Muthoot Finance Transformed 0.6 Million Lives Through Investment In Healthcare, Education, And Sustainability As Part Of CSR In Last Fiscal

Muthoot Finance, India’s largest gold loan NBFC continued to strengthen its commitment to socio-economic development through its Muthoot Social Responsibility (MSR) initiatives in FY 2023-24. During FY24, the company spent more than Rs. 1000 million in various community-focused projects, positively impacting the lives of more than 0.6 million people through a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.

Continuing the legacy since the inception of The Muthoot Group in 1887, uplifting the society and fostering sustainability are deeply ingrained in Muthoot Finance’s organizational DNA. The CSR initiatives were focused on offering holistic development by focusing on key areas such as healthcare, education, livelihood support, renewable energy, promoting sports talent, supporting artists of India, wildlife conservation and other infrastructural development. The initiatives were spread across all states and union territories.

Muthoot Finance’s CSR activities also align with almost 12 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), including UNSDG 1 (No Poverty), UNSDG 2 (Zero Hunger), UNSDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), UNSDG 4 (Quality Education) amongst many others. With education as one of the primary focus area, the company is proud to report that about 75% of its CSR budget was spent on bridging the educational gap for talented yet underserved children in the country. The initiatives included construction of new academic institution infrastructure, donation of school stationery, construction and renovation of Smart Anganwadis, higher education scholarships amongst others. Almost, Rs. 10 crores were spent on supporting sports activities and sportsmen to represent India in global events. Muthoot Finance further extended its support to a plethora of species of flora and fauna at Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and Melghat Tiger Reserve by installing solar pumps. This helps in combating challenges posed by climate change and providing consistent water supply throughout the year.

Mr. George Muthoot George, Deputy Managing Director, Muthoot Finance, said, “As a strong believer of the values and ethos of The Muthoot Group of giving it back to society, we are happy that we were able to make a small difference at our end in FY24. Aligned with our three focus areas – Education, Healthcare, and Environment – we are emphasizing on multiple initiatives to lay the groundwork for solving a myriad of various issues. The key objective behind our CSR initiatives is to be a catalyst for social development, contributing to sustainable economic growth of India, and further creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat. As a trusted NBFC, we will continue to prioritize programs and initiatives to enhance economic and social well-being, striving for a harmonious balance between corporate practices and community welfare.”

Under the series of these initiatives, some notable activities included:

*        Healthcare: Muthoot Finance aims to contribute significantly towards strengthening India’s healthcare framework. As part of its flagship healthcare initiative - Muthoot Snehashreya, Muthoot Finance touched the lives around one-lakh beneficiaries by helping them with prevention and early detection of kidney-related diseases, diabetes, and hypertension ailments. Additionally, on the account of World Tuberculosis Day, Muthoot Finance in association with Samartha Sahakari Trust and Primary Health Centre Ekkur distributed nutritional kits to various identified TB patients in the Mangalore region. The company celebrated World Health Day by offering free health checkups and medical kits to the people at the bottom of the pyramid. Further, the company also distributed bunker cots and bed mattresses along with pillows to Government Annai Sathya Orphanage Home in Madurai. Distributed advanced microscopes to multiple government hospitals in Madurai with an objective of supporting the National TB Elimination and Control Program.

*        Education:  In association with Round Table India Association, established smart class facilities at seven identified Government Schools across Five Districts in TamilNadu benefitting more than 4000 students by radically improving their academic performance and enhancing the process of study. Provided Muthoot M George Higher Education Scholarship worth Rs. 10 crores to meritorious students pursuing professional degrees in MBBS, Engineering and BSc Nursing. In the 2023-24, Muthoot Finance recognised the academic achievements of more than a thousand students in 8th and 9th grade across key cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alleppey. Muthoot Finance allocated more than Rs. 2 crores as part of school scholarships initiative.

