Limited, Greenstar Fertilizers Limited, Sicagen India Limited, and others.

AM Foundation – impact investing to drive positive change

AM Foundation is driving AM International group’s CSR efforts in a converged, objective and measurable manner. Instead of resources getting withered away in each company’s CSR efforts in various directions, the foundation works in a focussed way to make a real and sustainable impact on the ground. AM Foundation as a strategy is working for societal causes with local communities in and around its manufacturing plants and offices. Currently, it is working around select urban and rural areas of Tamil Nadu. The foundation is being built with a focus on partnering with NGO’s and global institutions whose knowledge and scientific discoveries can be implemented locally.

For the prosthetic limbs event, AM Foundation worked closely with the district administration, the department of Differently Abled and Rotary Club of Spic Nagar. In the past three years, the program has benefitted a total of 110 patients within the 25-kilometer radius. We purchase the prosthetic limbs from the Rotary Club of Coimbatore Midtown through their service project “Walk Again” where it manufactures limbs, calipers and crutches locally. Each prosthetic limb usually has a life of 2-3 years, and patients can seek a replacement.

As responsible corporate citizens, it is our privilege to contribute to social upliftment, through meaningful CSR activities that uplift and improve the lives of communities we live in. We are happy to have made a difference in the lives of the needy and disabled, through medical aids that promote mobility. No business can grow or sustain in isolation. For all-inclusive development, the upliftment of communities and protection of the environment are indispensable prerequisites.

“Businesses cannot be successful when society around them fails.”