Tag: Philanthropy

Health

Blood Donation Camp Organized at Our Lady of Pilar Church, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk

On November 18, 2025, Our Lady of Pilar Church, affiliated with the Society of Pilar in Goa, organized a blood donation camp in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the Goa Medical College Blood Bank. The camp, which ran from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, coincided with the eighth day of the novena dedicated to the sick and was held at the Pilar Seminary Hall. Parishioners who attended Mass earlier in the day actively participated in this life-saving initiative, alongside seminarians and priests who generously donated blood.

In addition to the blood donation drive, the camp featured an Organ Donation Information Desk managed by Mr. Gabriel Pereira, an Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation. He distributed approximately 30 frequently asked questions on organ donation and engaged attendees in meaningful discussions about the importance of pledging support for organ donation, inspiring many to consider contributing to this noble cause.

Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues, a founding member of Loving Hearts Goa, and President Mr. Mark D’Souza expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, for supporting the camp for the second consecutive year. They also thanked all donors for their valuable contributions, emphasizing that each donation has the potential to make a significant difference in someone’s life. The blood donation camp at Our Lady of Pilar Church was a remarkable demonstration of community spirit, compassion, and the shared commitment to saving lives through both blood and organ donation.

Business

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Expands ‘Hunger Free World’ Initiative to Ethiopia, Scaling Its Global Impact

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Business Desk, Team Allycaral
Mumbai, November 12, 2025: In a remarkable step toward global social responsibility, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s fifth-largest jewellery retailer, has announced the expansion of its acclaimed Hunger Free World initiative to Ethiopia.

Following its transformative success in India and Zambia, the initiative will now support 10,000 children across five schools in Adama City, Oromia region, by 2026. The project aims to provide daily meals, scholarships, digital literacy, and library development programs, thereby promoting both nutrition and educational equity.

The announcement took place at the Malabar International Hub in the Dubai Gold Souq, where Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group, officially handed over the Letter of Intent to H.E. Asmelash Bekele, Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai.

“Our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond business. Hunger Free World has transformed countless lives, and its expansion to Ethiopia reinforces our mission of sustainable and inclusive growth,”
said Mr. M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group.

With an investment of USD 864,000 over the next two years, the program will not only ensure daily nutrition for children but also promote local employment by engaging parents, teachers, and local suppliers.

Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD of International Operations, highlighted,

“In addition to school feeding programs, our initiatives in Ethiopia will include scholarships, mentorships, digital literacy, and library development. This marks another milestone in our journey to end hunger and foster education equity globally.”

The Hunger Free World initiative, a cornerstone of Malabar’s ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) commitments, currently provides over 85,000 meals daily across 170 locations worldwide. Its expansion aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — notably Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Gender Equality.

Founded in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has become a global symbol of ethical business practices and community service. The group allocates 5% of its net profits to CSR — more than double India’s mandated corporate contribution — supporting causes such as health, housing, women’s empowerment, and the environment.

Through initiatives like Hunger Free World, Malabar demonstrates how Indian entrepreneurship can drive global change — building bridges between business success and social transformation. 🌍💛

Entertainment

Palak Muchhal Enters Guinness Records for Funding 3,800 Heart Surgeries

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Bollywood playback singer Palak Muchhal has achieved a historic milestone by entering the Guinness World Records for funding over 3,800 heart surgeries for underprivileged children through her Palak Muchhal Heart Foundation.

The foundation, co-founded in 2006 with her brother Palash Muchhal, has become a beacon of hope for countless families who cannot afford life-saving surgeries. Palak, who began her philanthropic journey at the tender age of 13 during the Kargil War, has dedicated her voice and concert earnings to support heart patients across India.

Over the years, her foundation has collaborated with several hospitals and cardiac specialists, ensuring timely medical intervention for children in need. What makes her work even more heartfelt is that Palak often visits the hospitals and sings for patients after their surgeries — adding a personal, healing touch to their recovery.

This recognition from Guinness World Records not only honors her humanitarian spirit but also highlights the transformative power of using fame for good.

