Tata Salt's 'Desh Ko Arpan' programme enters its third year with a new initiative
February 22, 2005

Tata Salt, the pioneer and leader in the branded edible salt category, reiterated its commitment to supporting underprivileged children with the launch of an all-new edition under its 'Desh Ko Arpan' programme (DKAP). This year, the Desh Ko Arpan programme extends to the sporting arena providing underprivileged children from municipal schools in Mumbai specialised training in cricket and football. The programme also reiterates its pledge to provide educational support to the children from municipal schools moving into the tenth class. The programme is being held with the complete support of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which also includes facilitating access and usage of playgrounds for both cricket and football.

Trials for the sports and coaching for children in the age group of 10-15 years are being held across Mumbai to select 2,100 children. These children will be provided with access to good quality training facilities and assistance towards induction into leading teams in cricket and football. Certified sports coaches who have passed the Mumbai Cricket Association Level 1 coaching examination will coach the selected children.

Under the education module, about 980 students from the 9th statndard in 49 secondary municipal schools in Mumbai will be short listed on the basis of merit ranking and will be coached in math, science and English for their 10th standard Board examinations. Qualified academicians will train the selected children.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prasad Menon, Managing Director, Tata Chemicals Ltd, said, "We are proud to launch the latest edition of the programme and look forward to generating more resources for such a worthy cause. We are delighted to expand the scope of the Desh Ko Arpan programme by introducing this vocational model. There are a lot of youngsters out there waiting for a platform to showcase their talent and we hope that this programme will help make their dreams a reality. We also continue to support the cause of education and hope that the Desh Ko Arpan programme tuitions will give them a chance to get the best possible result in the crucial 10th standard examinations."

For Tata Chemicals, the Desh Ko Arpan programme is a part of its continuing commitment to the nation. Launched by Tata Chemicals to champion socially relevant causes, the Desh Ko Arpan programme contributes 10 paise for every kilo of Tata Salt sold during the month, to a worthy cause.

Said Mr. Satish Sohoni, COO — Food Additives Business, TCL, "This initiative is one of the ways in which our flagship brand, Tata Salt, finds a connect with improving the quality of life of the underprivileged children through DKAP." He further added, "The objective of expanding the scope of DKAP is to enable underprivileged children to have an opportunity to develop their sports ability and pursue higher education. The MCGM has been forthcoming to this worthy cause and we believe that our partnership will yield rich dividends for students studying in the municipal schools."