24 States supporting and backing the ‘Give with Dignity’ initiative

Mumbai, 29 Oct 2020: An unprecedented crisis has clouded above all of us. Fearing what was to come and what the future will be has become the topic of interest. While we saw frontline fighters working around the clock persistently, there were some unsung heroes who silently have been at the forefront aiding these fighters, with the determination to assist society during this time of emergency and to help the country get through this crisis by ensuring that nobody was forgotten or left behind.

      Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF), a Pune based NGO: working in the areas of healthcare, education, social welfare and water & environment conservation kick-started the ‘Give with Dignity, a PAN- India initiative. An idea to reach and support more than 2.8 lakh people across 70,000 families,  in 24 states of India with grocery and hygiene kits that would sustain a family of four for 21 days.

    The core of the pandemic is fuelled by uncertainty and misinformation. New sets of obstacles and challenges, defiant and undeterred are being tackled with every heedful hour. Being prompt in reaching out to the ones who were most in need of help and support was MMF’s first concern. The nation-wide lockdown culminated in a rather peculiar humanitarian crisis where many a ton have lost their jobs, small businesses were forced to shut down and the entire community’s health, safety and well-being was at stake.

    The Give with Dignity campaign sources goods for the kits from local MSME’s, small scale producers, small and medium size farmers and home based industries. That is the most eccentric part about this drive, not only does it provide relief but also supports the survival of small scale producers and micro business across India. 24 states across India have shown immense support and are backing the ‘Give with Dignity’ initiative.

    Given the grim and bleak realities of the current situation, economic recession and unemployment, the country was further hit by various natural calamities in different parts of the nation, pushing the marginalized communities further to the edge of poverty and helplessness.  Despite the efforts of the government and NGO’s striving to keep things on track, difficulties remain. The lockdown created a parallel crisis for many people as income fell dramatically, hunger increased, and many migrant workers walked long distances home

With this ingenious philanthropic drive to help the society, MMF has continued to make substantial impact through continued efforts on all the pre-existing healthcare, education, sanitation and water & conservation programmes.

    To nourish the new normal and assist India to get back on its feet with unconditional determination and resilience, The GiveWithDignity campaign will  feed more than 2,80,000 individuals across states  with a goal to make a viable difference by spreading hope and smiles this festive season. With enormous support from like-minded friends and donors like Finolex Industries Ltd, CavinKare, Marico, Hinduja Foundation, Nestle, Indorama, IndusInd Bank and so on.

         Speaking on the activity, Mrs. Ritu Prakash Chhabria, Managing Trustee, Mukul Madhav Foundation said, “During this time of lockdown a whole hearted support from the foundation to its beneficiaries, and vice versa is being provided. We have acted as channel to bridge the gap between the needs of the people and establish a livelihood opportunity. The dream I dreamt of supporting PAN India is evident from this initiative. We have received support and encouragement from various corporates, MNCs and like-minded partners as well as linking ourselves to various SHGs and MSMEs. It is with great pride and honour I would like to mention the dedicated and efficient team of Finolex regional managers, state heads and the team PAN India who have been explicitly excellent in executing this seamlessly.”

The widespread pandemic has been heartless and has taken a heavy toll on people’s financial stability, mental and physical wellbeing and has impacted negatively on several other aspects of life all around. The vision of the drive is to not only bring smiles to the families receiving kits, but also to bring business

to the small scale producers and vendors who are contributing to this humanitarian cause.