Beautifying lives

Be it promoting sustainability and cruelty-free beauty, contributing significantly to ensure the health infrastructure for the underprivileged sections of society is well-cared for, or initiating some exclusive programmes for the beauty and wellness industry, Lotus Organics has made strides in several directions. And Shriyal Sethumadhavan delves into the detail of these.

The characteristics of the Lotus flower is a perfect analogy for the human condition: Even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower! True to this saying and having adopted the name of the flower in its identity, Lotus Herbals has been working towards beautifying the society, its people and the beauty and wellness industry in several ways.

In the words of Nitin Passi, Joint Managing Director, Lotus Herbals: “Compassion for humanity is deeply rooted within the DNA of Lotus. We reach out to underserved communities by transcending business interests and grappling with the “quality of life” challenges that underserved communities face; we continue to make a meaningful difference in the world. My active strategy for the socio-economic life welfare of the beauty industry is based on three pillars:- income, education and occupation.

I believe beauty brands can follow suit collectively to make active contributions to the social and economic development of the communities in which we operate. In doing so, they can work with the utmost dedication to build a better, sustainable way of life for the underprivileged sections of society and raise the country’s human development index. This is brought to life where one of the Lotus Brands, SoulTree, works with women farmers in Uttarakhand and various NGO’s that promotes employment opportunities and fair wages to local communities in the hilly terrain. An exemplary step would be to share a significant contribution of our earnings for those who need it more than us! Another step could be vocational support, affiliate programmes, and community engagement activities. For example, we have developed the ‘I am LP Club’, which has connected thousands of beauticians and hairdressers and provided them with growth opportunities. Thus, we endeavour continuously to build a better tomorrow, one step at a time-a future where everyone is cared for with sensitivity.”

Celebrating sustainability

In its most recent news, Lotus Organics+ associated with The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to celebrate sustainable September with a high decibel digital campaign #caretoliveorganic that commenced across digital platforms. Lotus Organics+ and its brand ambassador Dia Mirza vouch for the power of nature, sustainability and organic living as the driving forces to sustenance. Fifty limited edition pinewood boxes were created with Lotus Organics+ Bakuchiol range of organic skincare products. The boxes were crafted from pinewoods and contained India’s first 100 per cent Certified Organic Bakuchiol range of skincare products. All sales proceeds of these boxes between 1 September and 19 October 2021went to Wildlife Trust of India. “The campaign garnered a significant share of voices to champion the cause of cruelty-free and sustainable beauty and to raise awareness about the dangers of climate change and its impact on wildlife,” says Passi.

Supporting health infrastructure

During the pandemic, the company also contributed significantly to ensure that the health infrastructure for the underprivileged sections of society is well-cared for. Lotus Herbals (LHPL) collaborated with Jeewan Hospital to install a state-of-the-art Oxygen Generator Plant to enhance oxygen supply in the national region. Located at an Ashram in New Delhi, Jeewan Hospital is committed to serving the poor and needy. With the installation, the company successfully achieved a landmark commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lesser privileged sections of society. This has been initiated through a cohesive action between Lotus Herbals and Young Presidents Organisation, Delhi Chapter, which will facilitate the permanent supply of oxygen for the medical needs of the hospital.

‘We are Lotus!’

“This is an initiative that blooms from the heart and cascades through every possible support channel,” says Passi. As a continuum to LHPL’s three-pronged strategy of ‘care-connection-compassion’, the brand has further strengthened its initiatives and activities. In these challenging times, it has prioritised the health and well-being of its employees, associates and their families.

COVID-19 Employee Assistance Policy: To reassure its employees and support them in these difficult times, this policy was announced. The company would provide enhanced medical expenses above regular medical insurance. Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of permanent/partial disability due to COVID-19, the company would render job assurance and assist post-treatment rehabilitation. Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of any employee succumbing to COVID-19, the company would support the family with a continued salary for up to two years and take full responsibility for the employee’s children’s education till graduation.

COVID-Business Associate Assistance Policy: To support all its trade associates to sail through difficult times, this policy was announced, under which, the company’s trade associates would get extensive benefits, ranging from enhanced medical coverage for salon and spa professionals, special COVID-19 health insurance cover for distributor sales representatives in the supply chain.

Community welfare:

• LHPL has also significantly donated their sales proceeds for COVID-19 relief work via their CSR division-Lotus Foundation proudly standing for beauty, belief, bravery and blessing!

• Given scholarships to two students of LAD College, Nagpur, for doing post-graduation in Cosmetic technology.

• Contributed to up-gradation of labs of Cosmetic Department of LAD College, Nagpur.

• The organisation also contributes each year to the SPARSH Project of Rotary Southend Trust to maintain a pediatric dialysis centre in Batra Hospital, Delhi.

‘I am LP’ Club is coming up with yet another initiative - known as the ‘Saarthi’ – between October-December 2021.

• In sports, the company has contributed to the Golf Foundation for extending financial support in the form of training, coaching, equipment purchase and payment of monthly stipend to budding youngsters, who otherwise cannot afford to play the sport.

• Enhanced medical coverage for beauticians and aestheticians across the country while standing in solidarity with salon and spa professionals.

Coming up next!

Lotus Professional had launched exclusive programmes through the ‘I am LP (Lotus Professional) Club’ to provide moral, vocational skill development and financial support to its associate beauticians and aestheticians throughout the year. “This is one of India's First close-knitted community to help its partners and beauticians learn, grow, and achieve success,” says Passi. Also, with its recently concluded India’s biggest Online Quiz competition in the professional skincare industry with over 18,000 beauticians participating, ‘I am LP’ Club is coming up with yet another initiative -known as the ‘Saarthi’ – between October-December 2021. Mission Saarthi will ambitiously aspire to reach out to more than 50,000 beauticians and give them a chance to showcase their skills, helping them to achieve their long-pending life goals and be rewarded in that process.

This initiative is to appreciate the efforts and abilities of the skilled professionals across the beauty and wellness industry and constantly motivate them to keep up the excellent work.