Powering Hope, Re-Building Lives
Devastating floods washed away much in Kerala and Coorg late last year. The beautiful hills of Coorg and the verdant greens of Kerala saw nature’s fury sweep away houses, farms, livestock Overnight, residents lost livelihoods – families struggled to stay afloat. The rains came and went, but the dark clouds remained, casting a shadow for the future of the people of Kerala and the Madikeri District in Karnataka.
As a responsible company committed to partnering India through thick and thin, our company and our people were keen to help in whatever way possible. Our employees and the company contributed to create a corpus of Rs. 25.5 lakh to help alleviate the pain of those affected.
In Kerala too, Shell India tied up with Care India to help 100 farmers resume get back to their fields supporting them with technical and agricultural inputs. We are also extending a helping hand to nearly 50 small businesses. Since January, the work has begun and we hope to see fruition by end May this year.
Upon discussions with the Education Department of Madikeri we were informed that because of the floods, power supply had been affected leaving the villages prone to frequent power cuts. The problem posing a serious challenge to the children of the area – especially those preparing for upcoming board examinations. The conditions were worse during evenings when there was no sunlight. As a company looking to the future, we realize students are the ambassadors of the future and with a sound education they will be empowered to make a difference. They are the foundation on which India will be built.
In Therefor Shell India has partnered with Habitat for Humanity India to provide solar lamps to 10th Grade students of government schools in Madikeri block of Kodagu.
These solar lamps can be charged during the day and can last up to 12 hours at low brightness, with three light settings. These lamps have ultra-flexible design with a 360 degree reach that provides enough light and can be used by two people at a time. These are also a great source of affordable and clean energy which is one of the United Nation’s ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ that aims to leave a cleaner, greener and more sustainable planet for us.
We are happy to report that our initiative managed to reach 2,217 students who will now be appearing for their class 10 board examinations. We may have been instrumental in providing them with the solar lamps, but it’s the students who are well on their way to lighting a bright future for themselves. Shell India feels privileged to have had an opportunity to help a few such lives for a brighter tomorrow.
The rains may have washed away homes, but the dreams stay afloat. The dream of a better tomorrow and these students are the agents of change. So here’s to these bright young boys and girls, our ambassadors of tomorrow. A tomorrow that they will help shape and build for themselves and future generations. We hope for a cleaner, greener and a better India and the world. Wishing them all the best for their exams and future endeavors.
Each one of us who form part of the Shell should feel proud that in good times and bad, CARE is at the core of everything we do.
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