Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainability
Goals & Outlook

700+ young minds have enrolled for skill development programs.

NO POVERTY

Hari Krishna Group has presence in India and other international locations, and it is dedicated to the values of high social and economic responsibility, upholding the employment and well-being of locals, and promoting quality of life.

Beyond poverty eradication, as it is explicitly mentioned in SDG Goal 1, Hari Krishna Group takes into account the demands of the local/native population for good living conditions through its support for regional economic growth and the hiring of locals at the company.

Every year many youth take part in our skill development program of the company and Hari Krishna group is also known for lowest employee turn over ratio. Even during the time of Covid, not a single employee was laid off by the company. Through their various initiatives and programs, the Hari Krishna Group strives to actively contributes to the Indian Government Initiative of “Vocal for Local” by prioritizing the well-being and livelihoods of locals, this leads to more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

We stay together through the thick and thin situation of our employees & local communities.

ZERO HUNGER

The Hari Krishna Group is a company that takes great pride in providing its employees with free, high-quality food at all of its locations around the world. The company understands that good nutrition is important for over all health and well-being, and therefore they make sure that their employees are well-fed and taken care of.

The food provided by the Hari Krishna Group is so delicious and nutritious that none of their employees even think about bringing their own cooked food from home. The company ensures that the food is always of the highest quality, and they make sure to use fresh, healthy ingredients in all of their meals.

In addition to providing free food to our employees, we celebrate our stake holders birthday with 100 needy peoples. Along with this the Hari Krishna Group also engages in various food and nutrition security program. These programs are aimed at helping the needy and poor communities around the areas where the company operates. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates and helping those who are less fortunate.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hari Krishna Group was also actively involved in supporting local communities in and around Surat, India, where the company operates. The company recognized the importance of coming together during difficult times and worked to help those in need during a time of great uncertainty.

Daily 8000+ meals provided

8,000+  employees and their family members undergone for health checkups and donated 500 units of blood in 2022 Blood donation drive

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

It is a significant goal to include healthcare as a major, but not the only, component. At Hari Krishna Group we believe, a highly significant indicator of well-being is the decline in disease incidence and mortality among people of working age. Hari Krishna Group has been adopting social programs for many years to guarantee healthy lifestyles for our staff, their children, and senior citizen in their families. Scaling up occupational safety is a crucial component of Hari Krishna Group to achieve SDG 3. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) related projects are incorporated into our business plan to:

Promote mental health and well-being, as well as prevent on early mortality from

noncommunicable diseases by having meditation sessions on daily basis,

• Reinforce efforts to prevent the consumption of tobacco.
• Providing transportation facilities and promoting use of helmets.
• Roll out the “Health” program such as Vipasana among staff and their family members.
• Organising various “Culture and Sports” programs for employees and their family members.
• Ensure employee workplace safety; providing personal protection equipment.
• Conduct Occupational Health & Safety training programs.
• Invest in social development to uplift the community with stronger safety objectives.

QUALITY EDUCATION

As a company which values education and its ability to shape young minds, Hari Krishna is proud in fulfilling its commitment to providing education to underprivileged children and communities in Gujarat, India, ensuring that each and every child goes to school and completes education.

Our founders are dedicated to molding the brilliant minds for the future and ensuring that education is accessible for all regions of India. Our journey began in 2006 with a small initiative in the city of Surat, and since then, we have expanded into various districts of Gujarat, providing education assistance to those in need.

Our Education Assistance program promotes the importance of quality education and cultural heritage. Through this program, we provide inclusive and equitable education for all, reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion. We

provide training to Principals and Teachers, distribute school uniforms and notebooks to under privileged students, and have set up the “Hari Krishna Library” which carries 2000+ books to provide lifelong learning resources to students and citizens. Till now 40,000 students and citizens have benefited from library facilities in the past years.

Dholakia Nirman (DN) Community is an open learning community that promotes self-directed learning. It offers a unique educational environment tailored to the needs and interests of children, teachers, and parents. DN aims to foster independent, responsible, and sensitive citizens who can contribute positively to society. It’s an alternative to mainstream schooling that focuses on educating the heart, hand, and head to create a happy and democratic world. The community is part of the Dholakia Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd.

1500+ essential stationary kits distributed

One of our factory with 100% women only

GENDER EQUALITY

The Hari Krishna Group is a company that takes its commitment to promoting professional development and career possibilities seriously, regardless of gender. This means that all employees, regardless of their gender, are given equal opportunities to grow and advance in their careers. One of the ways the company promotes gender equality is by promoting girl child education and contributing to the vision of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (Save Girls, Educate Girls) of the governement of India.

