We are involved in a number of development initiatives in communities around our manufacturing facilities and in far-flung areas, through constant and well-monitored support to educational, medical and charitable organizations.

A Community Development Scheme managed by representatives from the Management and the Union with contribution made by both caters to the needs of the neighbouring communities. Contributions include construction of buildings for government/private educational institutions, providing borewells, bus shelters, streetlights and community television sets.

Started in 1994, the Dharam Hinduja Matriculation and Higher Secondary School, Thiruvottiyur, Chennai, is managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of senior executives and workmen of the company. Every year, buses are donated to various schools, mostly catering to economically backward students. Desks and benches are also provided. The inmates of 'Missionaries of Charity' near the Ennore Unit are provided with free food, every day.

We have also donated ambulances for worthy causes. Free medical camps are held in neighbourhoods. Employees participate in large numbers at periodic blood donation camps held at the Units.

Times of crisis have seen our employees and the management contributes generously and spontaneously.

The Company contributed one crore rupees in aid of relief operations for the Tsunami victims. In addition, employees contributed another Rs. 15 lakhs separately. Substantial relief material was distributed in the worst affected districts of Tamilnadu through NGOs. The Company is also working with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for long-term solutions like fishing equipment and community centers to the fishermen communities. Apart from this, employees moved into instinctive helping actions and some of them even braved odds to be at disaster sites, helping rescue and relief operations.

On December 26, 2004, when the tragedy struck, the residents of the badly affected fishermen hamlets took shelter in the Ennore Unit of the Company, which is near the Northern coastline of Chennai. Over a 100 employees, along with buses and ambulances were involved in relief operations including medical attention and feeding of the displaced. 30,000 food packets were distributed for the affected almost for a week after the tragedy. A permanent drinking water arrangement has been provided just outside the factory premises for use by nearby residents.