We continue to witness untold misery all over the country due to the pandemic. There is much at stake during these difficult times. We also see and witness the generous, giving heart of many in many forms. May we not be immune to the cries and groans of our countrymen. May we rise up to lend the much-needed help to the ones that need it the most. May our spirits be stirred up to do as much as we can. May we applaud the ones who have been selflessly giving their time, energy and resources to touch the lives of many across the country during this critical period.
Mankind Pharma
Amidst multiple tales of the struggle for survival in the ongoing global COVID-19 crisis, Mankind Pharma has been supporting the community and frontline workers fighting against the deadly virus. With similar thoughts, the company has now stepped up and applauded the heroic tale of Jyoti Kumari by offering Rs One Lakh aid to the lion-hearted girl.
Rajeev Juneja, CEO Mankind Pharma says, “Mankind Pharma is standing by everyone in this unprecedented crisis. Mankind salutes the selfless love and commitment of Jyoti Kumari for her parents. She had cycled for eight long days to cover 1200 km journey from Gurgaon (Haryana) to Darbhanga ( Bihar) to help her ill father reach home. We are proud of her as she overcame all hurdles to achieve her aim. Her mental toughness and sheer determination must be rewarded. We would like to support her in a manner that will help her achieve greater heights in life. We hope with our little support she can fulfil her dreams and become a role model for others to follow.”
Jyoti Kumari said, “I thank Mankind Pharma for their support and look forward to completing my studies. This has motivated me to pursue my goal and also take care of my family.”
Mankind Pharma has been involved in the country’s fight against the pandemic in several ways. Besides producing affordable medicines, it has donated ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medicines to the States. Now Mankind has supported 15-year-old Jyoti Kumari, who cycled 1,200 km with her ailing father riding pillion, from Gurugram to her home in Bihar amidst the lockdown.
The company has also donated INR 51 Crore to the CM Care Fund last month. In addition to this, all employees of Mankind Pharma also contributed one day’s salary for the relief fund.
Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd.
The world is grappling with a situation that has taken everyone off guard; pervading every facet of our lives. Care is one of Nuvoco’s core values and a key element of its Operating Philosophy; and is reflected in compliance to health, safety, community, and environmental ethics; in the letter as well as spirit. Nuvoco considers providing a safe and healthy working environment for its employees and associates its inherent responsibility; more so during this pandemic.
Nuvoco has cement manufacturing facilities in Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, and through them, the organisation has also reached out to the local communities and contributed in terms of food packets and essential supplies. Moreover, they are also extending a helping hand to the local communities through their sales forces and over 60 ready-mix concrete (RMX) operations across the countries. Employees across locations have contributed a day’s salary towards relief funds.
Nuvoco has implemented a process where they daily track the wellbeing of their employees across locations
All plants have identified and prepared dedicated isolation rooms to tend to anyone diagnosed with any of the COVID19 symptoms.
Plant teams are also reaching out to neighbouring communities and working with the local administration to supply food packets and other essential services where needed.
Nuvoco has taken up initiatives under the safety aspect to identify and recognise those who put themselves in harm’s way in order to serve the colony residents during these difficult times; ‘Heroes of the Day’ is one such initiative. Two ‘heroes’ are nominated on a daily basis and they also receive a token cash prize from the plant’s Core Management Committee This appreciative gesture has gone down well with the workers and has spurred them on to put up their best efforts.
The lockdown period has brought to the fore a number of creative solutions – teams and functions have come together to design in-house a fogging-cum-sanitization device, which has helped maintain the sanitisation activity covering entire colonies of staff, labour, market area, post office, bank, etc.
Ingersoll-Rand
Ingersoll Rand, a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable and efficient environments, has through its group companies in India (“Ingersoll Rand”) extended its support to the government of India in its ongoing fight against COVID-19 by supporting critical industries and manufacturing units. The group is adhering with the government of India’s health and safety guidelines – to support the functioning of critical industries like hospitals, medical equipment, pharmaceutical, PPE manufacturing companies, food and beverages. Ingersoll – Rand (India) Limited has announced that it has donated a total sum of INR One Crore towards the PM-CARES Fund. As a voluntary drive, Ingersoll Rand employees have also contributed a part of their salaries, adding up to a total of INR Six Lakh for this novel initiative.