We are committed to Human Rights and adhere to strict requirements relating to labour rights, non-discrimination, and the prohibition of child and forced labour, ensuring we are compliant with local legislation and that all our diamonds are certified as conflict-free.

From the year 2019 the ratio of women to man has been increased from 7% to 16%. The company has introduced an “Equal Pay” policy to ensure that men

and women receive the same pay for equally valuable work. The Hari Krishna Group also follows a “Zero Tolerance” policy on human rights violations and provides “Equal Growth Opportunities” for men and women in the workforce.

• We encourage female members of our employee families to participate in work
• Ensuring safer workplace for women • Providing creche facility for women having child employee
• Widow assistance
• Marriage of women employee

Furthermore, the company is committed to achieving “Gender Parity” in both management positions and the wider workforce, recognizing the importance of diverse representation and perspectives in leadership and decision-making. Overall, the Hari Krishna Group’s initiatives reflect its dedication to promoting equality, fairness, and opportunity for all its employees, regardless of their gender or background.

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

The Hari Krishna Group places a great emphasis on sustainable management of water resources, recognizing that access to safe water and sanitation are critical to unlocking economic growth and productivity. The group believes that the natural environment, such as forests, soils, and wetlands, plays an important role in managing and regulating water availability and quality. This helps to strengthen the resilience of watersheds and complement investments in physical infrastructure and institutional and regulatory arrangements for water access, use, and disaster preparedness.

According to the Hari Krishna Group, improving water management is essential to making national economies, as well as the agriculture and food sectors, more resilient to

rainfall variability, and improved ability to fulfill the needs of growing populations. The group has identified water shortages as a key obstacle to food security and the incomes of rural farmers. However, by implementing effective water management strategies, countries can improve their agricultural productivity and food security while also supporting economic development.

The group’s chairman emphasizes the importance of protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems and their biodiversity as a means of ensuring water purification and quality standards. Our efforts towards water conservation have also been appreciated by United Nations and In this year we have received special accreditation for UN Water conference 2023, where we will be sharing our journey of “conserving water to nurture life” to the whole world.

More than 8 Billion litres of water conserved

More than 2 Million KWH Units Generated through Solar Power Annually

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

At Hari Krishna Group, we recognized early on in our business that the lack of access to energy supplies and transformation systems can act as a major constraint to both human and economic development. We understand that the environment offers a series of energy sources, both renewable and non-renewable, such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biofuels, natural gas, coal, and nuclear.

As a responsible business, we have adopted the use of solar energy for our energy generation needs. This decision was motivated by the fact that the increased use of fossil fuels without actions to mitigate

greenhouse gases could have global climate change implications. We understand that energy efficiency and increased use of renewables can contribute to climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction. Additionally, maintaining and protecting ecosystems allows us to use and further develop hydropower sources of electricity and bioenergy.

This demonstrates our commitment to sustainable energy practices, reducing our carbon footprint, and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. At Hari Krishna Group, we remain committed to promoting sustainable energy practices and working towards a greener and more sustainable future.

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

At Hari Krishna Group, we strongly believe in promoting the formalization and expansion of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by encouraging development-oriented policies that support productive activities, job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. Our commitment is to provide MSMEs with access to financial services, which will enable them to grow and expand their businesses.

One of our key priorities is to protect workers’ rights and foster safe and secure workplaces for all employees, particularly those in precarious employment and women migrants. We are dedicated to ensuring fair working conditions and long-term economic expansion at all the locations where we operate globally. We aim to generate even more employment growth in the regions where we are available.

To further this goal, we advocate for the application of Employee Social Support Programs to support employees’ welfare and well-being.

At Hari Krishna Group, we pride ourselves on being a fair, ethical, and transparent business entity. We understand that our commitment to long-term growth goes beyond just profits, and we are dedicated to being a timely taxpayer in the local, national, and international economic and governance systems.

Standard of living - our founders have themselves understood the feeling of diamond artist

8000+ employees contributing in national development

Achieved Great Place to Work Certification

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

At our company, we recognize the significance of sustainable industrialisation and the role it plays in achieving a better future for all. Our commitment to sustainable practices is not just a moral obligation but also a strategic decision that drives our business growth. We believe that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand and we are actively working towards achieving this balance.

We have invested in renewable energy sources to power our operations, reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change. Our manufacturing processes are designed to minimize cycle days and optimize resource utilization, ensuring that we are operating efficiently and sustainably.

Our focus on innovation has been a key driver of our success. We believe that technology is a great enabler, we strive to support & adopt innovative technologies & practices that helps in promoting sustainable industrial growth. We also support startups which are founded on the idea of loving environment friendly practices.