*        Promoting sports: This segment gained significant prominence during the year. The company provided financial backing to multiple young athletes including professional cyclist Mr. Sreenath Lakshmikanth, and Ms. Sini K Sebastian to represent the nation at various National and International Championships. Both of the athletes were able to achieve remarkable success at their respective events. Additionally, in association with FICCI, Muthoot Finance organized Corporate Sports Championship Kochi 2023 by bringing together over 20 leading corporate firms, including major players such as EY, TCS, Lulu Group, and Geojit Financial Services amongst others to foster sportsmanship and unity within the corporate sector. To support the future generation, Muthoot Finance has dedicated budgets for improvement of sports infrastructure of various schools and colleges across the country. 

*         Improving quality of life: As part of this initiative, Muthoot Finance distributed wheelchairs, battery-operated tricycles and other medical mobility aids and appliance to over 200 differently abled people.  It conducted across cities including Delhi, Dadar amongst others with an aim to support their livelihood and allowing them greater access to social life and community engagement. Built a Virtual Reality Interactive Therapy Unit (Blueroom/Sensory room) for the Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment (CEFEE) in Kerala to create equal opportunities for specially abled children. Sewing machines were donated to the persons with disability (hearing impaired) at Nandini Devi Special School for the Deaf & Blind Akhyam Kalyan Samiti Dhenkanal District, Odisha.

*        Promoting arts and culture: Through our ‘Muthoot Snehasammanam’ initiative, the company supported 45 veteran artists who carry forward these unique cultural legacies since its inception in 2015. The programme provided essential financial assistance worth Rs. 27 Lakhs in FY24 and a cumulative spend of Rs. 70 Lakhs under this scheme so far.

*        Sustainable Livelihood support: Successfully constructed and handed over the newest tranche of 14 houses under the CSR initiative of Muthoot Aashiyana Housing Project in the coastal suburb of Edavanakkad located in Kochi. Distributed fishing utensils to around 200 fisherwomen in Colachel, Kanyakumari District to improve their fishing activities, positively contributing to the socioeconomic development of the region.

*        Environment: Installed solar pumps at Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and Melghat Tiger Reserve in collaboration with the Hope and Helping Hand Society NGO to safeguard natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Established a 25 KWp solar power plant in Kerala Museum to preserve the environment through sustainable manufacturing practices. Solar energy is contributing to 50% of the museum's electricity requirements and is helping in saving Rs. 5 Lakhs every year. Set up a Bio Medical Waste Storage Room at Government Hospital, Madurai District to enable the hospital to effectively store, segregate and manage the bio waste accumulated on a daily basis.

About Muthoot Finance

Muthoot Finance is the flagship company of The Muthoot Group which has 20 diversified business divisions. With 6000+ branches, the Group serves over 2.5 Lac customers every day. Muthoot Finance is India’s largest gold loan NBFC and India’s No.1 Most Trusted Financial Services Brand, according to the Brand Trusted Report. It is a reputed ‘Systemically Important Non-deposit taking NBFC’. As part of the core business, Muthoot Finance provides loans secured against household gold jewellery at highly affordable rates and amazing product features. Globally, the Group has presence across, USA, UK, UAE, Costa Rica, Nepal and Sri Lanka. For more details visit: www.muthootfinance.com

Trustwell Hospital Successfully Performs Life-Saving Bone Marrow Transplant For Young Man

Trustwell hospital is proud to announce the successful completion of a bone marrow transplant for Raghu (name changed). Raghu, young man, pleasant Office Executive, was diagnosed as relapsed extramedullary B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), which is a type of blood cancer. Originally diagnosed with B-cell ALL in 2019, he was initially treated with chemotherapy but unfortunately the  disease relapsed in March 2024. Subsequently he was given the second round of chemotherapy and was planned for a bone marrow transplant to give him the best chance of cure. A haploidentical allogeneic bone marrow transplant was performed on October 19, 2024, with his sister as the donor. He had to be admitted in the hospital for a total of 28 days, whereby he received the conditioning regimen and post-transplant care. He was then discharged and is currently under follow-up care with us.