Supporting critical industries
Ingersoll-Rand’s dedicated teams have been working round-the-clock to support its customers across critical industries like Hospitals, medical equipment, pharmaceutical, PPE manufacturers, food and beverages through the lockdown period enabling them to function without hassle. With the new norms of allowing opening of manufacturing units with a limited staff, Ingersoll Rand has its factories functioning across India to ensure a quicker turn-around.
Safety of employees a priority
Ingersoll-Rand is driving awareness campaigns for its employees across India to help them join office and factory units without any anxieties or worries. The Company is also sending regular communication to guide employees to adopt the best hygiene practices to remain safe.
Abiding by the government of India and WHO’s guidelines, Ingersoll Rand is ensuring social distancing and the availability of PPE kits for the employees across the manufacturing units and offices.
Commenting on the initiative, Amar Kaul, Chairman and Managing Director, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited said, “As a responsible and committed corporate, we have always tried to support the right causes that directly impact people at large- be it collaborating with NSDC or working with organizations like SMILE Foundation and Akshaya Patra Foundation. In these tough times, it is important for corporates and people to come together and work with the government in its efforts to curtail COVID-19. While our teams work around the clock to support these critical industries, we are hopeful that the total donation of INR 1.06 Crore will further aid the government in its immediate relief measures for the people in need.”
The LEGO Group, Save the Children and NITI Aayog
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown has had a particularly adverse effect on children, impacting their mental, physical and psycho-social well-being. The LEGO Group, the world’s leading toy brand, in collaboration with two highly reputed organisations, NITI Aayog and Save the Children, has introduced targeted initiatives in India to promote ‘Learning Through Play’ and support home-based learning during these unprecedented times, while strengthening community efforts to respond to COVID-19. This is part of the LEGO Group and LEGO Foundation’s overall commitment of US $50 million globally to help children and their families impacted by COVID-19.
The LEGO Group has aligned with Save the Children to promote responsive care-giving and play-based learning practices for children aged 3-8 years both at state and national levels. This effort will help in strengthening communities to combat COVID-19 by providing educational kits and play materials for use at home as well as guiding parents and caregivers on hygiene and responsive caregiving. The initiative will also improve access to quality pre-school education through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and pre-school Centres when they re-open. It will focus on building capacity of pre-school Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) and ICDS functionaries to support the development and school readiness of young children.
In addition, synergising efforts, The LEGO Group will bring its global initiative ‘Let’s Build Together’ to India. As a part of its collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, the LEGO Group will provide readily available offline, online resources and play activities for students that foster creativity skills and inculcate design thinking. The LEGO Group will also explore training webinars to build capacities for ATL teachers to conduct effective online lessons for students and also webinars for students under AIM’s ‘Tinker from Home’ campaign.
Commenting on the collaboration, Vivek Jain, General Manager, The LEGO Group (BU India) said, “With schools being closed, the education of more than 1.5 billion children and youth worldwide have been affected due to this pandemic. Currently, many educators and parents are stepping into new roles at home to ensure that children are in good health both physically and mentally. Our aim is to urgently support crisis-affected children to enable them to thrive and continue to learn through play. Through our ‘Let’s Build Together’ initiative with Niti Aayog and our collaboration with Save the Children, our focus is ensuring that children of all ages can continue to be creative, to have fun and to develop the social, emotional and physical skills they need to thrive in the future.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Bidisha Pillai, CEO, Save the Children, India, said, “Save the Children is delighted to partner with the LEGO Group to promote early childhood development for children aged 3 – 8 years, by enhancing their skills through playful learning experiences. We firmly believe that play-based learning and positive parenting lays the foundation for providing children with the ‘Right Start’. In order to overcome the effects of COVID-19 crisis, we will start by supporting parents and caregivers with advice on caregiving at home, including providing home-based learning opportunities that will ensure children’s social, emotional and physical development. Save the Children and the LEGO Group share a common focus and together we will create a better, brighter world for children.”