Palak shared, “Music gave me a platform, but compassion gave it purpose.”

Her inspiring story continues to remind the world that kindness, when amplified through art, can truly save lives. 💖

#PalakMuchhal #GuinnessWorldRecords #Philanthropy #BollywoodSinger #HeartFoundation #Allycaral #Inspiration

Human Interest

Mukesh Ambani Donates ₹15 Crore to Guruvayur Devaswom for New Multi-Speciality Hospital

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani made a spiritual and philanthropic stop in Kerala this week, visiting the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur and offering a ₹15 crore donation towards the Guruvayur Devaswom’s upcoming multi-speciality hospital project. Arriving by helicopter early on Sunday morning, Ambani reached the temple via the southern gate and was received by officials of the Devaswom Board, including Chairman Dr V.K. Vijayan. He took part in temple rituals, offered prayers to Lord Guruvayurappan, and made a traditional ghee-lamp offering before handing over the cheque.

The ₹15 crore contribution marks the first instalment of Reliance’s support for the Devaswom’s healthcare initiative, which aims to build a modern multi-speciality hospital serving devotees, pilgrims, and the local population in and around Thrissur district. Reports indicate that the project will integrate advanced medical facilities, emergency care, and community services within the temple’s ecosystem.

In addition to financial support, Ambani also expressed his willingness to extend technical assistance for elephant care and veterinary facilities at the temple, referencing Reliance’s own wildlife and animal welfare programs in Gujarat. After the temple visit and donation ceremony, the Guruvayur Devaswom presented him with prasadam and a commemorative mural painting as a token of gratitude.

This gesture adds to Mukesh Ambani’s long history of religious visits and philanthropic contributions across India, aligning spiritual devotion with tangible social impact. His donation to the Guruvayur Devaswom reflects Reliance’s broader commitment to community health and sustainable development, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can blend seamlessly with cultural heritage and faith-based initiatives.

EduConnect

Somerville College, Oxford Honours Natarajan Chandrasekaran with Prestigious Foundation Fellowship

Tanisha Cardozo

Somerville College at the University of Oxford has proudly announced the election of Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, as a Foundation Fellow—one of the highest honours the College bestows for philanthropy. This prestigious recognition was conferred during a ceremony held on 23rd September 2025, attended by distinguished guests including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, the High Commissioner of India, HE Vikram Doraiswami, and other prominent leaders from the Tata Group and academia.

Chandrasekaran, widely known as Chandra, was elected to this Fellowship by the outgoing Principal, Baroness Jan Royall, along with the Governing Body of Somerville College, in acknowledgment of his instrumental role in enabling the creation of the College’s new flagship teaching and learning hub—the Ratan Tata Building. Named after Mr Ratan Tata, a revered philanthropist and Chandrasekaran’s mentor, this building will serve as the permanent home for the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD). Since its inception in 2013, the OICSD has been a leading force in researching critical issues related to sustainability and development that impact India and the global community.

A Foundation Fellowship creates a lifelong bond between the recipient and Somerville College and is a testament to the transformative support and enduring partnership between the Tata Group and Oxford. Catherine Royle, Principal of Somerville College, praised Chandrasekaran as “a shining testament to the power of meritocracy and just how much can be achieved through intellect and hard work,” celebrating his ongoing contributions to the shared vision between the College, the OICSD, and the Tata Group.

In his remarks, Natarajan Chandrasekaran highlighted the long-standing commitment of Somerville College to addressing pressing social causes over nearly 150 years, aligning with the core values of the Tata Group and its luminary Ratan Tata. He expressed confidence that the partnership’s fertile interdisciplinary environment would continue to foster collaboration and innovation to tackle some of the world’s most urgent environmental and social challenges.

Chandrasekaran’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from the Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, followed by a Master of Computer Applications from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. Since completing his studies, he has dedicated himself to the Tata Group, ascending through leadership roles to become Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of India’s largest business conglomerate.

The conferral of the Foundation Fellowship marks a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between one of India’s most respected business leaders and one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, reinforcing a shared commitment to philanthropy, education, and sustainable development.