As we look towards the future, we remain committed to building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialisation. We will continue to invest in innovation and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

REDUCED INEQUALITIES

The Hari Krishna Group has made significant strides towards achieving a socially responsible workplace that values diversity, equality, and inclusion. By ensuring the prohibition of discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and promoting appropriate legislation, regulations, and proactive actions, the organization has set a social benchmark for its employees that enables it to maintain its status as an attractive employer in the regions where it operates.

One of the key pillars of the Hari Krishna Group’s social responsibility initiatives is adherence to the Code of Corporate Ethics. This code sets out the organization’s expectations for ethical behavior among employees, including respect for human dignity, fairness, and equal treatment for all. By adhering to these principles, the organization creates a workplace culture that is inclusive and supportive of all employees, regardless of their background or identity.

In addition to promoting ethical behavior, the Hari Krishna Group is committed to educating employees & guarding human dignity. This education helps to raise awareness among employees of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and helps to foster a culture of respect and understanding.

The organization is also focused on fostering equal career opportunities for all genders and employing disabled people. By ensuring transparency in employment and promotion, the Hari Krishna Group is creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce that can leverage the strengths and talents of all its employees. The organization recognise the value of diversity in creating innovative solutions, enhancing customer service, and improving overall business performance.

300+ differently abled lives impacted

5000+ people participated in our “Run for Swachh Bharat Marathon”

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Since 1992, the Hari Krishna Group has been dedicated to contributing to the development of an inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable city, which they call their “Karmabhumi” or land of actions. The group recognizes that cities are becoming increasingly important in our world, with more than half of the global population currently living in cities and an estimated 7 out of 10 people expected to live in urban areas by 2050.

Cities are crucial drivers of economic growth, contributing more than 80 percent of global GDP. However, they also account for over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, making sustainable urban development a pressing concern for the governments across the world.

The group’s top leadership emphasizes the importance of well-planned and managed urban development as a means of generating inclusive prosperity. They believe that sustainable urban development can help to address the deep inequalities that have been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises.

As the world faces ongoing challenges and crisis, the Hari Krishna Group recognizes the crucial role of cities in responding to these challenges. Strengthening the preparedness and resilience of cities is crucial to ensuring that they can withstand future crisis and continue to serve as drivers of economic growth and prosperity.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

Hari Krishna Group has been committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment and human health for more than a decade. To achieve this goal, the company has introduced a policy that focuses on environmentally sound practices and responsible use of water, plastic, waste and it’s recycling.

One of the significant achievements of Hari Krishna Group is the reduction of waste production. The company practices trash prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, which has resulted in a significant reduction in waste generation. The group also follows ecologically sound trash management practices.

In line with this commitment, the group has implemented initiatives under the Innovative Development and Technological Modernization Program. These initiatives aim to

reduce resource intensity and improve the effectiveness of exploiting natural resources along the whole value chain of mined diamond raw materials.

Furthermore, Hari Krishna Group utilizes leftover materials and tailings in manufacturing activities. This utilization reduces waste generation and enhances the efficient use of resources.

The company’s efforts to minimize the discharge of waste into the air, water, and soil are commendable. By reducing waste production, reusing and recycling materials, and utilizing leftover materials and tailings in manufacturing activities, Hari Krishna Group has significantly reduced its environmental impact.

28000+ litres water conserved through rain water harvesting

2.5+ Million trees planted and nurtured

CLIMATE ACTION

The global temperature has risen 1.1ºC above the pre-industrial level, which has resulted in a range of adverse effects on the environment and human society. One of the most visible consequences of climate change is the melting of glaciers and the rising of sea levels. As a result, numerous coastal regions are at risk of flooding and being submerged by water, displacing millions of people.

Moreover, climate change has led to frequent droughts and heatwaves, which have caused the loss of agricultural productivity and widespread famine in some regions. The impact of drought alone is estimated to displace 700 million people by 2030.

The consequences of climate change goes beyond environmental damages and have significant social and economic implications. Displaced populations often suffer from

extreme poverty and hunger, as well as a lack of access to basic services like healthcare and education. This contributes to growing inequality and stifles economic growth, which can lead to conflicts.

To combat climate change, there have been efforts to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. One example is the Hari Krishna Group, which has planted more than 2.5+ million trees as “A Gift to Motherland.” By doing so, the group aims to reduce greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. We plant tree on the occasion of birthday of our family members. Also we request every visitor to plant tree under their name. Such initiatives help in mitigating the impacts of climate change and work towards a sustainable future.