Nihilent – Naya Hindustan – The COVID-19 Anthem
The COVID-19 pandemic has created massive disruptions across the world. For the last two months, the lockdown in India has altered the lives of people- socially, economically and emotionally.
As we embrace this new reality, this is also a time to reflect and ink a new future. With this unprecedented crisis, comes a great opportunity to heal ourselves, break barriers, blur boundaries, hasten compassion, empathy and togetherness. No doubt, this crisis has unified us all, and it is time to showcase this unity amid diversity of caste, religion and creed is the need of the hour. This is the time to foster humanity, love and light.
It is in this backdrop we curated ‘Naya Hindustan’ to visualise the new India – a country that is taming an invisible enemy. It’s a tribute to the countless COVID-19 warriors, the unsung heroes and a billion-plus people suspended on hope, united by courage and faith in humanity.
Music Director Hitesh Prasad ideated the concept, scored the music and penned the lyrics of this song and sung by leading playback singers. The project was supported by Nihilent, as a part of its Nihilent Cares – CSR initiative.
Quips LC Singh, Director & Executive Chairman, Nihilent, “Naya Hindustan is all about new India. It projects the idea of unity and harmony and the need for all of us to work as a collective. The video captures this essence and how this crisis has unified us all into much better human beings.”
Says KV Sridhar, Chief Creative Officer, Nihilent, “Naya Hindustan is the anthem for new India. A country on the grips of COVID-19 pandemic, yet demonstrating unbelievable resilience, courage and hope in these testing times. Indeed a humbling experience to be part of this initiative.”
Leading playback singers Bhumi Trivedi, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Toshi Sabri, Shraddha Pandit, including Hitesh Prasad had lent their voice with Raju Shankar (Piano) and Glen Fernandez ( Guitar). The video was directed by Kanishka Shankar and mixed and mastered by Tosif Shaikh. While music arranged and programmed by Raju Shankar and Sanjay Jaipurwale.
According to Hitesh Prasad, “I wrote and composed this music video to primarily showcase the communal harmony and motivate people of this country impacted by COVID-19 and lockdown in many different ways. The key message of this video I wanted to convey is my vision of ‘ New India’- a country that needs to rise above all our differences and be one in this hour of crisis. The lyrics capture this idea of peace, communal harmony, compassion and resilience to move forward. I also need to mention all the artists and singers in this video have done this as a purely social cause and thanks for Nihilent for supporting us with this initiative.”
Let’s create a Naya Hindustan!
Here is the link to the video – Naya Hindustan
Brookfield Properties
Brookfield Properties believes in adding value to everything that it does, be it on its business front or enriching communities in and around its regions of operations. ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) is an integral part of its core values and business operations globally and as a conscious corporate. The company has been contributing actively to CSR, including Education & Awareness, Food Relief & Health Services, Community & Rural Development, and Environment & Sustainability.
Since the current situation requires additional efforts from all of us, Brookfield Properties has additionally partnered with Samta Purushottam Agrawal Memorial Foundation and the Haryana Government for the recovery of COVID-19 victims by distribution of masks, dry ration & food. It has associated with Blue Chip Hospitality for providing 25,000 meals among migrant labourers and underprivileged individuals in Noida.
Moreover, 500 dry ration kits have been procured from Dmart for supplying to those in need in Mumbai and around 1000 workers employed at a wildlife sanctuary and national parks have been supported with ration kits with the help of Madhya Pradesh Tiger Foundation Society. The company also collaborated with Earth Saviour – Gurukul to support around 450 abandoned senior citizens, mentally disabled poor people, and migrant workers who live permanently in the NGO’s shelter home.
Annamrita Foundation
The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading rapidly through the length and breadth of the country. As per the official data, India has recorded over 1.25 lakh coronavirus positive cases and over 3500 deaths. Over 50,000 individuals have been recovered. Maharashtra has been the most affected state with over 40,000 positive cases and more than 1400 deaths.
