CSR Initiative to Upgrade School Facilities in Chennai & Coimbatore
Native Medicare Charitable Trust (NMCT), with financial backing from NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and IT services, has successfully upgraded facilities in government schools across Chennai and Coimbatore. This partnership is part of NTT DATA’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, aimed at improving education and health infrastructure in underprivileged schools.
The initiative includes renovating classrooms, upgrading sanitation facilities, installing clean drinking water systems, and constructing midday meal sheds. Additionally, the program has introduced handwashing stations, and a capacity-building initiative focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) to foster better hygiene practices among students.
At a recent event, Gopa K, Vice President of NTT DATA, officially handed over newly constructed facilities for students to the Headmasters of the Government High Schools in Mugalivakkam and Poothapeta, Chennai, benefiting over 500 students. The handover was attended by Ms. Gayathri, State Coordinator of Namma School Namma Ooru Palli (NSNOP), and Mr. A. S. Sankaranarayanan, Managing Trustee of NMCT, along with members of the NTT DATA team.
Last month, similar enhancements were completed by NMCT with support from NTT DATA and handed over to the school management at Government Schools in Ashokapuram and Somayanapur, Coimbatore, benefiting 182 students. Additional projects benefitting 500 more students are underway and are expected to be completed by December.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. A.S.Sankaranarayanan, Founder & Manging Trustee, NMCT said, “NTT DATA, through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, is creating a tangible impact on Government schools in Tamil Nadu. This collaboration reflects NTT DATA’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and improving health and hygiene for students in the region.”
“At NTT DATA, our mission is to bridge the educational divide by ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality learning opportunities. We are honoured to have partnered with NMCT for several years, bringing positive changes to government schools. Together, we are fostering an educational ecosystem that empowers students to reach their full potential and inspiring a culture of lifelong learning,” said Gauri Bahulkar, Senior Director of Global Corporate Social Responsibility at NTT DATA.
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Planning to buy Gold this Dhanteras? Try Gold ETF instead
Gold holds a venerable position in Indian culture. Almost every significant festival, event or milestone in an Indian household is celebrated by purchasing some amount of gold. It has been estimated that Indian housewives hold about 11 per cent of the world’s gold, i.e. about 27,000 tons. To put this into perspective, the Reserve Bank of India holds over 800 tons of gold in its reserves. Even the gold reserves of the USA, the IMF, Switzerland, and Germany put together is not as big as the gold held by Indian households.
India mines less than 1 per cent of the total gold consumed by the country. The percentage of the gold consumed that comes after recycling is about 14-15 per cent. The remaining gold consumed by Indians has to be imported, which adds up significantly to the import bill of the country. This, in turn, is not that great for the economy. So why do we keep buying more and more gold?
Why is gold preferred over other investments?
Gold is one of the most trustworthy assets. If the economy is down, the inflation is rising, and markets are falling, the gold prices are set to be rising. Mainly because if people cannot trust to invest elsewhere, they invest in gold, increasing the demand for gold exponentially.
In current times, as we face economic uncertainties because of ongoing conflicts at a global level, the economy is suffering causing stock market prices to fall, and gold prices to rise.
What is an alternative to buying gold?
Most Indians, when considering investment in gold, prefer to buy physical gold in form of jewellery, or blocks. An alternative to this is investing in Gold ETF.
Just like individual stocks, investment funds known as ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are traded on stock exchanges. ETFs invest in a diverse range of assets, including currencies, commodities, stocks, and bonds. Specifically, gold ETFs invest in actual gold or derivatives of gold, including futures contracts, to track the development of the gold price.
Investors who invest in gold ETFs buy shares of the fund, which are traded on the stock market and whose value is based on the price of gold.
Gold ETFs offer an easy way to invest in gold without owning physical gold. Investors can easily buy and sell Gold exchange traded funds on the stock exchange, making them more liquid than physical gold. They also offer lower costs compared to other gold investment options.
List of the Best Gold ETFs to Invest in India
Here is an educational list of the 10 best gold ETFs for investment in the Indian Stock Market:
Gold ETFs |
1Y Returns |
---|---|
HDFC Gold ETF |
10.1% |
SBI Gold ETF |
9.4% |
ICICI Prudential Gold ETF |
9.7% |
Axis Gold ETF |
10.6% |
Kotak Gold ETF |
11.4% |
Aditya Birla Sun Life Gold ETF |
9.6% |
Nippon India Gold ETF |
9.5% |
Invesco India Gold ETF |
10.1% |
Quantum Gold ETF |
9.5% |
UTI Gold ETF |
10.7% |
Disclaimer: Please note that the above list is for educational purposes only, and is not recommendatory. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing.
