ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE

THE STRATEGIC INTERACTION BETWEEN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ESG

There are multiple layers of interaction between corporate governance and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) that require proper adoption, execution and monitoring to meet the objectives. One of the important cornerstones of this report is to analyze how companies engage in ESG based decisions and strategically influence stakeholders including investors, customers, their respective supply chains, and communities to involve in its active participation.

Since our inception, Happiest Minds has adhered to the highest levels of corporate governance as one of our fundamental tenets. A testimony to this is when the organization won the prestigious Golden Peacock for Excellence in Corporate Governance in 2022 by the Institute of Directors (IOD), which is qualified as the pinnacle award that publicly acknowledges the efforts of organizations in this direction.

Furthermore, we are also among the Top 100 Best Workplaces in India as well as the Top 50 Best Workplaces in Asia as per the survey conducted by Great Place to Work®(GPTW) in 2022 for creating High Trust, High-Performance Culture which is essential in Corporate Governance not just to foster long-term investment but to promote accelerated growth with more inclusive societies.

Happiest Minds has successfully implemented and executed the required ESG policies and requirements for the last two financial years well before it was mandated by The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the Government of India for Corporates to create an effective legal regulatory framework to better demonstrate their sustainability objectives, position, and performance for long-term value creation.

Understanding the "G" in ESG is essential because as social, political, and cultural views continue to change, governance risks and opportunities will also become significant. Happiest Minds evaluates governance factors in its ESG framework. The ESG and the CSR committee assess and oversee the 2030 roadmap and periodically report to the Executive Board and the Board of Directors.

We, as a mindful organization, have realized our commitment towards ESG through a key focus on resourcing for ESG initiatives and guiding their execution through a properly structured strategy. Our Company has also introduced and acted on ESG initiatives such as diversity and inclusion, mindfulness sessions, wellness training, etc.