He briefed the media, “ISED commenced operations in 2005 at Darlaghat and offers courses in engineering trades like automobile, carpentry, computers, electronics, fabrication and plumbing and non-engineering trades like beauty culture, cutting and tailoring, embroidery and many others”.

ACF has set up 13 such Skill Development institutes in ten states of our country viz. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgargh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Each year, all these institutes put together, train over 3500 young boys and girls in job oriented trades. A total number over 5600 young ones have benefited from these institutes so far.

The Institute endeavors to offer a well rounded program. Apart from imparting trade skills, it also offers inputs in topics like Entrepreneurship Development, Personality and Cultural Development, Spoken English and Active English. Students are encouraged to participate in blood donations as well as in tree plantation.

“ISED has added value to the lives of unemployed rural youth in Himachal by introducing them into behavioral changes, capacity building, entrepreneurship and personality development, mathematics, general knowledge, basic computer knowledge and many others for gainful employment”, said Mr. S.C. Pal, Additional Secretary, Chief Minister & Forests and Mr. Pal was the Chief Guest at the press conference.

“Till date the Institute has trained 848 students. Out of these 425 have found meaningful employment in well known industries and 297 are self employed. The placement percentage of the Institute since its commencement was 75% and now it stands at 92.5%. Many students have also availed of loans from banks to fund their own business” said Mr. Umesh Prasad, the Principal of the Institute in the same media briefing.

Mr. S.D. Sharma, the Deputy General Manager (Circle Head) of PNB and a trustee of the Institute said, “This initiative taken by Ambuja Cement Foundation and Punjab National Bank is commendable and it sets an example for others companies to follow. We will expand and offer our courses so that graduates who come out from the Institute can look for a stable source of income for their families”.

About ISED

The Institute for Skill & Entrepreneurship Development (ISED) has been established by Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) and Punjab National Bank (PNB). The Institute is registered under the Trust Act and its mission is to empower the rural youth and needy people by providing them skills upgradation and development of gainful employment/ self – employment opportunities. The committee for the management of the institute has five Trustees; two from ACF, 2 from PNB and one nominatedmember of NABARD.

The Institute is located near Primary Health Care Centre in Darlaghat. ISED was set up in 2005 with an objective of the local industry in the field of technology. Its other objective has been to motivate the youth of the area for skill building for employment /self-employment generation and to help the village youth set up small enterprises and to empower the women in particular.

Since its commencement, the Institute has trained 848 students. Out of these, 425 have found meaningful employment in well known companies and 297 are self employed. The placementpercentage of the Institute,since its inception, has been 75 percent. Currently it stands at 92.5percent.

ISED gives technical training to young ones in technical trades. It wishes to introduce a special course in watch-making trade to meet the growing requirement of the industry in the state. ISED is headed by the Principal Mr. Umesh Prasad, an ex- army official and has a faculty of highly educated staff.

For details contact:

Puja Dave: 09321140005
Girija Balan: 09821736716

INSTITUTE FOR SKILL & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
(Promoted by Ambuja Cement Foundation & Punjab National Bank)
Village & P.O. Darlaghat, Teh. Arki, Dist. Solan (H.P)
Telephone: 01796-248366, fax: 01796-248335.
E Mail- ised_darlaghat@rediffmail.com

The conference centered on Livelihoods Programmes for the Poor: Opportunities and Impediments

New Delhi, December 14, 2011: In a bid to closely examine the opportunities and impediments pertaining to the existent and upcoming programmes, of Government of India, for livelihoods of the country’s poor and underprivileged, Livelihoods India Conference 2011 commenced in the capital today. On the opening day of the two-day conference, The State of India’s Livelihoods (SOIL) Report 2011 was released. In its fourth volume, the Report focused on the 4Ps – Poor, Promoters, Policies and Potential with reference to livelihoods of the poor.

Authored by some well-known names such as Sankar Datta, Orlanda Ruthven, Prof. Ashok Sircar, Suryamani Roul and Prof. Madhur Shukla, the SOIL 2011 Report presents an overview of the status of livelihoods during 2010-11 while looking at the key debates and conflicts such as different definitions of poor, impact of rising wages on inflation and the conflicting demand on land. It also presents an outline of the policy environment for livelihoods promotions.

Since in our country, state is the largest livelihood promoter, the Report also analyses two major flagship livelihoods programmes – MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) and NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission) – of the government at different stages of evolution, apart from reviewing the various skill develop0ment initiatives in the country. Over the last four years, the Report has become established as a good reference document that is found useful both by policy-makers, as well as, practitioners.

Organized by ACCESS Development Services – a national livelihoods promotion organization with focus on incubating innovations and sustainable models for livelihoods promotion of the poor – the Conference’s theme, this year, was Livelihoods Programmes for the Poor: Opportunities and Impediments. It also addressed the minutiae of the yet-to-be rolled out National Rural Livelihoods Programme (with an annual outlay of INR 2914 crore).

Present on the occasion were over 50 distinguished speakers and panelists viz. sector experts, academicians, innovators, practitioners, as well as, policy advocacy leaders and policy makers. There were multiple plenary sessions discussing in detail the following topics at the conference: Livelihoods of the Poor – Impediments to Scale and Sustainability; NREGP – Livelihoods Security or Wage Employment; Rolling out NRLM – The Human Resource Challenge and Land and Livelihoods of the Poor.

According to Mr. Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services, “ACCESS has been bringing out the State of India’s Livelihoods Report since 2008. Our endeavor is to bring together a document which helps in stocktaking of all efforts and initiatives, policies and programmes, current trends and emerging potential for greater sustainable livelihood options for the poor.” He further said, “Apart from providing an overview on the status of livelihoods programmes taken up so far and the various challenges and opportunities affecting the same, this year, the report also discusses the key livelihood initiatives that are likely to be included in the 12th Five Year Plan.”

SOIL 2011 report also provides an overall direction of resource deployment and policy framework while discussing the newly introduced Aadhar (Unique ID) Project and the proposed Direct Cash Transfer scheme and their implications for the poor, as well as, livelihood professionals.

About ACCESS Development:

ACCESS Development Services is a national livelihoods promotion organization with focus on incubating innovations and sustainable models for livelihoods promotion of the poor. Set up in March 2006, ACCESS is structured uniquely to work at all levels of the value chain – implementing programmes on the ground, working with Civil Society organizations, Government Departments, Corporate sector, and Multilateral / Bilateral agencies as also undertaking a few national initiatives to influence and support policy initiatives and strengthening an enabling environment. More information can be found on: www.accessdev.org

For media queries please contact:
Prabhjeet Kaur Ahuja
Teamwork Communication Solution
Mobile: 9811991388
E-Mail: prabhjeet.teamwork@gmail.com
Ruchika Sharma
Teamwork Communication Solution
Mobile: 9560877908
E-Mail: ruchika.teamwork@gmail.com

New Delhi, December 14, 2011: In a bid to closely examine the opportunities and impediments pertaining to the existent and upcoming programmes, of Government of India, for livelihoods of the country’s poor and underprivileged, Livelihoods India Conference 2011 commenced in the capital today. On the opening day of the two-day conference, The State of India’s Livelihoods (SOIL) Report 2011 was released. In its fourth volume, the Report focused on the 4Ps – Poor, Promoters, Policies and Potential with reference to livelihoods of the poor.

