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Harvinder Matharu
Sustainable Development Entrepreneur
Professional Background
Harvinder Matharu is an influential leader in the sustainability sector, renowned for his pivotal role in transforming how social institutions engage with and implement sustainable practices. As the founder of FarmerStory, Harvinder is dedicated to assisting organizations such as corporates, schools, colleges, societies, and hotels in achieving sustainability from within. He believes in the power of collaboration and partners with various social institutions to create meaningful impacts at multiple levels. His innovative approach to sustainability includes a range of initiatives designed to promote environmentally responsible choices and practices in everyday business operations.
At FarmerStory, Harvinder has developed several key programs aimed at promoting sustainability within organizations. These programs include offering sustainable office supplies—from cleaners to canteen supplies—that can be sourced from eco-friendly producers. By making these sustainable options readily available, Harvinder works to ensure that organizations can operate in a manner that is both environmentally conscious and practical.
A key feature of FarmerStory's vision is the establishment of Regular Sustainable Markets at office premises. These markets provide employees with opportunities to learn about and purchase sustainable goods, fostering a culture of sustainable living and encouraging right buying habits. Leveraging technology, especially in the post-COVID era, Harvinder has introduced innovative E-MARKETS, which have been successfully implemented to engage employees in meaningful ways and promote the importance of sustainable choices.
Further reinforcing FarmerStory’s mission, Harvinder actively engages with social entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, and women entrepreneurs through workshops and farm visits. These engagements create a dynamic platform for urban and rural audiences to come together, fostering knowledge exchange and deepening appreciation for sustainable practices. Harvinder’s commitment to bridging these gaps showcases his belief in the value of community and collaboration in promoting sustainability.
Another notable achievement of FarmerStory is the annual Impact Report, which Harvinder oversees. This report highlights how social institutions contribute to environmental sustainability, community welfare, and the support of social enterprises through responsible purchasing habits. This not only serves as a testament to the organizations' efforts but also acts as an encouragement for ongoing commitment towards sustainability.
Additionally, Harvinder emphasizes the importance of gifting practices that support holistic wellness. His initiative encourages individuals to buy community-made, handmade, and farm-fresh products, further promoting local economies and sustainable practices. Through FarmerStory, he aims to create sustainable gifting solutions that not only look good but do good for the communities they come from.
Education and Achievements
Harvinder's educational background has played a significant role in shaping his career. He holds a Master's degree in Marketing from IndSearch in Pune, a prestigious institution known for developing leaders in the business and marketing fields. Prior to his master's degree, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics from Modern Education Society's Nowrosjee Wadia College in Pune. This strong foundation in both science and marketing has allowed him to navigate the complexity of sustainable business successfully, marrying technical knowledge with strategic marketing insights.
Before launching FarmerStory, Harvinder served as the Head of Business Development at IDfy, a leading technology-based verification solutions provider. In this role, he honed his skills in strategic business development, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence. His experience at IDfy gave him substantial insight into organizational needs and the importance of ethical practices in business conduct, which he now brings to the table at FarmerStory.
Achievements
Harvinder Matharu has made significant strides in addressing sustainability challenges faced by social institutions. Through FarmerStory, he has initiated multiple projects that not only promote sustainable practices but also engender a culture of social responsibility.
- Sustainable Office Supplies: Under Harvinder’s leadership, FarmerStory provides all necessary supplies sourced from sustainable vendors, thus reducing environmental impacts and promoting eco-friendly practices.
- Sustainable Markets: Harvinder's introduction of regular sustainable markets enhances employee awareness and participation in sustainability initiatives, fostering a supportive community within organizations.
- Engagement with Social Entrepreneurs: The workshops and farm visits orchestrated by Harvinder bridge the urban-rural divide, facilitating fruitful interactions that emphasize the importance of sustainability and community support.
- Impact Reporting: The annual impact reports created by FarmerStory not only track contributions to sustainability but also educate and motivate organizations to continue their journey towards becoming more socially responsible.
- Holistic Wellness Gifting: Through the promotion of locally sourced and handmade gifts, Harvinder encourages ethical consumer behavior that supports local communities.
Through his passion and relentless commitment, Harvinder has established himself as a prominent advocate for sustainability in the business landscape, making FarmerStory a beacon for social institutions aiming for lasting change.
