The Art of Man-making: ‘Human beings are social animals; selfishness will not take you far’

She may no longer be associated with Apeejay Education Society, but even almost a decade later, she lives by the principles of kindness and empathy. Meet Anchal Srivastava, an alumna of Apeejay Institute of Technology-School of Architecture and Planning, who is working as a senior analyst-Carbon and Sustainability with Infinite Solutions, who won the coveted Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values back in 2014

“I am a climate warrior skilled in research and development, designing, planning, project management, client interaction, sales, and various software like GIS, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Microsoft Office, and SPSS. And my journey in the field at the age of 13. I am inclined towards research, analysis, and development to gain a better understanding of climate science, impacts, and challenges, as well as being a part of a team working towards an energy-efficient environment,” Srivastava said.

Excerpts from an interview.

When and how did you win the Dr Stya Paul Award for Human Values?

It was back in 2014. I was studying at Apeejay Institute of Technology-School of Architecture and Planning (AIT-SAP), I think I was in my third year. We had heard about the awards and they were given to students who have demonstrated human values. I remember that there were a couple of interviews. They asked various questions. I remember being asked to pass on the stapler kept at the desk to another person who was sitting on the interview panel which I did. Later, I came to know that was also a part of the interview process. And the way I passed the stapler was probably what clinched the deal in my favour.

Do you remember how you passed the stapler?

It is still as clear as if it happened yesterday. I passed the instrument with the blunt side toward the person. In other words, the sharp end was toward me. And believe it or not, I follow this even today. So, in the case of the stapler, the side from where you punch is the side that faced me. Not only this, I have made sure that all my juniors do the same. It was not just about the stapler, I don’t pass on any instrument with sharp ends toward the recipient.

Tell us about your work.

I am working as an analyst for carbon and sustainability with Infinite Environmental Solutions. I am assisting the team in closing multiple deals worth $ 500,000 plus from various projects and methodologies. Other projects include sustainability reporting, ESG reports, BRSR, Assurance, GHG Footprint, and Carbon Neutral Events. As a member of a technical team, I just filed a “Bio-digester Project” under Gold Standard. My task was to aid with methodology selection, completing ER Calculation sheets, and preparing all of the necessary documentation for successful registration. I am also assisting newly hired employees with mentorship.

Now that you are working, is it still possible for you to do these acts of kindness?

Absolutely. I believe in mission sustainability and call myself a climate warrior. And being a climate activist, I have to make sure that all my social protocols and social aspects are also covered in which kindness and empathy become the pillar of any organisation, whichever I am working toward.

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“People need to understand what connects us to our roots. Human beings are social animals and can’t survive in isolation. It requires social connections, requires networking, and it requires you to be kind. Being selfish has not taken anyone ahead”

–Anchal Srivastava, Alumna of Apeejay Institute of Technology-School of Architecture and Planning

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Do you think these values still hold water today?

People need to understand what connects us to our roots. Human beings are social animals and can’t survive in isolation. It requires social connections, requires networking, and it requires you to be kind. Being selfish has not taken anyone ahead. So, when you’re in school or college, you know to be part of various activities or initiatives that are going on. And how do you do that? I believe in walking the talk. So, if I am walking the dog then it’s easier for me to show how to do this.

What is the role that your parents have played in the development of these human values?

My parents have been my inspiration. There was a time when we used to sleep on the railway platform as well. But I never saw them being selfish. I’ve seen them using their ethics and they’re still succeeding in life only via hard work and smart work. Also, I have a huge joint family, and the ethics and values that were taught to me, I have taken them ahead in my married life – be it my daughter or my in-laws or my grandmother-in-law or grandfather-in-law. Sometimes you may feel that there are things that may bring you down, but then you look at these protocols that you have grown up with and draw strength from that and move forward.

What are some of the activities that you were doing back at Apeejay that you’ve continued?

I am involved with everything – be it community service, working with NGOs, or helping the newer communities. I was part of the team that designed the river-centric policies so that all cities across are connected; it got accepted by all states last year. In Madhya Pradesh, we provide families with better clean cooking alternatives. I have been a volunteer at SPCA and HSA Noida. I have taken care of and assisted injured street animals, to help them live longer and healthier. I have also been helping with the adoption of street pups and assisting injured animals through these organisations.