Authored by some well-known names such as Sankar Datta, Orlanda Ruthven, Prof. Ashok Sircar, Suryamani Roul and Prof. Madhur Shukla, the SOIL 2011 Report presents an overview of the status of livelihoods during 2010-11 while looking at the key debates and conflicts such as different definitions of poor, impact of rising wages on inflation and the conflicting demand on land. It also presents an outline of the policy environment for livelihoods promotions.

Since in our country, state is the largest livelihood promoter, the Report also analyses two major flagship livelihoods programmes – MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) and NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission) – of the government at different stages of evolution, apart from reviewing the various skill develop0ment initiatives in the country. Over the last four years, the Report has become established as a good reference document that is found useful both by policy-makers, as well as, practitioners.

Organized by ACCESS Development Services – a national livelihoods promotion organization with focus on incubating innovations and sustainable models for livelihoods promotion of the poor – the Conference’s theme, this year, was Livelihoods Programmes for the Poor: Opportunities and Impediments. It also addressed the minutiae of the yet-to-be rolled out National Rural Livelihoods Programme (with an annual outlay of INR 2914 crore).

Present on the occasion were over 50 distinguished speakers and panelists viz. sector experts, academicians, innovators, practitioners, as well as, policy advocacy leaders and policy makers. There were multiple plenary sessions discussing in detail the following topics at the conference: Livelihoods of the Poor – Impediments to Scale and Sustainability; NREGP – Livelihoods Security or Wage Employment; Rolling out NRLM – The Human Resource Challenge and Land and Livelihoods of the Poor.

According to Mr. Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services, “ACCESS has been bringing out the State of India’s Livelihoods Report since 2008. Our endeavor is to bring together a document which helps in stocktaking of all efforts and initiatives, policies and programmes, current trends and emerging potential for greater sustainable livelihood options for the poor.” He further said, “Apart from providing an overview on the status of livelihoods programmes taken up so far and the various challenges and opportunities affecting the same, this year, the report also discusses the key livelihood initiatives that are likely to be included in the 12th Five Year Plan.”

SOIL 2011 report also provides an overall direction of resource deployment and policy framework while discussing the newly introduced Aadhar (Unique ID) Project and the proposed Direct Cash Transfer scheme and their implications for the poor, as well as, livelihood professionals.

About ACCESS Development
ACCESS Development Services is a national livelihoods promotion organization with focus on incubating innovations and sustainable models for livelihoods promotion of the poor. Set up in March 2006, ACCESS is structured uniquely to work at all levels of the value chain – implementing programmes on the ground, working with Civil Society organizations, Government Departments, Corporate sector, and Multilateral / Bilateral agencies as also undertaking a few national initiatives to influence and support policy initiatives and strengthening an enabling environment. More information can be found on: www.accessdev.org

For media queries please contact:
Prabhjeet Kaur Ahuja
Teamwork Communication Solution
Mobile: 9811991388
E-Mail: prabhjeet.teamwork@gmail.com
Ruchika Sharma
Teamwork Communication Solution
Mobile: 9560877908
E-Mail: ruchika.teamwork@gmail.com

New Delhi, 10th December, 2011: Bollywood superstar and international goodwill ambassador for The Loomba Foundation, Kajol, along with Founder and Chairman Trustee, Lord Raj Loomba CBE, was in the capital today to give away mementos and certificates of appreciation to leading industry stalwarts who have come forward to benevolently support the cause of educating children of poor widows in India. The Loomba Foundation, which is accredited by the United Nations, has funded the education of over 6500 children of poor widows and has supported 27000 family members in 29 states of India since 1999. In 2012, the Foundation will provide education to another 3000 children of widows in distress.

Key supporters whose contributions were appreciated by the Foundation:

Shri R.N. Nayak, Chairman and Managing Director, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. received the certificate on behalf the company for having pledged to support the education of 300 children of poor widows.

Shri V.P. Das, Chairman and Managing Director of National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd. received the citation for NBCC sponsoring education of another 300 children of poor widows in India for five years.

Dr. R.P. Singh, Executive Vice Chairman of Jindal Power Limited was felicitated with a certificate of appreciation for sponsoring education for 200 children of poor Indian widows in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Brig. (Retd.) H. Chukrabuti Executive Vice President, Hinduja Foundation, was also recognized for his organization’s notable support and contribution to The Loomba Foundation.

The felicitation ceremony was followed by inauguration of The Loomba Foundation’s Annual Charity Dinner by its President, Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, which is being sponsored by BNP Paribas Bank as the lead sponsor.

Addressing the audience, Lord Raj Loomba CBE, expressed his happiness with the success of this year’s Annual Charity Dinner, and said, “I am overwhelmed to see so many high profile industry leaders coming forward to support us in this noble cause tonight. All proceeds will be used for the education of children of poor widows in India.”

Lord Loomba added “While India has special privileges for women in general, there is a grave need to recognize the plight of the widows who are fraught with double the burden of supporting themselves as well as their children without any external support. When a woman loses her husband she loses her place in society. Widows are often ostracized by the society and are unable to remarry, poor, uneducated, and unable to find a decent job. Children of widows often end up on streets or work in factories where child-labour abuse is a commonplace.”

Over 200 high-profile guests attended the charity dinner including ministers, senior politicians, Members of Parliament, high commissioners, bureaucrats and business leaders. Some of the guests at the dinner included delegates from Tata Consultancy, Max India Foundation, Central Bank of India, Taj Hotels, Micromax Mobile, Herbert Smith LLP, and Rotary Blood Bank. Harjiv Singh, Trustee of The Loomba Foundation, and co-founder and co-CEO of Gutenberg Communications, gave away the vote of thanks.

Due to its notable contributions to the cause of restoring human rights of widows, The Loomba Foundation has been gathering widespread support from renowned business leaders worldwide including Sir Richard Branson as the Foundation’s Patron-in-Chief. The Loomba Foundation was instrumental in getting official recognition for 23rd June as International Widows Day from the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, five years after the Day was launched by the Foundation at the House of Lords.

There are 245 million widows and over 500 million children of widows around the world. Over 115 million widows live in poverty struggling to survive and 1.5 million widows’ children worldwide die before reaching their fifth birthday. India alone has over 42 million widows in India rearing over 100 million children who are at a risk of not receiving an education in India.

NOTE TO EDITORS: You can download hi-resolution photo from the event by clicking here.