Individuals who are underprivileged all around the world are struggling to make ends meet. The situation has been tough for migrant labourers and daily-wage earners during the lockdown as there has been no source of income.
Mumbai-based Annamrita Foundation is one of the largest organisation offering this services in this critical situation. The Foundation has launched a campaign #UnitedLikeKhichdi to fight the scourge of hunger among the most vulnerable sections of society. Reliance Foundation, Ajay Piramal led Piramal Foundation, Bajaj Group among others have been key enablers with the former having pledged uninterrupted supplies of groceries and food grains during the lockdown period. Even Bollywood and television celebrities like Hema Malini, Bhagyashree, Arjun Bijlani, Vivek Dahiya, among others have joined hand for a noble cause.
During the lockdown period since March 25, 2020 over 1.5 crore meals have been distributed through 21 kitchens across seven States – Maharashtra, New Delhi NCR, Haryana, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh in India at approx. three lakh meals per day.
Over 20 lakh meal packs have been distributed in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Jamshedpur, Delhi and Gurugram till date.
Dr Radha Krishna Das, Annamrita Foundation said, “Annamrita Foundation runs 21 kitchens across seven states which follows strict guidelines of hygiene and safety while preparing meals. Leveraging its unique ISO certified mass cooking technology, the power of a robust supply chain and industrial size kitchens, large quantities of meals are efficiently distributed to identified partner organisations/NGOs that have taken on the responsibility to ensure door-to-door delivery to the needy especially in slums. So far, we have overall used 451 tons of rice, 255 tons of pulses, 78 tons of cooking oil, 350 tons of vegetables, 23 tons of spices and 40 tons of salt to prepare these meals. We are committed to continuing to offer the same until the situation normalises.”
Apart from big organisations, a large number of individuals and corporate employees have come forward to pledge and donate amounts starting from as little as INR 100 to crores as per their capacity. The love and support from individuals have encouraged Annamrita Foundation to carry forward the noble task of feeding thousands of underprivileged people across the country.
Key donors for this initiative include Reliance Foundation, Ajay Piramal led Piramal Foundation, Rotary Club of Mumbai Queens Necklace, TajSats, Cipla, Bharat Petroleum, Bajaj, Thermax, Mahanagar Gas, JSW, TVS, Mafatlal, IIFL Finance, Pidilite, and other organisations and entrepreneurs.
Godrej Professional
Addressing concerns of the salon industry, Godrej Professional has announced the ‘Suraksha Salon Program’ to support salons for post-lockdown operations. Considering how COVID-19 has already heavily impacted the salon industry, the Salon Suraksha Program aims to help the Indian salon industry migrate to the new normal by enabling a safe in-salon ecosystem for both employees and customers. Suraksha Salon Program by Godrej Professional will provide all the necessary guidance, resources and updates to salon owners to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff and customers.
Castrol
Castrol India Limited salutes essential service workers at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19 as #IndiaFightsCorona. Castrol, through its network of independent workshops, is providing complimentary lubricants aimed at servicing and maintaining vehicles of essential service workers including doctors, nurses, paramedics, police, healthcare workers, municipal workers and garbage collectors who are bravely helping keep India safe.
In addition, Castrol India has also undertaken a complimentary sanitisation drive for its independent workshops network across ten cities. This sanitisation drive promotes a safe environment for the workshop mechanics and consumers as they make their way into everyday life with lockdowns being lifted in some parts of the country. The drive is accompanied by safety briefings and hygiene awareness at all these workshops.
Commenting on these initiatives, Sandeep Sangwan – Managing Director, Castrol India Limited said, “At Castrol, we pay tribute to essential service workers, our silent heroes, for their unwavering spirit and determination to protect the health and wellbeing of the people of India. As a responsible brand, we consider it our duty to support their extraordinary efforts and to keep them moving. Castrol India stands united with the country as #IndiaFightsCorona as we look to navigate through this human crisis together.”
