Israeli Consulate to gift 200 Nanhi Kalis a brighter future

Presents a cheque of Rs. 3,60,000 to the KC Mahindra Education Trust on Israel’s 62^ndIndependence Day

Mumbai, April 22, 2010: The Consulate of Israel in Mumbai commemorated the Israeli Independence Day today by sponsoring the education of 200 Nanhi Kalis. Ms. Orna Sagiv, Consul General of Israel presented a cheque of Rs. 3,60,000 to Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Mahindra Group at an event organized to mark the special occasion. Nanhi Kali is a national girl child sponsorship programme run jointly by the KC Mahindra Education Trust and Naandi Foundation. Ms. Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director, K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and Head, CSR, Mahindra & Mahindra was also present on the occasion.

A select group of Nanhi Kalis celebrated the Israeli Independence Day with the Israeli Consulate. This was followed by a special art competition on the theme - “Peace” that had the children reflect their views on peace through art.

Speaking on the occasion Ms. Orna Sagiv, Consul General of Israel said, “While working in India we consider ourselves as part of the Indian society. We commend the declaration by the Indian government to make elementary education as the Fundamental Right of every child. That is one of the reasons behind donating our Independence Day budget to Nanhi Kali programme. We would also like to participate in the upbringing of these girls and in promising them a better future.”

Appreciating the Israeli Consulate’s gesture, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group said, “The Mahindra group firmly believes that education, especially of the girl child, is of paramount importance to ensure a better quality of life. My congratulations to the members of the Israeli Consulate on Israel’s Independence Day, and I am glad that they have chosen to celebrate by gifting the light of education to Nanhi Kalis, which will empower them to lead independent lives.”

About Nanhi Kali:

Project Nanhi Kali was initiated in 1996 by K C Mahindra Education Trust (KCMET) with an objective of providing primary education to the underprivileged girl child in India. In 2005 KCMET entered into a partnership with Naandi Foundation, a reputed NGO, to jointly manage the programme. Through this partnership the two not-for-profit organizations aim to extend 10 years of quality education to the under-privileged girl children. Nanhi Kali has successfully evolved over the years into a national girl child sponsorship programme, which supports the education of girl children by providing not only academic support but also direct material support in the form of uniforms, clothes, note books etc.

The project currently supports the education of over 56264 underprivileged girl children.

Israel celebrates 62 years of independence:

Israel's 62nd Independence Day was celebrated on April 20. This year, Israel marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Theodor Herzl, the father of modern political Zionism, who was born in Budapest in 1860. The day preceding the Independence Day was devoted to the memory of those who gave their lives for the achievement of the country's independence and its continued existence.