ABOUT THE LOOMBA FOUNDATION

The Loomba Foundation was established by Raj Loomba CBE and his wife Veena in the UK in 1997. It promotes fundamental freedoms and human rights of widows and their children around the world, raising awareness of the gross injustices widows face and seeking to remove stigmas associated with widowhood.

The Loomba Foundation declared 23rd June as International Widows Day at the House of Lords in May, 2005. The Foundation also published a comprehensive Research Study on widows worldwide and the first edition of was presented to the UN Secretary General, HE Ban Ki Moon on 22nd June, 2010 followed by presentations to the President of India and the US Secretary of State. The Foundation collaborates with UN bodies, other NGOs, government officials, human rights advocates and prominent leaders to fight for the over 245 million widows worldwide who suffer prejudice and discrimination.

The Loomba Foundation seeks to bring about gender sensitive reform of national laws and policies, eradicating anti-widow superstitions, traditions, and social practices. It fosters gender equality and women’s empowerment by implementing poverty-reduction strategies and educational opportunities for widow’s and their children.

Media Contacts:

Puneet Khunger (+91.9810191409, Puneet@gutenbergpr.com)

Kimremmawi (+91.9818332638, Kim@gutenbergpr.com)

Chennai, 5^th December  2011; Consumers Association of India (CAI), a voluntary Charitable Trust, established to educate consumers on their rights & privileges is inviting nominations for bestowing the following Awards on Consumer Activists, in recognition of their outstanding work.

a)      Distinguished Service Award – (individual)  to be bestowed on an individual for his/her outstanding contribution in the area of consumer protection, education and activism. Such a person may be part of a consumer organization located anywhere in India or may be an individual doing his/her best in the area of consumer activism, in a personal capacity.

b)      Special Award for Consumer Organisation- (Institution)  to be bestowed on a consumer organization which has rendered exemplary service to consumers.

c)      Special Award for Consumer  Service- (Corporate) to be bestowed on a Corporate  who has provided exceptional customer service much more than what is ordinarily expected  and on a sustained basis.

This first-ever All India Award to be given away by CAI is a part of its 10^th Anniversary celebrations which concludes with a Two-Day International Conference to be held in Chennai on 16^th & 17^th March 2012.  The Awards, consisting of a citation and a memento will be presented by a representative of Consumers International on the afternoon of the second day of the conference.  There is no entrance fee. The nominations have to be sent in a prescribed form which can be downloaded from the CAI website – www.caiindia.org.  or can be obtained from the CAI office in Chennai.

An eminent  jury will be deciding on the Awards.

Last date for submitting the nominations is 16^th January 2012.

About CAI:

Consumers Association of India is a registered public charitable trust founded on World Consumer

Rights Day on 15^th March 2001 and based in Chennai.  With their experience in the consumer movement and knowing the psyche of the Indian Consumer, the trustees felt  the need to build an effective and meaningful lobby to represent the consumers.    

The objectives of Consumers Association of India are

• To spread awareness amongst citizen consumers
• Educate consumers about their responsibilities and rights
• Make CAI a strong all India body to represent consumers and to ensure that their voices are heard

We at CAI believe in the consumer’s right to information and redress of grievances and value the responsibilities and rights of every Indian consumer, quality and safety of goods and services and the participation of consumers in the consumer movement.

Consumers Association of India is managed by a distinguished board of trustees

and is run by a team of professionals with expertise in different subjects.

Consumers Association of India is a member of Consumers International.

Consumers Association of India is also  represented on the following committees at State and Central Govt. level

• Nominated to the Board of Directors, Bureau of Indian Standards for 3 years
• Committee set up for drafting the National Consumer Policy by Government of India
• Member of Bureau of Indian Standards Special Committees
• Member of Central Advisory Council for Food Safety
• Member of Working Group on National Pharma Pricing Policy
• Member Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
• Member of the Working Group of  12^th Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu Government

For more information contact:

G.Rajan,

Secretary General

Consumers Association of India (CAI)

A-5, II Main Road, Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur Extension

Chennai 600 041, PH:24513191 / 24513192 / 24513193

Or

Nirmala Desikan

Tel: 24511040 Mob:9884 204 279

Email:  info@caiindia.org, Log on to www.caiindia.org

India Adds 2,00,000 Congenital Heart Disease Cases Each Year:
Dr. Gopichand Mannam

Foundation gives a clarion call: “Children are our future. Let us try and give them a life. Give them a future”.

His Excellency Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh to grace the function

International Children’s Heart Foundation experts to join

Hyderabad, September 08… Children are gift of the God. What is a home without a child? Children are one third of our population and all of our future. Children are equal to the God. Should these children with Congenital Heart Diseases die just because their parents are poor and don’t have money to treat them for their heart ailments. Hundreds and thousands of children are dying each year in India due to Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) without treatment. Not any more!!!

In a society, where commercial interest scores over societal interest, one NGO has been making a difference. Setup in 2005 by corporate leaders, medical professionals, businessmen, donors and other professionals in India and USA, ‘Hrudaya Cure A Little Heart Foundation’, a Hyderabad based NGO committed for the cause of children with congenital heart problems as well as acquired heart problems has been doing a yeoman job. The tragedy of children dying of birth defects of heart, while running from pillar to post for treatment hardened the resolve of a group of these like minded individuals.

Hrudaya means heart. It hopes to light a little flame in your heart. Just in a span of six years, it has successfully facilitated the treatment of 1240 Free Heart Surgeries in various hospitals for CHD affected poor children, which not many NGOs can boast of. The managing trustees of the Foundation are comprised of Mr. M. Yugandhar, Managing Director, Karvy Group; Dr. Gopichand, Managing Director of Star Hospitals; Dr. Rajagopal Raju Alluri, Director, Care Hospitals and Mr. P. Jairaj Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Ocean Sparkle Ltd.

The mission of the Foundation is to treat poor children with heart diseases and give them a fighting chance to live normal and healthy lives. To educate masses, to bring together healthcare professionals to deal with the problem and to build necessary infrastructure to sustain these efforts on a long term basis.

In the year 2010-2011, a total of 422 cases were treated wherein Hrudaya Foundation contributed Rs.1,46,56,462/-, Star Hospitals contributed Rs.1,43,72,397/- towards the surgery expenses of children. In previous year between April’ 2009 to March 2010 – 237 cases were supported in which Hrudaya Foundation’s contribution was Rs.84,75,344/- and STAR Hospital’s Rs.50,53,891/-

A lot of patients are suffering, says Dr. Gopichand Mannam, Chief Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, crusader of the cause, the founder and Trustee of the Hrudaya Foundation. We are ready to provide our service but we need more money to take it forward. The cause is closest to my heart. I can’t imagine children dying just because their parents cannot afford to give them the treatment they require, he laments.

There is a lot of scope to raise funds. There are many philanthropic individuals amongst us. We haven’t yet tapped corporates. We would like to go little aggressive henceforth and would like to perform up to 700 more surgeries free of cost in next 12 months, declared Dr. Gopichand.

