- Can you please give an overview of your professional background leading up to and including your current
role?
I have cultivated a diverse and dynamic professional journey that has equipped me with a robust skill set and a
keen understanding of multifaceted business environments. My educational foundation was laid with a B.Sc.
(Hons. in Business and Management) from IILM, New Delhi, in association with Bradford University, UK.,
complemented by an Associate of Arts degree from Landmark College, Putney, VT, USA. I’ve honed my
entrepreneurial skills through management development programs, including the “Emerging Leaders Programme”
from London Business School and “Effective Communication for Managerial Success” from IIM – Lucknow.
For over a decade, I’ve been an integral part of the JK Group, a prominent industrial conglomerate involved in
various businesses, including Paper and Boards, Cement, Tyres & Tubes, V-belts, and more. My roles have included
marketing for the paper business, overseeing cement manufacturing, and venturing into innovative areas like 3D
Printing Services and a successful restaurant. I’ve been a Director on the company’s Board since 2018 and took on
the position of Director & CEO on January 31, 2023. Concurrently, I serve as a Director on the Board of Param
Shubham Vanijya Ltd. My journey reflects a commitment to growth, innovation, and strategic leadership. I’m
dedicated to steering our organisation toward sustained success and excited to leverage my extensive experience
to achieve this vision. - What have been some of the significant highlights of Udaipur Cement Works’ history?
UCWL, a trailblazer in the cement industry, has redefined industry benchmarks by drawing upon its rich heritage.
We take great pride in our role as pioneers of excellence, where tradition harmonizes with innovation to shape a
future built on resilience and prosperity.
Our dedication to excellence is underscored by our attainment of ISO certifications across critical domains,
including Environmental Management (ISO 14001), Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001), Energy
Management (ISO 50001), and Quality Management (ISO 9001) Systems. Beyond industry standards, we diligently
gauge our carbon and water footprint, aligning with ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14046 standards. This meticulous
attention to detail highlights our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that we not only meet but surpass
industry benchmarks in our pursuit of environmental stewardship and corporate distinction.
In alignment with our commitment to global climate change initiatives and our obligations at COP26, UCWL is
embarking on a transformative journey towards procuring sustainable energy sources. A substantial proportion,
48%, of our electricity needs are now fulfilled through eco-friendly and renewable sources, notably Solar and
Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS).
During the fiscal year 2021-22, we achieved a significant milestone by expanding our solar power generation
capacity by 4.35 MW, increasing it from 10.1 MW to an impressive 14.45 MW. This expansion harnessed around
6000 MWh of green energy through this solar addition, which contributes in reduction of CO2 emission by 4860
MT/Annum and there is saving of 2.2 lakhs tree with this CO2 reduction. In Jan’23 we have also commissioned
floating solar of 1 MW capacity in our mines at UCWL, which is first of its kind in Rajasthan and in Indian cement
industry, which will further help us to generate around 15 lakhs units/annum of electricity and there will be
multiple benefits like reduction in CO2 by 1215 MT/annum and saving of around 55 thousands trees, in addition to
it this floating solar will save water evaporation around 8000 M3/Year.
Sustainability has always been the bedrock of our business ethos, and we remain resolute in adopting practices
that will forge a greener future for forthcoming generations. As part of this commitment, we have commissioned a
groundbreaking floating solar project in our UCWL mines pit, a pioneering endeavor in Rajasthan. This unique
initiative not only yields renewable electrical energy but also conserves water previously lost to evaporation.
Moreover, we have placed a strong emphasis on enhancing our water positivity index. As of FY23, we are 4.0 times
water positive, with a target to achieve 5 times water positivity by FY25. Additionally, we have set an ambitious
goal to attain a 20% TSR (Thermal Substitution Rate) by FY30, further bolstering our efforts to curtail greenhouse
gas emissions.
To elevate our sustainability journey, we have actively engaged in various memberships and committed to several
initiatives:
SBTi (Science-Based Target initiative): We are unwavering in our commitment to limit the global temperature rise
to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels and pledge to attain net-zero targets.
RE100: Our aspiration is to fulfill 100% of our total electrical energy requirements from renewable energy sources
by 2040, extending this commitment to our Group level.
EP100: As part of the EP100 membership, we aim to double our energy productivity by 2040 compared to the
baseline year 2015, also at the Group level.
UN Global Compact: Our membership in the UNGC underscores our dedication to showcasing progress aligned
with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
GCCA-India: At the Group level, we have joined GCCA-India to align our sustainability objectives with those of the
Indian cement industry.
At UCWL, our approach to sustainability is comprehensive, and our commitment to crafting a greener future for
upcoming generations remains steadfast.
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