The transplant was performed by Dr Sachin Jadhav MBBS, MD, DM Clinical Haematology & Dr Nishit MBBS, MD, Clinical lead Haematology & BMT and a team of specialized medical professionals dedicated to advanced treatments in hematological diseases. The doctor said, "despite age on his side the patient was a huge challenge for us. More so the relapsed case we were extra cautious and handled him with care & precision. This was our plus point which worked well & we are glad that he can lead normal life going forward." “The courage demonstrated by our patient is nothing short of inspiring,” said Dr. Nishit. “With every transplant, we strive to not only extend lives but improve the quality of life for our patients.”

Finding a Match

The search for a compatible bone marrow donor was crucial to the transplant’s success and was very seamless as the sister was the donor . The medical team worked tirelessly to coordinate logistics, funding and treatment to ensure that the procedure met the highest standards of safety and care.

The Journey to Recovery

Following the transplant, Raghu (name changed) has shown promising signs of recovery. Over the coming weeks, he will continue to be closely monitored by our medical team for potential complications, such as infections and graft-versus-host disease.

“This procedure reflects our ongoing commitment to cutting-edge treatment and compassionate patient care. Over the years our team has ensured that the chances of success are at par with international hospitals. After all, it takes immense dedication from doctors, nurses, Clinical Pharmacologists and all the hospital supporting staff.” stated Dr. Sachin Jadhav. “We are optimistic about Raghu's progress and look forward to ensuring that he goes back to his normal life.”

About Trustwell Hospitals

Trustwell Hospital is a Multi-super specialty 250 bedded hospital in the heart of the city of Bangalore. Trustwell Hospital is a unique venture where the people who actually understand the needs of a patient are also the ones running it. Trustwell is a place where clinical experts in their chosen fields who have been constantly delivering quality medical care over several decades have come together to put up the best possible hospital infrastructure and also bring with them industry best practices to run such a place.

Motherhood Hospitals And KidsChaupal Join Hands For A Fun-Filled “Children's Carnival”

Motherhood Hospitals, a leading chain of women and children's healthcare with 21 hospitals and 3 clinics across 11 cities, is thrilled to announce its partnership with KidsChaupal, a phygital edutech platform, and Asia Pacific World School (APWS) as the knowledge partner for the upcoming Motherhood Children's Carnival. Set for November 30, 2024, at the NIMHANS Convention Centre in Bangalore, this vibrant event promises a day filled with fun, learning, and creativity for children aged 3 to 18. The carnival will have “Colorothon”, a massive drawing and painting competition where children’s artworks will contribute to the world’s largest painting exhibition, displaying over 15,000 pieces in a single showcase.

Motherhood Hospitals’ commitment to supporting the health and well-being of children and families aligns perfectly with this event. By participating, Motherhood aims to create a space that nurtures children’s creativity, learning, and holistic development through engaging activities.

The carnival will feature a range of exciting activities and competitions, including:

AAYAAM – A dynamic showcase of dance performances by talented young dancers from top schools and societies in Bengaluru for Grand Finale.

ANDAAZ – A captivating theatre performance spotlighting the dramatic skills of gifted children for Grand Finale.

Momentum Dance Competition – Featuring both digital and physical auditions from across Bengaluru.

Pre-registration is mandatory for all activities, with participants receiving certificates recognized by Exclusive World Records. Winners in each competition will be awarded attractive cash prizes & goodies. Registration links for Colorothon and Momentum can be found here:

Colorothon Registration : -https://kidschaupal.page.link/PJv7VVpCzYoAmFTa7

Momentum Registration: https://kidschaupal.page.link/ToAStqjos9V3qytS7

Come celebrate the magic in every game, every smile, and every friendship made. Let’s create memories that last a lifetime! Walkin to a day brimming with fun, laughter, and a million little moments. From entertaining mascots, thrilling games, and delicious food stalls to mesmerizing magic shows and exciting events.

CDPG Announces Operational Availability Of Integrated Geospatial Data-sharing Interface - ‘GDI’

- The Initiative is Set to Revolutionising Data Sharing in the Geospatial domain -

The Centre for Data for Public Good (CDPG), FSID, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc), is thrilled to announce the operational availability of  its groundbreaking initiative – Integrated Geospatial Data-sharing Interface (GDI). GDI is aimed at harnessing the power of geospatial intelligence to address critical challenges and empower communities across India. The platform has been developed in partnership with the Survey of India (SoI) and is funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (DST). 