What started as a small idea inconsequence to an event in the year 2005 where about 1000 desperately poor children with heart diseases were paraded in Hyderabad seeking help triggered into what it is today. To mark the momentous occasion of performing 1240 free heart surgeries, celebrate its achievement, a function is being organised at Star Hospital premises on 9th September. His Excellency Governor of Andhra Pradesh Sri E.S.L. Narasimhan consented to grace the function. He will interact with about 50 children, trustees of the foundation and specialist team of International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF).

A team of specialists of International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF) headed by Dr. William Novick, M.D, its Founder and Medical Director will be in Hyderabad on the occasion. ICHF has performed heart surgeries on children all over the world over the past 15 years. They visited six times to the Star Hospitals since 2009 and along with Star team conducted complicated surgeries in association with Hrudaya Foundation on children with Cardiac defects.

On 9th September, ICHF will present an interactive session on how it has helped in innovative cost effective techniques in Pediatric Cardiac surgery with technology transfer to the medical professionals at Star Hospitals, stated Dr. Gopichand.

A Fund Raising Dinner is also scheduled at Hotel Daspalla on 9th September evening. The dinner is organised with a theme “Children are our Future. Let us try and give them a life. Give them a future”. Where Hrudaya Foundation will provide an opportunity for its guests to know of its past, present and future plans, how they can get associated with it and will also provide a glimpse of how their contributions have and will help in furthering the cause of the foundation informed Mr. Yungandhar, Managing Trustee of Hrudaya Foundation and Managing Director of Karvy Group.

India has a large population. With a incidence of congenital heart disease in 8 per 1000 live births in children, nearly two lakh kids are born yearly with this problem adding to the existing millions suffering from the disease. Of these 60,000 to 90,000 are critical and need early treatment. Nearly 10% of the infant mortality seen is due to congenital heart defects. Sadly, on an average only 6000 to 8000 of the two lakh affected children receive treatment. Nearly 80 percent of the infants die due to their parent’s inability to afford treatment. Each year about 1,21,000 cases of CHD do not even reach the age of 15 years due to lack of health awareness, poverty and inadequate healthcare facilities in India. An estimated 7,000 children with complex heart problems are waiting for surgery in Andhra Pradesh alone, added Dr. Rajagopal Raju Alluri, another trustee of the Foundation and Director of Care Hospitals.

Globally nearly 2500 children die of CHD problems, 500 die in India each day – web source

The number of centers capable of handling this is very few. At present there are just 14 institutions supporting a comprehensive infrastructure for newborn and infant heart surgery in India. All of these institutions have a busy adult cardiac surgery programs and much of the infrastructure is shared by both the adult and paediatric cardiac services. The total number of cardiac surgeries for CHD at all age groups in all centres combined in India approximates 6500 per year, of these only about one-fourth are in neonates and infants. This would account for less than 2% of the affected population of newborns and infants in India.

A huge number of children are added to this pool each year with many of them, who might have lived a near normal life, dying, due to unavailability of treatment to them. This, coupled with economic constraints, leaves only a small fraction that has access for appropriate treatment.

How congenital heart diseases develop? In most cases it is not known. Rarely, a viral infection in the mother during first few months of pregnancy may develop a serious heart problem. Heredity factors could be a problem some times. More than one child in the family may have congenital heart defect, but, it is very rare. Down’s syndrome, drugs consumed during early pregnancy, alcohol consumption can also affect the heart.

The possible pointers to heart disease in infants (less than one year age) include Difficulty in feeding, unusual sweating, difficulty in breathing, Blueness of lips, fingers and toes, Poor growth and frequent episodes of chest infection. It can also be identified during a routine check-up by your paediatrician without any prior symptoms.

The Hrudaya Foundation’s mission is to help poor children with congenital and acquired heart diseases, access modern medical care. Since its inception, the foundation has been doing noble service of helping poor children lead a healthy life free of any heart problems, commented Mr. P. Jairaj Kumar, another trustee and Chairman and Managing Director of Ocean Sparkle Ltd.

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”. They sweeten our labour. But they are also the most neglected lot due to poverty and many other reasons. The country which boast of over 1.5 lakh Millionaires also has dubious distinction of millions of children suffering with congenital and many other ailments. Together we can make a difference. If each of these millionaires come forward along with many philanthropic individuals we will help prevent and eradicate heart diseases in children.

Even many voluntary organisations with global reach like Lions, Rotary, Jaycees, Freemasons, Round Tablers should come forward to help. Rotary India Humanity Foundation of Rotary International, for instance recently launched a program titled ‘Saving Little Hearts’ under its health vertical. It has formulated the program to ease the suffering and give the ‘Gift of Life’ to children suffering from congenital heart diseases. It has allocated Rs 75 crores for the program and committed to do at least 5000 heart surgeries over the next three years.

Dr. Gopichand reiterated the need for greater focus on this ever increasing and enormous disease burden and said, “Congenital heart disease is a growing and a neglected problem in India. Due to lack of facilities, money or awareness, CHD patients in India often live and die untreated. This is extremely ironical considering that all forms of CHD are completely treatable by surgery and medication, after which a child can look forward to a normal life. We need the community action to rid our country of the curse of Congenital Heart Disease.”

It is a necessity. If we don’t protect the children today, mankind will suffer tomorrow. The important thing is to act – and act now! A real community participation is required. Only then we can get rid of the disease. Socially conscious individuals and communities should come together in this endeavour. Support to the cause can come in various ways, and a case to point is the contribution of Pragati Printers, the leading printing house in the country, which designed & printed the brochures for the Hrudaya’s recent fund mobilization drive.

Likewise groups, individuals, corporates can come forward to donate liberally in cash, kind and services. The charities can be sent to Hrudaya Cure A Little Heart Foundation.

TO CONTRIBUTE:

Online payment/Cash/Cheque / Money Order to be drawn in favour of “Hrudaya Cure A Little Heart Foundation”.

You can pay cash at Hrudaya Cure A Little Heart Foundation office and collect receipt of payment.

Tax Exempted-F.No.DIT(E)/Hyd/80G Ren./06(05)/09-10

Hrudaya Cure A Little Heart Foundation
Flat No – 1, Ground Floor, D.No 8-2-611/3, Nishan-E-Iqbal, Road No-11
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad-500034.
Tel : +91-40-23314412 ; Fax : +91-40-23323760
E-mail : info@hrudaya.org

You can also donate online by logging on to its website www.hrudaya.com/donate.

For further information on how one can contribute, please get in touch with Ms. Archana on her mobile: 9948170404.

