Kozhikode: Malabar Group has launched a new CSR initiative, ‘Nurturing Beginnings’, in collaboration with WHO India to improve nutrition and well-being among mothers and children in disadvantaged urban communities. The project also focuses on supporting the mental and intellectual development of children.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Malabar Group headquarters in Kuttikkatoor, Kozhikode in the presence of WHO Representative to India Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO National Professional Officer Dr B. Muhammad Asheel, Malabar Group Chairman M.P. Ahammad, Malabar Gold & Diamonds Managing Director – India Operations Asher O, Group Executive Director Nishad A.K, Thanal NGO Chairman Dr V. Idrees, senior directors, management team members and other dignitaries.
The project will be implemented through the Malabar Charitable Trust. It expands the reach of the Group’s flagship Hunger Free World initiative, which currently provides free meals to thousands daily. Studies show that the first 1,000 days from conception to early childhood are critical for growth and development. To address this, the project will provide free nutritious food and medical services to mothers and children. The first phase will begin in Delhi, followed by expansion into other states.
Speaking at the launch, M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group said, “NURTURING BEGINNINGS is a very important project for us, as it extends the impact of our ‘Hunger Free World’ initiative. Only when children receive proper nutrition from conception through their early years can they grow to their full potential, both mentally and physically. Sadly, many in our society are deprived of this. By collaborating with WHO India, Malabar Group is acknowledging its responsibility in shaping a healthier society. We are deeply grateful to WHO for its support and cooperation.”
Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, said, “WHO congratulates Malabar Group for initiating such a vital project, which is crucial in shaping a healthier future generation. Nutrition and care are the fundamental rights of mothers and children, and the responsibility of society. Malabar Group has been implementing several impactful CSR initiatives, and we are confident that the NURTURING BEGINNINGS project will also be a great success.”
Dr P. Muhammad Asheel, National Professional Officer of WHO, added, “The NURTURING BEGINNINGS project has the potential to significantly improve the development of children in socially and economically backward communities. WHO India will extend all possible cooperation and support to Malabar Group to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.”
Since its inception in 1993, Malabar Group has dedicated 5 percent of its profits to CSR activities. Through the Hunger Free World project, it provides free meals to 60,000 people daily in India and to 10,000 students in Zambia. The Group has also set up more than 700 micro-learning centres across India, helping street children and school dropouts return to formal education. Nearly 30,000 children have been brought back to school through these efforts.
Other CSR initiatives include Grandma Home for destitute mothers, health and housing programmes, and scholarships for underprivileged girls. Since 2007, over 1,15,000 scholarships have been awarded, and this year alone 33,000 scholarships will be distributed. The Group’s initiatives also extend to women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability.
BI Bureau