Merck and Tinkle Partner to Launch Comic Books Raising Food Safety Awareness for Kids
Merck, a leading science and technology, today launched two engaging comic books in collaboration with Tinkle at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. These books were unveiled in the presence of over 200 students from Government Schools in Bengaluru as part of its campaign which focused on food safety – SafeFoodFirst.
Titled ‘Rishi’s Great Farm Adventure’ and ‘Rishi’s Street Food Discovery,’ these comic books are designed to demystify the complex subject of microbial contamination, making it accessible and engaging for younger audiences, while instilling critical food safety awareness from an early age.
The Merck-Tinkle comic books explore the impact of microbial contamination in food and promote safe food practices throughout the supply chain from the farm to the table, then going on to create awareness about safe food habits.
Several engaging activities were organised to create an interactive environment for the students. The event featured food safety quizzes, where children were asked to decide whether to eat or discard food based on expiration dates, promoting awareness of safe consumption. Additionally, paintings by children depicting their favourite food superhero were celebrated and appreciated. The event also included a Kids’ Q&A session, where Dr. Veena Panicker addressed the students and asked questions, sparking curiosity and deepening their understanding of food safety. To conclude, the children took a food safety pledge, committing to healthy eating and good hygiene practices, reinforcing the importance of maintaining safe food habits.
The event was attended by more than 200 students from government schools, who following the engagement session participated in the SPARKTM program and explored the topic of ‘germ detection’, encouraging curiosity and understanding around the topic of microbial safety.
The event also showcased a food safety video titled “Science Behind Food Safety,” aimed at educating viewers on lesser-known facts about the people responsible for making food safe right from the producer to the packager to the consumer. The video can be viewed here – features experts from the lab, to regulatory, to the farmer. It highlights the urgent need for continuous innovation in food safety techniques, emphasising how advanced testing technologies play a crucial role in ensuring food quality.
The launch of the Merck-Tinkle comic books and the video is part of Merck’s broader #SafeFoodFirst campaign, aimed at raising awareness about microbial contamination—a critical yet often overlooked aspect of food safety.
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CSR: Smt. Nita M. Ambani Pledges Free Screenings and Treatment to over 1,00,000 Women and Children from Marginalized Communities
Smt. Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, announced the launch of a New Health Seva Plan that prioritises essential screenings and treatments for children, adolescent girls and women. As part of this New Health Seva Plan, Smt. Nita M. Ambani has pledged free screening and treatment for congenital heart disease amongst 50,000 children, free screening and treatment of breast and cervical cancer amongst 50,000 women and free cervical cancer vaccination for 10,000 adolescent girls to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital.
Smt. Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, said, “For 10 years, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital has been driven by our vision to make world-class healthcare accessible and affordable to every Indian. Together, we have touched millions of lives and offered hope to countless families. As we celebrate this milestone, we have launched a New Health Seva Plan, free of cost, for children and women from marginalized communities. For we believe that good health is the foundation of a prosperous nation, and healthy women and children are the bedrock of a thriving society.”
Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital has completed a decade of providing exceptional healthcare services. In the past decade, our Hospital has touched the lives of 2.75 million Indians, including over 1.5 lakh children. Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital is a pioneer in delivering best in class clinical care to its patients, state of the art technology and achieved remarkable milestones in the past decade. Among the innumerable achievements, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital has conducted more than 500 organ transplants, and hold the record for transplanting 6 organs within 24 hours saving multiple lives. Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital has also been recognized as the No. 1 Multi-Specialty Hospital in India consistently.
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CSR: Mobile Dental Clinic Brings Advanced Care to Ladakh’s Remote Villages
Ladakh, India: JCBL Limited, a JCBL Group Company is one of India’s leading mobility solution providers specializing in the manufacturing of mobile medical vans, is pleased to announce the successful delivery of Dental Clinic on Wheels for Project Smile Himalaya. This initiative, led by Rotary International (Germany & Bangalore), Swami Vivekananda Sewa Trust (Karnataka), and Vision Himalaya (Ladakh), aims to bring advanced dental care to the remote villages of Ladakh, where healthcare access remains a significant challenge.
The Dental Clinic on Wheels is a state-of-the-art mobile clinic designed by JCBL to navigate the rugged terrain of Ladakh, bringing essential dental services to communities with limited healthcare access. JCBL’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to delivering cutting-edge, high-quality mobility solutions that address specific regional and environmental challenges.
