“The more you love, the more you radiate positivity”

On June 06, 2021, we were privileged to have a one on one with Dr. Raghavan Seetharaman, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Bank since 2007, a prominent personality in the banking industry throughout the Middle East, an economic expert who has achieved remarkable success for his contributions to banking, trade, investment, economics, environment, social responsibility, philanthropy, and charity. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a certificate in IT systems and Corporate Management, whilst being a Gold medalist in his graduation Bachelor of Commerce. He is the recipient of multiple doctorates from leading universities of the world, including three PhD’s which includes a PhD in “Economic Implications of Global citizenship” by Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, a PhD in Global Governance by European University and a PhD in Green Banking and Sustainability from the Sri Sri University. In 2017, he was recognized and conferred by the Government of India with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honor conferred on overseas Indians by the Government of India. Dr. R. Seetharaman was honored with the “Green Economy Visionary Award” in 2016 by the Union of Arab Banks for his contribution in promoting Green economies. He was also honored with the “Global Excellence Award in Renewable Energy 2017” by the Energy and Environment Foundation. He was conferred with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by The Banker Middle East to honor his contribution to industry and his support for the environment and the business. He was also conferred the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Institute of Directors at the Global Summit. He has been named “Best CEO in the Middle East” Six times in the last 15 years. He is a prominent personality in the banking industry throughout the Middle East and being a high-profile economist, he is invited, on a regular basis, by international media such as BBC, CNN, FOX, CNBC, Sky News, ABC, and Bloomberg to share his views.

Dr. Ash Pachauri the POP senior mentor requested Dr. Seethraman to share his understanding on how young people can embrace their values despite the challenges being faced by this generation so as to be proactive towards positive change. Dr. Seethraman commended the intelligence and tools available for the young people in this day. He spoke about an anger filled generation and brought to light about how anger and happiness are a self-made decision; young people ought to keep a balanced temperament. He encouraged young people to radiate and set positive chemicals within their bodies, urged young people to focus on the long-term and not short-term. And above all; focus on self and not compare oneself to others.

Priyanka Parkash from Dubai currently in India asked about green economy, banking and sustainability focusing on how various stakeholders can be convinced to adopt green economy and banking so as to attain sustainability to which Dr. Seethraman said that unless the green economy is enhanced, a sustainable future is guaranteed. He also said that the existing crisis only opens our eyes to the need of global corporations and encourages investment in projects that are sustainable.

Priyanka Parkash and Heer Desai from India shared a common concern on how stakeholders in business do not give attention to the planet but rather on profit and wanted to know how they can be made to come on board to which Dr. Seethraman said that with all that is going on, society is at stake. Therefore, focus ought to be put on social management. People need to realize that it cannot be profitable especially when many are affected in society due to its existence.

Komal Mittal from India sought advice on how to enable youth to bring a sustainable change to which Dr. Seethraman responded saying, “Your future belongs to you. Focus on building a better world”. He said that youth need to understand SDGs and build a collaborating world in attaining them as it ought to be an everyone’s game other than an individual journey. He emphasized saying; If you enrich society, you’ll enrich yourself.

Ayushman Mishra from India expressed his concern on how countries are focusing on other problems in society and are failing to address issues on climate change. He wanted to know how nations can build a green economy for a sustainable future to which a response was given “We are living in an interconnected world and are global citizens. We need to realize what is happening in any part of the world because whatever happens will affect others. So the global framework of policies has to change so that each other’s burden is lessened”. With all these strategies on board people have to channel thoughts towards being more inclusive.

In conclusion, Heer Desai from India asked about how the public can know if we are investing in environmental unfriendly causes tailoring towards the green economy. Dr. Seetharaman put emphasis on social disclosure by donors on how much they are investing for whatever cause and their ability to show how much they are contributing towards sustainability.