GDI is a key component of launched Operation Dronagiri, the pilot phase of the National Geospatial Policy 2022, aimed at revolutionising geospatial data accessibility and utility in India. Operation Dronagiri was recently launched by the Geospatial Data Promotion & Development Committee (GDPDC).

The GDI platform is a dynamic, federated system designed to enable seamless data sharing, access, and analysis across sectors such as urban planning, environmental conservation, disaster response, and more. With robust privacy-preserving tools and advanced data exchange protocols, GDI fosters responsible collaboration, empowering organisations to drive impactful decisions.

By facilitating seamless data exchange, GDI enables startups, large enterprises, and research institutions to address pressing challenges, such as improving agricultural practices, enhancing supply chain logistics, and creating new livelihood opportunities, particularly for rural artisans and women.

Key Features of GDI:

·        A federated platform adhering to global geospatial standards like OGC and STAC.

·        Data contributions from leading organisations, including Survey of India, NRSC-ISRO, Geological SoI, Forest Survey of India, Indian Meteorological Department, ICAR, and more.

·        User-focused design encouraging feedback for continuous improvement and dataset expansion.

Commenting on this, Prof. Inder Gopal, Chairman of CDPG and Research Professor at IISc, emphasised, “GDI represents a paradigm shift in how geospatial data can drive meaningful impact across sectors. This initiative aligns with the National Geospatial Policy 2022, ensuring that India's geospatial resources are accessible, actionable, and impactful.”

Collaborative Vision for the Future

GDI also marks the beginning of a collaborative journey. Users, researchers, and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the platform, provide feedback, and propose new use cases to maximise its potential.

Commenting about the availability of the platform Dr. Anand Lakshmanan, Founder & CEO, Sirpi Products and Services Private Limited said, “At Sirpi, we leverage the GDI platform to develop and explore potential solutions for the energy sector. Granular maps and associated spatial data, which were previously siloed, are now accessible through simple, secure APIs. This significantly reduces the time required to move from concept to MVP as we explore additional domains for business expansion based on new client requests.”

“We are thrilled about the potential of the GDI to harness the power of technology to revolutionize disaster management. By integrating diverse datasets, the GDI helps us to create impact assessment, response efforts, and improve predictive capabilities”, said Vignesh Kandasamy, Founder, Thazhal Geospatial Analytics. 

Access the GDI platform here: https://catalogue.geospatial.org.in/

About GDI:

The Integrated Geospatial Data-sharing Interface (GDI) is a pioneering initiative by the Centre for Data for Public Good (CDPG) at IISc Bengaluru, developed under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. It is supported by FSID and a network of national agencies, enabling innovative solutions to India's critical challenges through integrated geospatial data

HGH India Explores South India With Its 16th Edition In Bengaluru From 3rd – 6th Dec 2024 At BIEC

HGH India, a well-established bi-annual trade show for home textiles, home décor, home furniture, houseware & gifts, is exploring South India for the first time by hosting its 16th edition in Bengaluru. The show is slated to take place from 3rd to 6th December 2024 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

Mr. Arun Roongta, Managing Director, HGH India, said, “It is a conscious decision to host the 16th edition in Bengaluru this year. With 20% of the country’s population and a 35% contribution to the GDP, South India is emerging as an important hub for manufacturing and service industries like IT. Its per capita income is about 50% higher than the five North Indian states, giving it much higher purchasing power. This also makes South India one of the most promising and underexplored markets for home products. The demand for home textiles, home décor, home furniture, houseware & gifts in these states is growing faster than in other parts of India.”

The region's market is bolstered by urbanization, a growing middle class, and a shift towards aesthetic living spaces. Key areas like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin and Vijayawada are experiencing substantial growth due to higher economic activity and a strong demand for contemporary home products. South India has a robust presence of leading furnishing brands and retailers. The demand for various home décor and houseware products, including furniture,  rugs, decorative accessories, cookware, tableware and kitchen appliances, is driven by consumer preferences for both traditional and modern design elements.

