Malabar Group, as part of its continued commitment to social responsibility, has announced the launch of a new CSR initiative, NURTURING BEGINNINGS, in collaboration with the WHO India. The project is designed to improve the nutrition and overall well-being of mothers and children from disadvantaged urban communities, while supporting the mental and intellectual development of children.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Malabar Group’s Headquarters in India in the presence of Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India; Dr. B. Muhammad Asheel, National Professional Officer of WHO; M.P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group; Asher. O, Managing Director – India Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Nishad A.K, Malabar Group Executive Director; Chairman of NGO Organization “Thanal” Dr. V. Idrees, Malabar Group Senior Directors, Management Team Members and other dignitaries. The initiative will be implemented through the Malabar Charitable Trust.
The NURTURING BEGINNINGS project builds on the Group’s flagship Hunger Free World program. Global studies highlight that the first 1,000 days from conception until the child’s early growth years are critical for physical, mental, and intellectual development. To address this, the project will provide free nutritious food to mothers and children, along with medical services that support both physical and mental health. Initially, it will be rolled out in urban communities in Delhi, with plans to expand across other states.
Speaking on the occasion, 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 consistently allocated 5% of its profits towards ESG initiative in the areas of Health, Housing, Hunger eradication, Education, Women empowerment and the environment. As part of the group’s Hunger Free World initiative, over 70,000 meals are distributed daily across 170 locations, including 3 schools in the African country of Zambia.
In India alone, the group has established 716 micro learning centres, enrolling more than 32,000 underprivileged children, many of whom transition into formal schooling. Additionally, Malabar Group has awarded more than 115,000 scholarships to female students, supporting their academic journey and empowering the next generation of women leaders.
The company also runs the “Grandma Home” project, providing accommodation for needy and destitute women. With several such initiatives already in place, the company’s long-term goal is to ensure its global success benefits local communities wherever it operates.
Editor’s Note
Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate.
With an annual turnover of $7.36 billion, the company currently ranks as the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of over 400 showrooms spread across 13 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centers, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada & Australia. The group, owned by more than 4,000 shareholders, has more than 25,000 professionals from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewelry at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.
The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and light weight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections.
ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus area of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.
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