Issued for and on behalf of Hrudaya Foundation by:
L. Narender – 9849020296, D. Ramchandram – 9848042020

~Votes and Pledging through Missed Calls, the Inclusive Campaign Tool~

Bangalore, 30th August 2011: Anna Hazare helped commence a revolution against corruption, and the most overwhelming aspect of the Campaign is how the Indian masses came together.  All classes of society, whether or not they have laptops or smartphones and whether or not they are priviledged with tools like Facebook or Twitter, were able to express support for a strong Lokpal Bill as simply as giving a Missed Call.  Since only one week from launch of the TIMES CAMPAIGN: ACT AGAINST CORRUPTION, there have been over 4.4 million concerned citizens who pledged from all walks of life across India.

The Freedom of Speech and Expression becomes impotent when the common masses aren’t provided with a medium to voice their opinions. The Times of India Campaign chose to poll the votes from all over India, the poor, the wealthy, and the middle class.  While Facebook gathered 36,000 supporters and Twitter displayed 1,445 retweets, through ZipDial 080 300 500 51 (simply giving a missed call to vote), they were able to reach farther and gained a total of 45,24,614 votes supporting the Campaign from across the country.

Rishi Khiani, CEO, Times Internet Limited said, “We are excited to see the results of our campaign on the ZipDial platform and glad that we could reach out to many more Indians in the petition for a stronger Lokpal bill. The fact that this service works for the common man across all handsets and operators, while being toll free, makes it an interesting proposition.” 

The key to creating successful advertising campaigns is making it seamless for the consumer to engage.  Being toll-free and simple, ZipDialing is the most seamless consumer experience for any income level and in any language.

Commenting on the campaign, Valerie Rozycki Wagoner, CEO, ZipDial says “It’s a privilege for us to associate with TOI to support one of the most large scale campaigns in the country. We are happy to provide our service for such a noble cause and help the citizens in voicing their opinions.”

About ZipDial

The company was established out of Bangalore in early 2010 and now has a growing team of 14.  ZipDial’s technology is patent pending and was built in-house by the team.

The ZipDial platform is 100% accessible to the mass market.  The experience is a simple as dialing numbers – or missed calls.  To understand the ZipDial experience, try ZipDial Cricket to stay tuned to the current cricket scores even on the go. Simply dial (toll-free missed call) 080 300 500 55.

ZipDial has been tested and proven through past campaigns with large customers such as Proctor & Gamble, KFC with Pepsi, Sanofi-Aventis, Videocon.  Services are also live with happy small and medium business customers, including ecommerce businesses, law firms, individual celebrities, NGOs and live event managers.  With successful customer campaigns in India and the Caribbean, ZipDial is ready to further expand globally.

For more on ZipDial, visit www.ZipDial.com or email info@ZipDial.com.

Contact

The toolkit supports training inputs to help teachers find answers for the following key questions such as; what is Positive Discipline and how to achieve this; How to change beliefs and practices of staff and children inside schools; How to change their working environment for positive energy and How to get the local education authorities perform their role in supporting this initiative.

About Plan India
Plan’s vision is of a world in which all children realize their full potential in societies, which respect people’s rights and dignity. Plan India is a child-centered development organization which started work in India since 1979. It aims to promote Child Rights and improve the quality of life of vulnerable children. Plan India is a part of Plan, founded in 1937 and currently works in 68 countries. In India, Plan works in 11 states and has directly impacted the lives of over a million children and their families.

Our child centered development interventions focus on the themes of Quality Education, Optimal Health, Healthy Environment, Child Protection, Household Economic Security, Child Participation and Disaster Preparedness.

For more information Log in to www.planindia.org.

Bangalore : 13th June 2011; Prashant from Belgaum and Kiran from Bangalore are eagerly explaining about paints, solvents and chemicals as part of their Industrial Painting training and they have hope in their eyes. Their journey post SSLC has been a long and difficult one soon to culminate with a respectable job in an MNC. Sachin from Shimoga and Ashok from Bangalore are securing skills from the retail faculty and hope to secure loyal customers for Automobile retail/showrooms. Sunita from Mandya and Rajashekar from Anantpur district of Andhra are typing away at their keyboards as they would soon be placed in a BPO.

Cine actress, Pooja Gandhi through Mahila Sanghas has encouraged quite a few ladies to skill themselves at Unnati and improve their standard of living. Her commitment continues as she often visits Unnati to make sure that these ladies are equipping themselves towards a brighter and secure future.

The 28th batch of Unnati saw a close run between district youth and Bangalore youth. There were 145 youth who turned up at Unnati at the commencement of the 28th batch and 88 showed the courage and determination to improve their English, equip themselves with lifeskills and become computer literate besides mastering their vocation. 35 youth from the districts of Karnataka (Kolar, Bellary, Belgaum, Shimoga, Gulbarga), 32 from Bangalore and 14 from Andhra Pradesh indicate the mix in the 28th batch of Unnati.

By the 2nd of July, 2011, all the students of 28th batch of Unnati would have secured a campus job, ready to earn a living. Unnati, on the other hand, will get ready for its 29th batch with interviews scheduled for 9th July.

About Unnati

Unnati, an initiative from SGBS Trust, is a free vocational training program aimed at enabling and empowering youngsters from families below the poverty line. This 70 day program equips unemployed youth (18 yrs & above) with vocational skills and life-skills and ensures employment with reputed organizations at the end of the training program. Currently, the training is offered in 9 chosen vocations – retail sales, field sales, guest care (hotels), guest care (offices), industrial tailoring, Industrial painting, data entry (for BPO), security services and car driving.

Headquartered in Bangalore in a 22,000 sft state-of-the-art facility, Unnati has impacted the lives of more than 1500 youth till date. The program not only trains them in their vocation but also works on their English communication skills, life skills and computer literacy. Special attention is given to inculcate personal and community values in the youth. The aim is also to bring in “dignity of labor” and gain self respect.

Unnati has partnered with like-minded NGOs at Mysore, Sirsi, Pune, Ulhasnagar and Ahmedabad. These centers have also been able to provide 100% placements to the youths post training.

At Unnati, candidates are interviewed and counseled and based on their aptitude and interest, a vocation is selected. Entire program is provided free of cost including training, lodging, food and transportation. Unnati students secure a job at the end of the 70 day training program with a minimum average starting pay of Rs.6,000/- per month.

Through its Vision 2020, Unnati will touch the lives of 1 Million youth across India and help them and their families cross the poverty line by pursuing a career.

About SGBS Trust:

SGBS was formed in 1978 and incorporated as a trust in 1993 by a group of like-minded individuals who were determined to make a difference to society, through music, education and social activities. In order to achieve the objective, SGBS Trust rolled out the following programs:

SHIKSHA: Shiksha was initiated to provide financial support for school education who but for the support would have discontinued schooling. The fee towards education is paid directly to the school. The Shiksha program currently supports over 360 children every year. Preference is given to children of widows.

UNNATI: Vocational training and employment for underprivileged youth above 18years of age, as explained above.

UTSAV: Preserving Indian traditions, and promoting art and culture. Gokulashtami is the time of the year when Bangalore comes alive with resounding performances from known names in vocal, instrumental and traditional dance forms as part of Utsav celebrations at Unnati Auditorium.