Castrol has stepped up and made contributions to impacted communities in several ways during the last two months. The company has donated critical medical equipment like ventilators, ICU beds, sanitisers and PPE to hospitals across India. Castrol has touched the lives of over 62,000 mechanics and their families through monetary contributions amidst the national lockdown, besides extending support to stranded truckers through food packets at transportation hubs, along with groceries and dry rations to migrant workers and labourers across several States. The company has also provided protective gear to policemen and garbage collectors in key metros.
Fiinovation and Dhampur Sugar
Innovative Financial Advisors Pvt. Ltd. (Fiinovation) has partnered with Dhampur Sugar, one of the leading integrated sugarcane processing companies in India, to facilitate the distribution of essential nutritional supplies for the vulnerable communities and create awareness on measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. The project will be implemented in the slum areas of Delhi.
The primary aim of the intervention is to provide ‘Sampoorna Nutrition Kits’ that have been formulated to provide complete nutrition to the beneficiaries who are struggling to source sufficient food each day during the lockdown. These kits will comprise of dry ration and its nutritional profile will be monitored and documented. The project will also focus on raising awareness and busting myths around COVID-19 to ensure the safety of the beneficiaries. Household safety and essentials kits will be distributed among all the targeted households in order to encourage safe hygiene practices.
Roko Cancer Charitable Trust, a Delhi based NGO tirelessly working towards providing relief to the underprivileged society since the lockdown, will manage the on-ground implementation of the intervention. For the distribution of relief supplies, mobile vans and temporary distribution centres will be set up. For the elderly, differently-abled and other individuals who won’t be able to collect the relief material, deputed volunteers will do door-to-door deliveries and ensure no one is left.
Fiinovation has positively impacted the lives of thousands of people amid the COVID-19 crisis and continues to provide relief with the support of its partners throughout the country. Dr Soumitro Chakraborty, CEO, Innovative Financial Advisors Pvt. Ltd. (Fiinovation) while talking about the project said, “The global health crisis has affected us all, but the residents of slums and the informal settlements are suffering the most. Delhi has been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic and it is important for us to come together to support our community and help them cope with this unprecedented situation. Our relief efforts will not only help those facing food insecurity but will also spread awareness on the importance of precautionary measures to combat COVID-19.”
Nippon Paint
Nippon Paint (India) Private Limited (Decorative Division), Asia’s leading paint manufacturer today announced a Health insurance policy for its painter partners across India. Under this initiative, over 6000 painters will be protected against COVID-19. In the event of exposure to COVID-19, each insured painter will get an insurance cover with a flat benefit value of INR 20,000. The policy with a one-year validity will cover hospitalisation and other treatment expenses related to COVID-19 for all of the Insured painters.
Talking about the new initiative, S Mahesh Anand, President – Nippon Paint (India) Private Limited (Decorative Division) said, “COVID-19 has no doubt caused a great threat to the health of the general public but it is the daily wage workers such as painters, who have been impacted the most. While most salaried employees are covered under the Health insurance policies of their companies, workers like painters who come under the unorganised sector are most exposed to risks associated with COVID-19. Considering this factor, Nippon Paint is delighted to roll-out the health insurance policy which will cover our painter friends, should any COVID-19 emergency arise. As India prepares to slowly resume business operations, there is an even stronger need for such initiatives.”
Post Covid-19, Nippon Paint has launched numerous initiatives to touch the painter’s lives. Apart from this COVID Insurance cover, the company has also provided painters with Nippon Paint’s Amudha Surabhi (digital currency card) and e-vouchers, enabling them and their families to purchase essential commodities from their neighbouring Kirana and grocery stores. Nippon Paint has further launched PRO-safety painter certification as an addition to the Government’s safety guidelines. It is a checklist of safety protocols to be followed. Since painters will have to visit client homes to paint, this extra layer of safety measure will aid in ensuring the safety of both parties. Painters who pledge to adhere to all the necessary safety guidelines are provided with a PRO-safety painter certification, to encourage safe painting practices. Painters are encouraged to follow the safety protocol before entering a client’s home.