In June 2021, Indian industry’s doyen Jamsetji Tata emerged as the biggest philanthropist of the century by donating over $100 billion, as per a list of the top 50 philanthropists prepared by Hurun Report and EdelGive Foundation. The result wasn’t surprising considering that the TATA Group sets aside two-thirds of its profits to TATA Trusts, which uses the funds to do good in various areas including education, healthcare, fighting malnutrition, etc. And it’s only fair that such acts of kindness and needful execution of corporate social responsibility are talked about and appreciated by one and all.
So, in our first edition of #BeyondProfit, our latest blog series covering businesses that go the extra mile to give back to society, we shall be taking a look at how TATA Trusts has established itself as a beacon of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
Now, without wasting any more time, let’s take a look at some of TATA Trusts’ initiatives that address pressing social issues.
1. Education
Tata Trusts has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education in India by boosting the infrastructure, training teachers, and providing scholarships to underprivileged students. As of 2022, its Education Excellence Program has impacted more than 3.5 million students across the country.
Moreover, as part of its Digital Empowerment Initiative, TATA Trusts has forged partnerships with educational institutes and tech companies to kickstart digital literacy programs to bridge the digital divide and empower students with essential digital skills.
2. Healthcare
TATA Trusts has made a lasting impact on India’s healthcare system by supporting infrastructure development and medical research. Of these endeavors, perhaps the most notable is the establishment of the TATA Medical Center, which offers world-class cancer care to patients irrespective of their financial status.
More than 100,000 cancer patients have benefitted from the treatment they have received under TATA Trusts’ Cancer Care Program.
Also, it has been at the forefront of supporting cutting-edge cancer research in collaboration with leading research institutes. So far, it has funded more than 50 research projects in the field of oncology.
3. Digital Empowerment of Rural Women
TATA Trusts realizes the importance of uplifting women in Indian rural areas and recognizes the transformative potential of internet access to that end.
Thus, it’s no wonder that it partnered with Google to launch the Internet Saati program, which is aimed at training rural women and empowering them to use digital tools for accessing information, enhancing livelihoods, and improving their overall well-being. Ever since its inception, the program has reached more than 30,000 villages and trained over 1 million women.
4. Tackling Malnutrition
TATA Trusts has played a pivotal role in fighting the menace of malnutrition in India by supporting nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices, promoting breastfeeding, and providing access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations.
As part of its food fortification drive, TATA Trusts ensures the addition of vitamins and minerals to staple foods such as wheat flour, rice, milk, and edible oil. Its endeavors have had a positive impact on the lives of more than 1.5 million children and mothers.
5. Sanitation
In its relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier India, TATA Trusts has played a key role in uplifting communities, eliminating open defecation, and promoting dignified sanitation practices through its groundbreaking initiative, Mission Garima.
This initiative employs a participatory approach, thereby, empowering communities to take ownership of their hygiene and sanitation practices. What is particularly impressive is the group’s efforts at raising awareness not only about hygiene and sanitation but also about the plight of sanitation workers in India.
Bottom Line
And that was a wrap of the first edition of #BeyondProfit. TATA Group’s philanthropic initiatives bear testament to its unwavering commitment to inclusive development and social equity. By making significant contributions to education, healthcare, and other areas, TATA Trusts has made notable strides in enhancing the lives of millions of Indians. As we reflect upon its impactful journey in enhancing the lives of millions of Indians, I sincerely hope that other companies too shall take a leaf out of TATA Trusts’ philanthropic initiatives.
We’ll be back with blogs on other organizations that have played a vital role in giving back to society. Till then, stay tuned!
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