SAMSTHA: Funeral Services assistance to everyone

Contact

Meenakshi Gairola
9731200113
meenakshi.gairola@gmail.com

UNNATI CENTRE,
Temple Road,
Sadananda Nagar,
NGEF East, Bangalore – 560038
+91 80 25384642/ +91 80 25384443

A CAMPAIGN OF THE PEOPLE

Karnataka has been at the forefront of this movement. The Saaku campaign in the state was the first to begin seeking support from the public for anti-corruption initiatives. Since then, there has been steadily increasing support for the Jan Lokpal Bill throughout the state. An inspiring aspect of the campaign has also been that it has touched people personally, prompting spontaneous and rousing support from them in so many different ways.
In Mysore more than 25,000 signatures were collected on a single day and a petition was written to the Prime Minister that was presented at the local Tahsildar and District Office.

Similar movements have occurred in smaller cities like Tumkur and Dharwad and villages such as in H D Kote.

Candlelight vigils for the Jan Lokpal bill were held in many neighbourhoods of Bangalore, with local residents and shopkeepers joining in groups to express solidarity with each other. Spontaneous vigils organised by the people themselves are continuing even now.

Children too have been part of the campaign, something rare in Indian politics. Families have proudly brought their children to public events, teaching them civic lessons in a real-life setting.

From all over the state, people came forward to donate small amounts of money – as little as ten rupees – to how their support. Saaku continues to emphasise these – ‘small contributions from tens of thousands of people rather than large support from a few’. The campaign has also emphasized scrupulous integrity, accounting for each rupee collected. All accounts will be publicized to the media, and posted online at Saaku.in.

PROGRESS IN DRAFTING THE BILL

On the drafting front, there has been significant progress. So far there have been 3 meetings of the Lokpal Joint Drafting Committee. a 10 member committee, comprising 5 central government Ministers and 5 members of civil society. During the last meeting on 7th May, the Committee agreed with many of the basic principles of Jan Lokpal presented by the IAC members. Assured Swami Agnivesh, who visited Bengaluru briefly in the first week of May, said, “The drafting committee will sit rigorously in the month of June and finalise the Bill by June 30 so that it is ready to be introduced in Parliament in the monsoon session.”

‘NAMMA ANNA’ IS COMING TO BENGALURU

In response to countless requests from the people of Karnataka, and despite not being in the best of his health, Shri Anna Hazare has decided to visit Bengaluru on 27-28 May. He will be here along with others from the India Against Corruption team – Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Swami Agnivesh, Prashant Bhushan and Manish Sisodia. The goal of Annaji’s travels is to create awareness about the proposed new law, and to ensure that it has wide support from people in different walks to life – young and old, rural and urban, from many professions, and from all over India.

There are three main events planned for Annaji’s visit.

1. His first stop in the city on 27th morning will be at T Begur Village, about 35 kms away from the city on the Bengaluru-Tumkur highway. Here, he will share lunch with local residents, and have an interaction session.
2. Thereafter, on 27th evening, between 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Saaku volunteers in association with Suvarna TV and Asianet TV will hold the first-ever televised discussion on the Jan Lokpal Bill. Annaji, Justice Santosh Hegde, Arvind Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan and Swami Agnivesh will take questions from the public and from a select invited audience. Mr. Nitin Jagtap, coordinator of IAC Bengaluru, said, “Citizens from across Karnataka and all over India can watch their real-life heroes live. A phone number will be released calling which citizens can directly ask them questions from their homes.”
3. This will be followed on 28th May from 2 PM onwards by a massive public gathering at National College Grounds, Basavanagudi. Early estimates and many confirmations suggest a very large turnout for the event. Mr. Prithvi Reddy, co-coordinator of IAC in Karnataka, says “We are excited about the large crowd and wide participation. Schools are planning to bring their children in uniform. We are planning to have flags of every ward in the city. There will also be videos and music to promote the message of a corruption-free India.

Comparing the Jan Lokpal movement with earlier citizen movements, Mr. Anand Yadwad, one of the IAC members who fasted in Bengaluru along with Annaji said, “Jan Lokpal movement is more widespread since it has the support of people from all parts of India and all sections of society.” Mr. C N Deepak, co-coordinator of Saaku in Bengaluru added, “Karnataka’s enthusiasm for reform during the last few months has been higher than in any other state.” Shashank Azad, one of the youngest IAC volunteers, said, “Earlier when we used to speak against corruption people laughed at us and told us to be ‘practical’. But Annaji and IAC have now made fighting against corruption the best thing a young Indian can do. I am proud to be part of it.”

IAC invites people to volunteer to make this event a success. They are requested to register their contact information at 93794 41212 which is a toll-free number.

Contact:
Kannada: Anand: 98802 44380, Nitin- 98450 26693
English: Ajit : 96324 65087, Srinivas – 99454 02662
Email: info@saaku.in

In the light of the massive earthquake and Tsunami that struck Japan on March 11th, 2011, the IRCS, Karnataka State Branch (KSB) appealed to the public, corporates and employees to contribute to the “Japan Tsunami Relief Fund 2011”. The response has been very supportive and everyone have come forward to generously contribute to the fund.

The proceeds collected by various groups of Red Cross Society across India will be remitted to Japan Red Cross Society.

In a function organised by the IRCS, KSB today, Mr. Vikram S. Kirloskar , Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) handed over a cheque of Rs. 2.58 crores towards this fund to Dr. S.B.Kulkarni, Chairman, IRCS, KSB. The donation is contributed by TKM and its employees, suppliers, dealers and associate companies. The function was also attended by other important dignitaries from TKM and its associates.

Mr. Vikram S.Kirloskar said, “We express our condolences to those who have been bereaved by this tragic event, and our support and sympathy to the millions who are suffering as a result of this natural calamity and nature’s fury. We are contributing in our own little way and hope that this donation helps the victims”.

On receiving the cheque Dr. S. B. Kulkarni said, “Red Cross functions on seven principles and humanity is the main. The volunteers offer their services for the dignity of the human being anywhere on the earth. The funds received by IRCS for Tsunami relief will be forwarded to Red Cross in Japan to utilize it for the relief and rehabilitation programmes. Red Cross Karnataka expresses grateful thanks to management and staff of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.”

