Mahindra invokes 'manthan' to highlight Paris climate deal

Invoking the Indian mythological story of the great "manthan", Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said the world's transition to a greener way of life is happening through the Paris climate agreement that was struck after much churning.
Addressing world leaders from the iconic green lectern of the UN General Assembly hall here on the opening ceremony of the signing of the Paris Climate Change agreement, Mahindra said the occasion provides corporations the first step towards "visibly integrating our interests with the interests of the future of the planet.
"It is a responsibility because we have contributed to the problem and it is up to us to help mitigate it. It is also an opportunity because this mitigation givesbusiness a chance to redeem itself from the trust deficit it has been facing after the 2008 Occupy Wall Street movement," Mahindra said.

Mahindra was the sole representative from the corporate world to address the high-level signing ceremony and was among the dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, French President Francois Hollande, President of the General Assembly Mogens Lykketoft and UN Messenger of Peace Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio, who delivered opening remarks.
Invoking the story of the "manthan", the great churning of the cosmic ocean, Mahindra said wonderful things emerged at the end of the joint enterprise from the churned ocean such as 'Lakshmi', the Goddess of wealth and 'Amrit', the nector of eternal life.
"Our transition to a greener way of life is also happening after much churning," he said adding that indisputably "positive things" are beginning to emerge like the Paris agreement.

"At a symbolic level, the churning of the ocean also represents the churning of our inner consciousness. The signing of the agreement will demonstrate that the inner consciousness of nations and corporations has been indeed stirred," he said.

Noting that investments in renewable energy are outstripping investments in conventional energy for the first time, Mahindra said with the signing of the agreement, "We have today begun the process by which many brave new things will emerge from the churning and the ultimate Amrit or nector will undoubtedly be a more sustainable world that the human race will finally deserve to inherit."

Mahindra cited the efforts increasingly being taken by corporations around the world towards a greener planet and to address the issue of carbon limitation.
He said his group is investing 350 million dollars for a green revenue portfolio, terming it one of the "best investments the company ever made."
He also stressed that poor and most vulnerable must not
suffer further from a "problem they did not create".
While the international community was "breaking records" in the UNGA chamber with most countries signing an international agreement on one day, "records are also being broken outside.
"Record global temperatures. Record ice loss. Record carbon levels in the atmosphere," he said.

He urged countries to move quickly to join the Agreement at the national level so that the Paris Agreement can enter into force as early as possible.
"The era of consumption without consequences is over. We must intensify efforts to decarbonise our economies. And we must support developing countries in making this transition," he said.
The UN Chief said climate action is not a burden but can help the world eradicate poverty, create green jobs, defeat hunger, prevent instability and improve the lives of girls and women.
"Today you are signing a new covenant with the future. This covenant must amount to more than promises. It must find expression in actions we take today on behalf of this generation and all future generations; actions that reduce climate risk and protect communities; actions that place us on a safer, smarter path," he said.