We meet at a moment of undeniable consequence. The stresses on our planet are no longer abstract projections; they are immediate, visible, and deeply disruptive. Climate volatility, environmental degradation, and geopolitical instability together define the context within which businesses now operate.

The subject before us, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), is by no means unfamiliar. Yet, over time, the very meaning of CSR has undergone a profound transformation. What was once understood as a largely philanthropic or compliance driven function has now become an integral component of the broader ESG framework.

In gatherings such as these, one often senses the quiet fatigue that follows a series of intense deliberations. Yet, I have always believed that moments of fatigue are also moments of honesty. They compel us to ask whether what we are saying is truly engaging, or merely familiar.

The idea of CSR, as has been rightly alluded to, is deeply rooted in the principle of trusteeship, a concept most eloquently articulated by Mahatma Gandhi. It is a principle that views institutions not merely as economic entities, but as custodians of societal resources.

Let me begin candidly. As someone who has spent a significant part of my career in the public sector, I am aware of the perceptions that often accompany institutions and individuals like us. In gatherings such as these, largely comprising private sector leaders, there is a certain preconceived view of the public sector boards and their functioning.

India presents a striking paradox. We are home to nearly eighteen percent of the world's population, yet we possess only four percent of its groundwater resources. Over the years, we have extracted this resource with remarkable efficiency, but at a cost.

In my work with EKI Energy, our engagement has spanned advisory, training, investments, and environmental commodities, with a particular focus on enabling organisations to deploy CSR capital in a manner that is both impactful and sustainable.

Boards today are no longer debating whether sustainability drives value-they are deciding how fast they can operationalize it. We now operate in a world where resource risks, climate disruptions, and ESG expectations intersect directly with business competitiveness.

It is my absolute privilege to address this first-ever National Convention on Leadership and Business Excellence, in this vibrant commercial hub - GIFT City, in Gujarat, marking thirty-five years of sustained contribution of the Institute of Directors (IOD) to Corporate Governance in India.

It gives me great pleasure to address this distinguished gathering. Institute of Directors (IOD) has consistently championed excellence in ethics, leadership and corporate governance, and today's deliberations will reflect that enduring commitment.