Sri. K.R.Dharmappa, General Secretary, IRCS, KSB welcomed the Toyota team and Smt. Madhura Ashok Kumar, Hon. Treasurer, IRCS, KSB proposed the vote of thanks. Visit http://www.toyotabharat.com for details

Overview of TKM

Company name — Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited
Managing Director — President: Hiroshi Nakagawa (TMC)
Established — October 1997 (start of production: December 1999)
Location –Suburb of Bangalore, Karnataka State
Products — Corolla Altis, Innova and Fortuner manufactured in India. Camry, Prado, Land Cruiser and Prius imported as CBUs.
Annual production capacity — Approx. 80,000 units
Equity participation — TMC: 89%, Kirloskar group: 11%
Number of employees — Approx. 4,650 (as of end of 2010)
Land area — Aprox. 432 acres (approx.1,700,000 m2)
Building area — 74,000 m2

Overview of TKM 2nd Plant

Location — On the site of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (on the outskirts of Bangalore, Karnataka State)
Products — Etios Sedan and Hatchback Etios Liva (will go on sale in April 2011)
Start of production — December 2010
Annual production capacity — 70,000 units.
Visit http://www.toyotabharat.com for details

These children are students at a school run by the YWCA at Najafgarh in New Delhi. While the small children are being taught their reading, writing and arithmetic, the older girls are given vocational training in sewing, beauty care, cooking, house keeping, etc. Thanks to Hina Khajuria and Sophia Rehman for volunteering to make this possible.

The program was conducted by STRAW – Stray Reief and Animal Welfare, New Delhi, INDIA. STRAW is an animal welfare organization that focuses its efforts on humane education in schools. It is recognized by the Animal Welfare Board of India and is a member society of WSPA – World Society for Protection of Animals, UK.

The project is for 10,000 beneficiaries to be covered in three years. In the first phase, 25% of the total fund allocation has been released. This amounts to 2500 beneficiaries for all the three states put together. On priority basis, targets of 1375 beneficiaries have been taken for Madhya Pradesh.

Federation of Indian Women Entrepreneurs is a leading organization representing women entrepreneurs from across the length and breadth of the country as well as from different strata of society.

The Vocational Training Centre in Madhya Pradesh at Indore , Dhar , Jhabua , Barwani , Dewas ,Khargone and Chhindwara. In Madhya Pradesh, FIWE has succesfully placed 75% of trained youth largely within MP State itself.

FIWE is working to support the youth living Below Poverty Line (BPL). FIWE is making them self dependent and ensure their active participation in the income generation for themselves for their society and ultimately for the country. FIWE believe that education and skill enhancement training programmes play an important role in the development of young women, belonging to poor and lower strata of the society.

By providing them the education and skill development trainings continuously to these youth , we can upgrade them very speedily and make them confident about themselves. This will surely results in the developed and highly skilled peoples who play an important role in strengthening the economy of the India

Federation Of Indian Women Entrepreneurs (F.I.W.E) is working as PIA(Project Implementation Agency) for National Institute Of Rural Development plan namely Placement Linked Skill Development Project under Ministry Of Rural Development, Govt. of India

Dr. Rajnee Aggarwal, President, Federation of Indian Women Entrepreneurs says “We have target of training 10,000 candidates in 3 years and district wise 200 candidates per month for Indore, Dewas and Dhar .We plan to open FIWE SKill Development centres in few more districts of MP manely in Khandwa,Badwani , Khargone and Chindwara.

We are targeting the unemployed youth living Below Poverty Line (BPL) and giving them free skilled training for Garment Making, Security Guard, and Office Management through our skilled trainers. The short term course helps youth to learn the basic skills and can prove to be a good resource for any organization”. Presently this programme is being implemented in 3 states namely Rajasthan, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.

Dr Rajnee Agarwal also spoke about Entrepreneurship Development initiatives of FIWE.She exhorted young women to consider entrepreneurship as first choice of their career. She expressed her anguish that the Government and Banks are not sensitive enough towards the issues faced by women entrepreneurs on day to day basis. Government should make formulate women friendly schemes and publicize them well across the country.”

About FIWE:

FIWE is a national level organization with a large membership base of 15000 individual members/professionals sand 28 member associations spread across the country. We are also affiliated with International Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (IFWE), which has a membership base of 21 countries and more countries are being added soon.

FIWE provides business counseling to aspirant women start-ups. We also provide hand holding and networking opportunities to start-ups and also to women interested in growing their business further. FIWE regularly organizes EDP and also the skill development programs in various cities/towns across the country. Over 5000 women have benefited in the past 3 years.

Major FIWE projects/events planned in FY 2011-12.

· FIWE plans to successfully complete second phase of Central Government sponsored programme (special) SGSY under which over 5000 BPL youth would be trained in different trade & Industry related skills. The project would be scaled up from present 10 districts to 15 districts of 3 states namely MP, Rajasthan & Orissa.

· FIWE is organizing one day seminar in the month of May in New Delhi, 2011 on “Women Entrepreneurship 2011-Strategies, Opportunities & Challenges”.FIWE plans to follow up with similar one day seminars in Dehradun, Jammu, Jaipur ,Chandigarh ,Indore, Lucknow and other cities.

· FIWE is organizing an international women entrepreneurs event titled AFRO-ASIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SUMMIT in New Delhi on November 17-19th, 2011 at India International Centre(IIC) lodhi Colony, New Delhi. Over 600 plus women entrepreneurs are expected to participate with 300 plus from different parts of the world.

· FIWE plans to take a business delegation of enterprising women to USA & Canada in later part of FY 11-12.

· FIWE supported by Delhi Govt Deptt of IT plans to launch FIWE KNOWLEDGE CENTRES in various women polytechnics & technical institutes to connect women entrepreneurs with ICT and start-up knowledge.

FIWE VISION

Please note that FIWE’s vision for women entrepreneurs who presently happen to constitute only 14% of entrepreneurs in the country is to help increase this percentage to 25% by 2015.

FIWE looks forward to your whole-hearted support in strengthening entrepreneurial eco-system for women in the country.

Shri Nitesh Rane, President Swabhimaan Sanghathana exhorted that, “The ‘TANKER FREE CITY’ campaign will work on the ground level and initiate massive public support to pressurize the BMC to quickly work on making this city “TANKER FREE”. Once this is taken care of, the city will eventually get adequate water. Swabhimaan for the past 1.5 years has been crying hoarse to control this problem. In a fiery step ahead and to up the ante of protests on BMC’s lackadaisical manner, Swabhimaan is launching a “TANKER FREE CITY” campaign across Mumbai, which will be a revolution at the grass root level.”

He added, “BMC has been ruthlessly spending the city’s money on just launching campaigns such as ‘Save Water, Save Mumbai’; ‘Clean Water Campaign’ etc, which are mere obfuscation. We all know that such campaigns do not work at a grass root level. Had the BMC been really concerned about the people then such eyewash campaign would have been successful in the first place.”

The ‘TANKER FREE CITY’ campaign would be a massive 3 months campaign where aggressive grass root level awareness workshops would be carried out. A documentary on ‘WATER MAFIA’ will be shown to people to educate on the rising Mafia bullies and how BMC is hand-in-glove with the water mafia. Many celebrities also have extended their cooperation to Shri Nitesh Rane and Swabhimaan Sanghathana. They would be a part of this campaign and participate by spreading consciousness amongst the common people of Mumbai who are highly affected by this water menace.