The mobile clinic was designed and manufactured by JCBL, ensuring optimal integration of all dental equipment within the examination area and boot space. The clinic is equipped to treat one patient at a time while accommodating 2-3 additional patients in waiting. Key features include a foldable dental chair, wall-mounted fixtures, and a base stool for medical staff. By transforming a Caravan chassis into a fully functional dental facility, JCBL has created a solution that allows for minor operations and essential dental care, even in hard-to-reach areas.
Built for long-term use in remote locations, the Dental Clinic on Wheels is capable of remaining stationary for 3-4 days at a time, delivering healthcare services to remote populations. The vehicle includes essential features such as a first aid kit, a toolbox, a document box, an ambulance siren, and a foldable ladder to ensure easy access and functionality in tough conditions.
Mr. Dinesh Dua, Bussiness Head, JCBL Limited (A JCBL Group company) remarked, “We are proud to have fulfilled the unique requirements of Project Smile Himalaya by delivering a fully equipped mobile dental clinic designed to meet the specific challenges of Ladakh’s terrain. At JCBL, we leverage decades of expertise in manufacturing mobile healthcare vehicles, and we remain committed to providing innovative solutions that enable access to quality healthcare, even in the most remote regions.”
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Shiksha Samvaad Ignites National Momentum for Improving India’s Public Education System
Mumbai, India: Shikshagraha, a people’s movement dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in India’s public schools, took centre stage at Shiksha Samvaad – a collective dialogue on education equity, hosted by Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives. This gathering in Mumbai brought together civil society, philanthropists, industry, education leaders, and community advocates for a groundbreaking dialogue to accelerate improvements in India’s public education system, which impacts more than 140 million students across the country. Shikshagraha is being supported by Axis Bank, L&T Technology Services, Caring Friends, Rotary Club of Queen’s Necklace Mumbai, and Amazon Web Services.
“Shikshagraha is not just a movement; it’s a blueprint for systemic transformation in India’s public education. We are at a pivotal moment where the collective will of stakeholders—across Sarkaar, Samaaj, Bazaar, and Sanchaar sectors—can redefine the future of 140 million children. As a movement, Shikshagraha will focus on tailored problem-solving based on contextual knowledge and proven solutions towards continuous school improvement. Ultimately, the movement will centre on restoring individual and community agency, to tear down barriers and build an education system that equips every child with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” SD Shibulal, Former CEO and Co-founder of Infosys and Permanent Trustee of Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives.
With the goal of improving all 1 million public schools in India by 2030, Shikshagraha unites all stakeholders—government bodies, educators, civil society, industry, media and communities—into a powerful coalition for educational equity. It addresses the chronic challenges faced by public school systems across the country. It aims to create an ecosystem where every child, regardless of their background, gender and abilities, receives quality education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
At Shiksha Samvaad, the audience engaged in dynamic conversations around reshaping public education. A fireside chat between SD Shibulal and Apurva Purohit, Co-founder of Aazol and Independent Director at LTIMindtree, highlighted the path forward for systemic change. Additionally, Soumitra Pandey, Co-founder and Partner at India Impact Sherpas moderated a discussion with Dr. Santhosh Mathew from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Advisor- ShikshaLokam and Ms. Urmila Kumari, Co-founder of Jyoti Mahila Samakhya, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The session explored establishing and upholding the principles of the movement, addressing conflicts, and ensuring all participants embodied these values. It also provided practical insights into translating these principles into effective on-ground actions.
The event also introduced the Shikshagraha Leadership Award, which honours key contributors to the education ecosystem— school leaders, youth leaders and community leaders. Nominations for the awards are now open and the winners will be announced at InvokED 4.0, an annual global education leadership event scheduled in Bengaluru on March 7-8, 2025.
The movement has brought together over 30+ partners who are working towards enabling improvements in over 10,000 schools across 27 districts in 12 states. “Shikshagraha is about redefining what’s possible when every stakeholder—government, civil society, industry, and communities—comes together with a shared purpose. This is not a challenge any single organisation or institution can tackle alone. The future of millions of children rests on our ability to collaborate and innovate. If we want to see real, sustainable change, we must treat this movement as critical to India’s long-term growth because the strength of our education system will ultimately define the strength of our nation,” Khushboo Awasthi, Co-founder and COO – ShikshaLokam, a Co-builder of Shikshagraha.
With over 50% of children enrolled in public schools, there is a growing consensus that improving infrastructure, teaching quality, and learning outcomes is critical for the country’s socio-economic growth. Shikshagraha, the movement, aligns with the government’s vision, as highlighted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
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