16th HGH India highlights:

Bergner India's New Launch - The European cookware and kitchen appliance brand, Bergner India, is set to unveil a new product in its cookware line at HGH India, especially for South Indian cooking.  With this the brand proposes to take South Indian cookware to the national market.

Repeat Exhibitors Returning - Many well-known brands are returning to showcase their products, including Micro Cotton from Sharadha Terry, a leading home textiles company in South India, along with PAN Overseas, Furnitech, TTK Prestige, Hawkins, United Ekta and others.

New and Diverse Exhibitors - The event will feature 200 exhibitors from across the globe, including Italy and Turkey, as well as 40-50 new exhibitors from various regions of India, such as Moradabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Malappuram, a prominent furniture manufacturing hub in Kerala.

World of Sleep (WOS) Conference – HGH India, with the support of Indian Sleep Products Federation (ISPF), will host a conference  on the topic “Evolving Indian Sleep Market: The Way Forward” to sensitize the industry on World of Sleep concept and the opportunities it offers. The session scheduled on December 4th (Day 2) will include panel discussions and presentations focusing useful for the industry and trade in this sector.

Panel Discussion on Houseware Trends - A dedicated panel discussion will feature industry leaders who will explore the latest trends in the houseware segment, emphasizing its growing importance in the HOME category.

Sustainability Pavilion - In partnership with Manipal Advertising, HGH India will present a Sustainability Pavilion, showcasing eco-friendly living choices and sustainable home products from 6-8 exhibitors.

Government Support - HGH India continues to receive support from Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of MSME, Government of India; Government of Haryana, and Government of Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, exhibitors supported by the Development Commissioner Handlooms and Development Commissioner Handicrafts will present traditional Indian art, including bamboo handicrafts and exhibitors from the North East.

Indian Heritage Pavilion - The Indian Heritage Pavilion will feature National Award winning artisans showcasing traditional Indian art forms passed down through generations. Highlights include Sanjhi Paper Art from Alwar, Kaavi Art from Udupi, Mysore Painting, and Channapatana wooden toys, renowned for their craftsmanship.

16th edition of HGH India promises a rich blend of innovation, tradition, and sustainable initiatives, catering to a wide spectrum of exhibitors and visitors alike.

The venue, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), is well-connected to the city via the Namma Metro network, making it accessible and convenient for visitors. Metro connectivity to BIEC: With the newly functional Madavara metro station, it is convenient to now reach BIEC as the station is right at the entrance of BIEC.

Veranda K-12 Announces The Shortlisting Of Top-25 Entries For The Nationals Of Avinya

* Grand Finale To Be Held On December 7 At IIIT-Bangalore

Veranda K-12, part of Veranda Learning Solutions, announced the shortlisting of the top 25 entries for the Nationals of Avinya, a nation-wide initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of young innovators. These exceptional students will compete in the Grand Finale on December 7, 2024, at IIIT-Bangalore, where their ground-breaking ideas will take centre-stage.

Avinya: A Hub for Young Innovators

Avinya is a platform designed to empower students from Grades 8 to 12 across India to tackle real-world challenges through innovative ideas aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative aimed to reach over 100 cities and towns, inspiring over 1 lakh young learners to think creatively and contribute towards a sustainable future.

Speaking about the program, Mr. Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director and Chairman of Veranda Learning Solutions, said: “Avinya is not just a competition; it’s a movement to instil innovation and sustainability in the minds of our youth. These young minds hold the key to a better future, and it is heartening to see their creativity shaping solutions to global challenges."

The Grand Finale is being hosted in collaboration with IIIT-Bangalore, a premier technology, research and innovation institute in India. Speaking about the partnership, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said: “At IIIT-Bangalore, we are committed to cultivating a culture of innovation from an early stage. Our partnership with Veranda K-12 for the Avinya initiative has been both inspiring and impactful, as it resonates deeply with our mission to empower young minds to think critically, innovate boldly, and address global challenges with creativity and purpose. Together, we aim to shape the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow, equipping them to make meaningful contributions to society."

