Introduction
Welcome back to the Two Degrees Podcast, where every degree matters. In each episode, we speak with experts in climate action and sustainability to understand what’s changing globally and how leaders are creating real impact on the ground.
I’m your host, Anand Pathak, Founder and CEO of Fitsol.
Today, we’re excited to welcome Praveen Karn, a sustainability and CSR leader with over 15 years of experience in the field. Praveen currently heads the CSR and Sustainability division at Spark Minda Group.
Over his career, Praveen has received multiple accolades, including the National CSR Award, presented by the Hon’ble President of India (twice). He also serves on juries, advisory panels, and regularly contributes to policy discussions with government agencies.
Praveen Karn’s Journey into Sustainability
Praveen Karn:
I’ve been working in the CSR and sustainability sector for nearly 17 years now. It’s been a deeply fulfilling journey of continuous learning.
I was born and raised in Ranchi, in the state of Jharkhand, and spent my early years living close to tribal communities. Growing up, I observed stark differences in opportunities, livelihoods, and quality of life between communities. That experience shaped my perspective early on.
This led me to study Rural Development at XISS, Ranchi, by choice. From there, my journey into CSR and sustainability began—not as a profession, but as a purpose.
Observing Climate Change at a Local Level
One thing I’ve personally witnessed is how climate patterns have changed over time. Ranchi, which once never needed air conditioning, now does. Even traditionally cooler regions like Srinagar are seeing rising temperatures due to rapid construction and urbanisation.
These changes make climate action very real—not theoretical.
Defining His Sustainability Philosophy
If I had to describe my sustainability journey in three words, it would be:
- Learning
- Reason
- Sustenance
You need a vision to work in sustainability. You must understand carbon, water, waste, Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, water positivity, and climate risk—not just conceptually, but practically. Sustainability is about survival, both for businesses and the planet.
India’s Cultural Roots in Sustainability
While global regulations like CBAM are pushing compliance, India has always had sustainability embedded in its culture—through concepts like Panch Tatva (earth, water, fire, air, space).
We worship rivers, trees, and the sun because we understand that we sustain life through them. Interestingly, many practices the West is now adopting—like leaf plates—have existed in India for generations.
India’s policy direction, including the net-zero 2070 commitment, is a strong signal that we’re moving in the right direction.
How CSR Has Evolved in India
Earlier, CSR was largely philanthropic—focused on donations and charity. Post the Companies Act, 2013, CSR became structured, strategic, and outcome-driven.
Today, CSR programs are:
- Research-based
- Need-driven
- Measurable and time-bound
- Aligned with business sustainability
CSR now supports community resilience, workforce development, water security, and long-term business continuity.
Scope 3 Emissions & Supplier Engagement
At Spark Minda, Scope 3 emissions form a significant part of our footprint due to a large supplier base.
Our approach follows three steps:
- Awareness – helping suppliers understand why emissions matter
- Capacity building – enabling them to measure and monitor emissions
- Action – starting with low-hanging decarbonisation opportunities
Decarbonisation cannot be imposed; it must be enabled.
The Role of AI in Sustainability
AI is becoming critical in sustainability because:
- Data accuracy is non-negotiable
- Manual tracking across hundreds of suppliers is impossible
- Scope 3 mapping requires automation
AI helps convert fragmented data into actionable insights, enabling better planning and execution across the supply chain.
Rapid Fire Round
A sustainability resource you recommend?
A book I’m yet to write—documenting how climate, air, rain, and ecosystems have changed over my lifetime.
A leader who inspires you?
MS Dhoni—for his leadership and decision-making.
Most underrated sustainability challenge?
Treating sustainability as separate from business. It must be integrated into performance metrics and leadership accountability.
Advice for those entering sustainability careers?
Get grassroots exposure. Sustainability is learned through real-world engagement, not theory alone. This work benefits not just your career, but your family, community, country, and planet.
Closing
Anand Pathak:
Thank you, Praveen, for such a thoughtful and grounded conversation. Your insights on Scope 3, supplier enablement, and the cultural roots of sustainability were incredibly valuable.
Praveen Karn:
Thank you. It was an honour to be here, and I wish Fitsol the very best in driving meaningful sustainability outcomes.