Mahindra Group’s green energy and mobility breakthroughs under Anand Mahindra set global benchmarks in sustainable, inclusive industrial transformation
In a world increasingly driven by conscious capitalism, Anand Gopal Mahindra stands out—not only as a business titan but as a voice of reason and responsibility. As Chairman of the Mahindra Group, he continues to guide a century-old Indian conglomerate into a future where sustainability, social impact, and innovation serve as its defining pillars. Under his stewardship, the group has grown into a global brand that dares to lead—not follow—in shaping what a purpose-driven business can look like.
At the Forefront of Renewable Energy
In recent years, the Mahindra Group has advanced some of its most ambitious ventures in renewable energy and climate resilience. Spearheading this mission is Mahindra Susten, the Group’s clean energy arm, which in 2024 announced a landmark ₹35,000 crore investment in a solar-wind hybrid project in Maharashtra. Designed to generate over 5 GW of clean energy through co-located solar (52 MW) and wind (101 MW) installations, the initiative is one of the largest corporate-backed green energy projects in India.
The scope is immense. The energy produced will directly power Mahindra’s automotive operations, reducing fossil fuel dependency and propelling the Group towards its decarbonisation goals. It is also expected to offset more than 420,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, contributing significantly to India’s climate targets under the Paris Agreement. With its scale, foresight, and engineering finesse, this project sets a new benchmark for the private sector’s role in environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile in Karnataka, it has committed ₹40,000 crore to a multi-pronged sustainable development initiative encompassing solar and hybrid infrastructure, advanced electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, and eco-sensitive tourism circuits in historically rich locations like Gokarna and Hampi. These integrated efforts are projected to generate 8,000+ green jobs by 2030 and transform Karnataka into a showcase for green industrialisation and community upliftment.
Driving India’s EV Future
Few names in India’s auto industry command as much credibility in electric mobility as Mahindra. Guided by Anand Mahindra’s belief in the transformative potential of green technology, the Group’s automotive division is poised to disrupt the EV market with scale and intent.
In 2025, Mahindra is gearing up to launch the XUV 3XO EV, a sleek compact SUV featuring a 400-kilometre range and built-in safety tech. The model is expected to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with industry favourites like Tata’s Nexon EV, appealing to the aspirational yet sustainability-minded urban Indian.
At the same time, production is being scaled across the BE 6E and XEV 9E models, aiming for a monthly output of 10,000 units by 2026. These vehicles form part of a larger ecosystem investment in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and digital mobility platforms—crafted with a clear focus on access, affordability, and environmental responsibility.
Backed by R&D partnerships and a robust localisation strategy, Mahindra is also investing heavily in its domestic supply chain. In doing so, the company is reinforcing the government’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat—a self-reliant India—without compromising on global standards.
Breaking Ground in Aerospace and Defence
Mahindra’s narrative of innovation is not confined to roads and rooftops. In 2024, Mahindra Aerospace announced significant progress in its pursuit of high-tech aerospace and defence manufacturing, including the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aircraft components. With ₹500 crore earmarked for R&D in Karnataka, these initiatives are designed to amplify India’s strategic independence in aerospace, while nurturing highly skilled employment in advanced engineering.
It’s an extension of Mahindra’s broader mission: building not only businesses but national capabilities that anchor India’s role as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
A Commitment to Social Change
If Mahindra’s industrial achievements are impressive, its social investments are equally impactful. Anand Mahindra has consistently advocated a philosophy where corporate success and social good are two sides of the same coin. The Group’s approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) goes far beyond compliance—it is a catalyst for real-world transformation.
Project Nanhi Kali: Education for the Girl Child
Launched in 1996, Project Nanhi Kali is Anand Mahindra’s flagship initiative supporting the education of underprivileged girls. Over the years, it has impacted around 9 lakh girls across 15 states, working through more than 7,600 government schools with the support of over 18,000 women tutors drawn from local communities. Each year, the project reaches more than 180,000 girls, providing them with academic support, life skills training, and essential school materials to ensure they not only remain in classrooms but thrive within them.
Nanhi Kali also focuses on holistic development, having formed over 1,000 football teams to encourage sportsmanship, confidence, and teamwork. Its reach spans 70% rural, 22% urban, and 8% tribal communities, ensuring inclusivity across geographies. Beyond academics, the initiative is a catalyst for long-term societal change—empowering girls to continue their education, enter the workforce with confidence, and ultimately uplift families and communities for generations to come.
The Naandi Foundation: Building Futures at Scale
As Chairman of the Naandi Foundation, Anand Mahindra also steers one of India’s most respected non-profits. Operating over 6,300 education centres and 2,200 skilling hubs, Naandi reaches more than a million young Indians annually. Its projects span education, nutrition, and biodynamic agriculture, supporting both urban youth and rural farmers.
One standout initiative is the Midday Meal Programme, which has already served over a billion meals in government schools. Alongside nutrition, Naandi promotes sustainable farming practices, helping smallholder farmers access new markets and secure stable livelihoods.
Tech Mahindra Foundation: Volunteering as Culture
Within the IT wing, the Tech Mahindra Foundation has institutionalised volunteering as a corporate value. Over 60,000 employees commit 10% of their work hours annually to causes like digital literacy, vocational training, and supporting people with disabilities. It’s a powerful demonstration of how purpose can be embedded into everyday work culture, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
Sustainability as Strategy
Environmental sustainability isn’t a footnote at Mahindra—it is central to long-term business strategy. The Group is a signatory to the RE100 initiative, aiming to source 100% of electricity from renewables. By FY26, it expects to reach 60% renewable energy usage across its operations, through in-house solar and wind assets.
Manufacturing units are increasingly adopting circular economy principles, including water recycling, waste reduction, and green building certifications. These efforts have secured Mahindra positions on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the CDP Climate Leadership Index, elevating the Group’s global standing in ESG excellence.
Governance with Vision
Mahindra’s leadership model—driven by Anand Mahindra’s inclusive and ethical governance—focuses on sustainable value creation. Growth targets of 15–20% annually are met through a mix of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, with a sharp focus on emerging markets and innovation-driven sectors.
Board-level governance reflects global best practices, including diverse representation, robust risk management, and transparent reporting. These factors have helped maintain stakeholder confidence across international markets.
Beyond boardrooms, Mahindra continues to engage in international policymaking forums, including roles with the UN Global Compact and the World Bank Advisory Council, where he advocates responsible capitalism on a global stage.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead for the Mahindra Group is paved with green ambition and deep-rooted values. With its strategic investments in clean energy, electric mobility, aerospace, and social upliftment, the Group is crafting a blueprint for future-ready enterprise—one that delivers value not only to shareholders but to society at large.
Anand Mahindra’s leadership is a case study in what it means to lead with both vision and conscience. In an era dominated by short-term gains and market noise, he represents a quieter kind of power—measured, ethical, and profoundly impactful.
And for those tracking the trajectory of modern India, the Mahindra story isn’t merely a business success. It is a reminder that when driven by purpose, enterprise can become a force for collective good—and leave a legacy far beyond balance sheets.
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