Since the BMC had consistently failed to resolve the water issues and water theft, Swabhimaan Sanghthana had launched their toll free number “1800-200-9837” in early March 2010. Out of 4500 water crisis complaint calls, 75% of the issues were resolved by Swabhimaan Sanghathana. The issues were directed to the areas local karyakarta’s and accordingly were resolved on timeline basis. Leakages, grimy water and poorly maintained pipeline, 80% of such complaints were directed to the BMC which were not addressed and are still pending. Water theft calls made on the toll free number were indubitably resolved by Swabhimaan through number of protest, rallies and individual attention.

With the help of ‘TANKER FREE CITY’ campaign, Swabhimaan Sanghatana aims at eradicating the base of water mafia that begins with the Water Tankers. These tankers run across the city, which uses the water meant to be supplied to the public by the BMC and sells it with an intention to make money by charging a mimimum of Rs. 1200 and at times upto a whopping Rs. 4000.

About Swabhimaan:
“SWABHIMAAN” is a non political organization run by Mr. Nitesh Rane (President), son of renowned politician Mr. Narayan Rao Rane. This organization is actively involved in working for the appropriate, social, injustice and various causes in Maharashtra. The motive of this organization is to develop a sense of Swabhimaan (self respect) in every citizen of Mumbai, and for the accomplishment of this motive it is undertaking various tasks and organizes event of social awareness. With this stature of tasks and events organized by Swabhimaan on a regular basis, it is determined to create awareness about political, social and economical aspects for Maharashtrians. Swabhimaan is also into solving various socio- economic problems related to a common man.

***
For further details, contact:
Manisha Keshwa:- Mob: 98702 55567 / Email manisha.keshwa@gmail.com
Abhijit Joshi:- 98212 54675 / Email:- abhjeet10july@gmail.com

April 14, 2011, Mumbai, FLO Bombay Chapter has organized Fund Raiser under their flagship theme ‘PHIR WAHI SHAAM” through a selection of vintage classics from Bollywood to be held on April 15, 2011 at SRI Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium. The Program is conceived & presented by one of the premier Vintage Musical troupe – Musicolor.

The proceeds of this concert will be directed towards the SGS-Abhiyaan for the girl child. Sulabh International Service Organisation-a pioneer in the sanitation sector, both nationally and internationally, has agreed to be FICCIs technology partner for the project.

Sulabh has been working towards this problem for many years, gaining the attention of the Government as well as the private sector through Sulabh School Sanitation Club which now covers over 300 schools in 12 states of India including 12 schools in Nepal and Bhutan.

Says Bela Rajan, spokesperson FICCI-FLO,“The SGS Abhiyan falls in line with FLO’s national vision of educating the girl child, as we believe that this initiative will help arrest the ratio of girls drop out from schools.”

Various studies undertaken by semi-government bodies, NGOs, educational departments & others, point out that over 38% of the girl students drop out of school in secondary stage of education owing to lack of sanitation facilities in schools. ASER 2009, a report based on comprehensive survey of government and private schools in 575 out of 583 rural districts in India, reveals that

1. only 50 per cent of government schools have toilets
2. 4 out of 10 government schools did not have separate toilets for girls.
3. even where there were separate toilets for girls, as many as 12-15 per cent were locked and only 30-40 per cent were \”usable“

Adds Sucheta Shah, “It is time to look beyond just the surface and move to the root of the problem. This fundraiser, where we are expecting Bollywood celebrities, is surely move in the right direction.”

For passes call: 9892476001 / 022-24968000

MUMBAI, April 2011: Population First a Mumbai based NGO invites entries for the second edition of the Laadli National Creative Excellence Awards for social change.

The themes of the contest are: (a) Pre-birth sex determination is a crime under PCNDT Act. (b) Squealing is good if it is to protect the Girl Child from discrimination, and (c) You can make a difference by being vigilant and lodging complaints on www.hamaribeti.nic.in.

The Awards, instituted by Population First with the support of UNFPA is being set up to develop compelling campaign ideas and communication material for nationwide campaigns against pre-birth sex selection. Last date for entry is 20th April 2011

The different categories for entries are : Print ads/cartoon; Film, radio jingles; Storyboard of TVC’s, films, animation; Slogans/lyrics/songs; Campaign ideas; Posters/outdoor media; Photography; Innovative merchandise materials and E-banner.

Any number of entries can be submitted, either published or unpublished material and in any language. Short listed materials will be put online for nationwide use for the different campaigns against pre-birth sex selection.

Contest details available at: www.creative-excellence.org

Mr. S.V. Sista, Executive Trustee, Population First said that everybody should share their Ideas- big or small that they feel could bring a change. “If you are creative and believe in the cause this is the platform to ideate and strengthen the communication base of the nationwide Campaigns”, he said.

About Laadli
Laadli- a Girl Child Campaign by Population First, focuses on creating awareness about the falling sex ratio with the objective of trying to change mindsets of people who undervalue the girl child. Our ultimate objective is to enhance the value and role of the girl child leading to empowerment of women and ensuring that women attain their rights to be equal members of society.

For any further details please get in touch with

Nimisha Limaye
Clea PR
Mob No: 9773699592
Email Id: nimisha@cleapublicrelations.com

8th April 2011, North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research, Imphal is going to organised Save Loktak Lake Campaign in Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry). The campaign will be conducted on 10th April 2011 at Pondicherry University Campus and 16th April 2011 at Auroville and Pondicherry Rock Beach. The campaign will be organised under the leadership of Ms. Chanchan Yumnam, City co-ordinator. Several volunteers will be involved in organising the campaign. It is to be noted that Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign is the world’s largest campaign for conservation of a lake.

Puducherry Campaign will be the 12th city hosting the Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign. More than 700 volunteers and 32 city Coordinators across the globe are involved in organising the campaign. Increasing number of the youth involvement is a proof to the success of the ongoing Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign. It can be mentioned that the first and the second phase of the campaign have been conducted in 2010. Delhi, Imphal, Guwahati, Silchar and Shillong witnessed the first phase of the campaign. The second phase was conducted in Mumbai, Kolhapur, Sikkim and Darjeeling. Both the phases has been a huge success with mass involvement all over in India.

Third Phase of the campaign started with a successful campaign at Pune, where it was organised at Wadia College, Pune. The campaign was also organised in Chennai at Marina Beach. Next campaign will be organised at Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) followed by London (United Kindom). NECEER, Imphal request everyone to support this noble cause which was started with a mission to create awareness about the present situation of the Loktak Lake and to conserve it.

The campaign is supported by more than 20 international and national organisations. It will conclude in 2012 with a mass campaign at the vicinity of the Lake by involving the local inhabitants, local NGOs and the Government officials amongst others. Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world is situated at the south west part of the lake. It is home to the endangered Manipur brow antlered deer, Sangai – Cervus eldi eldi and many other endangered species. The lake is an Important Bird Area identified by BNHS, Mumbai and Bird life International.

Media Contact

Mehnaz Nasreen

Spokesperson

NECEER, Imphal