Journey to the Nationals

Avinya received an overwhelming response with over 350 ideas submitted from 14 cities and towns. Shortlisted entries went through a rigorous selection process conducted in collaboration with host schools and online platforms.

Physical evaluations were held at:

The Millennium School, Lucknow

The Khaitan School, Noida

BVM Global School, Chennai

Vista International, Hyderabad

BVM Global School, Coimbatore

Khaitan Public School, Ghaziabad

Shishya BEML School, Bengaluru

BVM Global School, Bengaluru

Meanwhile, ideas from Jaipur, Kolkata, Pune, Indore, Trichy, Chandigarh, and Anantnag were evaluated online.

Preparing for the Grand Finale

The top-25 finalists have already undergone two online masterclasses, and a Bootcamp will be held on December 6th, 2024, at IIIT-Bangalore. This session will feature experts from the innovation ecosystem and young entrepreneurs sharing insights into ideation, implementation, and the nuances of building a successful start-up.

Exciting Grand Finale Details

The Grand Finale on December 7th, 2024, will see these young innovators presenting their ideas to an esteemed panel, including:

Mr. Bhavin Shah, Director & CEO, Education World

Mr. Prateek Madhav, Co-founder & CEO, AssisTech Foundation

Ms. Gayatri Chauhan, Founder & CEO, BuzzOnEarth

Mr. Rajesh Pankaj, Chief Program Officer, Veranda Learning Solutions

The event will also feature:

Guest of Honour: Mr. Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director & Chairman, Veranda Learning Solutions

Chief Guest (Inauguration Ceremony): Mr. Sunil Acharya, India & South Asia Lead, Amazon Web Services

Chief Guest (Awards Ceremony): Prof. Chandrashekar Ramanathan, Dean of Academics, IIIT-Bangalore

A Vision for the Future

Mr. Subramanyam Kantheti, CEO of Veranda K-12, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

"Avinya is a platform to empower young minds to dream big and think innovatively. Collaborating with IIIT-Bangalore ensures these ideas are fine-tuned with world-class mentorship and expertise, paving the way for future changemakers."

For more information, visit www.verandak12.com/avinya. 

Setting New Standards In Women’s Safety For Bus Travel Across India

Ensuring safe travel for women remains a critical priority in India, especially for those journeying alone. From bustling metropolitan areas like Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai to growing cities such as Bhopal and Agra, many women continue to express concerns about their safety while traveling. This is particularly evident during intercity journeys, highlighting the urgent need for transportation options that prioritize passenger security.

Recognizing this need, NueGo, a leader in the intercity bus travel sector, is placing women's safety at the forefront of its mission. Operating across more than 150 cities in India, NueGo is revolutionizing the travel experience for women by implementing an extensive range of safety measures, including a 24/7 dedicated women's helpline (1800 267 3366), high-definition CCTV surveillance, real-time GPS tracking, and mandatory driver Breathalyzer tests. NueGo’s staff undergo rigorous training, and its Driver Monitoring System ensures accountability and safety. Reserved seating for women is also available, featuring the PINK seat option, where female passengers are seated exclusively next to other women for added comfort. The buses offer clean and hygienic mid-point stops, supported by a 24x7 Command Control Centre, empowering women to travel with confidence.

NueGo's marketing campaigns emphasize women’s safety, empowerment, and an enhanced guest experience. The #UnloadYourWorries campaign highlights NueGo’s dedication to addressing women’s safety concerns through its comprehensive safety measures. The 'Breaking Barriers with NueGo' campaign on National Girl Child Day celebrated the achievements of women coach captains and cabin hosts, challenging stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated roles. NueGo has also undertaken guest-centric campaigns, including sports collaborations with the Haryana Steelers Kabaddi team and Delhi Capitals, movie tie-ups offering travel discounts, and services like fares starting from ?499 with food boxes on select routes—all designed to enhance the travel experience, promote gender equality, and build emotional connections with its guests.

By addressing the long-standing challenges faced by women travelers, NueGo is promoting greater mobility and independence for women across the country. As the company continues to expand its services, it sets a powerful example for the transportation industry, proving that safe and comfortable travel for women is both possible and essential for building a more inclusive society.