LIFE BELOW WATER

Apart from the trees plantation initiative, the Hari Krishna Group has undertaken various other initiatives to contribute towards a sustainable environment. One such initiative is the creation 100+ manmade lakes in Gujarat under the project name “Hari Krishna Sarovar”. This project aims to create 100+ lakes by 2025 and by 2022 we already have achieved our target and established 111 lakes. This will not only enhance the local ecosystem but also provide a source of water to nearby communities.

By undertaking such initiatives, the Hari Krishna Group is working towards making the world a better place to live and enjoy. The group also aims to spread awareness about conserving and sustainably using the oceans, rivers and marine resources.  These water bodies cover 70% of the planet and provide essential resources such as food, energy, and water. However, human activity is

endangering these ecosystems and affecting the livelihoods of billions of people.

The Hari Krishna Group believes that healthy rivers and canals are essential to human existence and life on earth. Therefore, the group has taken up several initiatives to conserve and sustainably use these water bodies. The ocean plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing around one quarter of the world’s annual carbon dioxide emissions. Hence, the Hari Krishna Group is making efforts to build a stronger ecosystem by contributing towards the preservation of the oceans and rivers. Through its various water initiatives, the Hari Krishna Group aims to create a positive impact on the environment and society.

Over million lives under water conserved

1000+ birds nurtured

LIFE ON LAND

During our constant training programs to all our employees, we always educate them on how terrestrial ecosystems provide a series of goods, raw materials for construction and energy, food and a series of ecosystem services including the capture of carbon, maintenance of soil quality, provision of habitat for biodiversity, maintenance of water quality, as well as regulation of water flow and erosion control, therefore contributing to reduce the risks of natural disasters such as floods and landslides, regulate climate and maintain the productivity of agricultural systems. Maintaining those ecosystems has greatly supported our in house climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts at Hari Krishna Group.

To Preserve diverse forms of life on land requires targeted efforts to protect, restore and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and other ecosystems, we at Hari Krishna Group has introduced “Kisna Nature Park” in 2020. It carries 45 different varieties of exotic birds, and 40 distinct species of marine creatures, and animals, KNP is a place that can help people rejuvenate themselves by spending time in nature away from the city hustle. The park provides a peaceful area to Meditate and do Yoga in the chirping sounds and pleasant vibes in the morning. All these efforts combined aim to ensure the conservation of biodiversity. It also provide benefits of land-based ecosystem, including sustainable livelihoods. This will be enjoyed for generations to come.

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

The promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies is a fundamental aspect of sustainable development, and it is essential for ensuring the well-being and safety of all individuals. At Hari Krishna Group, we strongly believe in providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels of society. We recognize that people from all backgrounds, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation, should be able to live their lives without fear of violence or discrimination.

Since our inception, we have always maintained a commitment to ensuring that our actions do not contribute to any form of injustice. Along with local governance authorities, we have consistently emphasized the importance of reducing levels of armed violence and

insecurity, as these factors can have a detrimental impact on a country’s development. We recognize that where there is conflict or no rule of law, sexual violence, crime, exploitation, and torture are prevalent, and we work tirelessly to find lasting solutions to these challenges.

At Hari Krishna Group, we work closely with governments, civil society, and communities to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity. Our employees play a crucial role in strengthening the rule of law, promoting human rights, combating corruption, and ensuring inclusive participation at all times. We recognize that building sustainable and peaceful societies requires a collective effort, and we are committed to playing our part in achieving this goal.

Zero non conformance throughout the year

Received special accreditation of UN Water conference 2023

PARTICIPATION FOR THE GOALS

We firmly believe that achieving sustainable development and reaching the SDGs cannot be done in isolation. Collaboration and partnerships are key to building a more resilient and prosperous future for all. As a responsible member of the diamond industry, Hari Krishna Group has actively sought out partnerships with like-minded organizations and institutions to promote sustainable development.

One of our key partnerships is with local non-profit organizations, which work on various social and environmental issues. By working closely with these organizations, we are able to identify and address specific challenges faced by the communities in which we operate. For example, we have partnered with a local NGO to provide access to clean drinking water to communities in a diamond mining area.

We are also an active member of our local chamber of commerce and trade associations. Through these partnerships, we are able to engage with other businesses and stakeholders to promote sustainable development in our industry and beyond.

In addition to these partnerships, we also support various charitable trusts and governmental initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development. For example, we have supported initiatives aimed at improving access to education and healthcare, and we have also partnered with government agencies to promote sustainable mining practices.

Through these partnerships and initiatives, Hari Krishna Group is making a significant contribution to revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.