The Malabar Group, a prominent Indian business conglomerate and the parent company of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, has introduced its “National Scholarship Programme” for 2024. The announcement was made at an event held at the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai, India. Malabar Gold & Diamonds, recognized as the sixth-largest jewelry retailer worldwide, has committed to providing over $1.9 million through this initiative, which aims to support the education of more than 21,000 female students across India.
The scholarship program highlights the company’s dedication to fostering education for young women and promoting their empowerment. In a statement, the Malabar Group emphasized that the program aligns with its broader goal of uplifting women and contributing to their personal and professional growth.
The event was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, India’s Honourable Minister of Commerce & Industry, and was attended by key figures within the company, including MP Ahammed, the Chairman of Malabar Group, Abdul Salam K P, the Vice-Chairman, Asher O, Managing Director of India operations for Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Nishad AK, Executive Director of the group, and Shaunak Parikh, Director of Mahendra Brothers.
MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, highlighted the significance of the scholarship program, saying, “Education is the most powerful tool to change the world. Our scholarship programme is a direct reflection of Malabar Group’s deep-rooted belief that education unlocks opportunities and transforms lives. We are committed to removing barriers for young girls so they can fulfil their educational aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Malabar Charitable Trust (MCT), which manages the company’s philanthropic activities, was established in 1999. Through this trust, Malabar Group allocates 5% of its profits from all regions of operation toward a range of charitable initiatives, including health, housing, education, hunger relief, women’s empowerment, and environmental causes. The trust places a strong focus on uplifting marginalized communities, aiming to create lasting impacts in these areas.
Since its inception in 2007, the Malabar National Scholarship Programme has invested over $7 million in supporting female students across India. This investment has provided financial assistance to more than 95,000 girls, enabling them to pursue their education without financial hindrances. The ongoing commitment to this cause demonstrates the Malabar Group’s long-term vision for empowering young women and creating opportunities that can transform their futures.
The company’s philanthropic efforts go beyond the scholarship program. Malabar Group also runs the Hunger-Free World Project, which provides nutritious meals to underprivileged people across India. This initiative is supported by a vast network of volunteers and partnerships with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Hunger-Free World Project seeks to combat hunger and enhance food security by distributing 50,000 food packets daily in 80 cities across 16 states in India. The scope of the project extends beyond India, as Malabar Group also distributes 10,000 meals daily to school students in Zambia, Africa.
The company has ambitious goals for the Hunger-Free World Project, aiming to expand its operations to distribute 100,000 meals daily at 200 centers. This expansion plan underscores the Group’s unwavering commitment to alleviating hunger and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to sufficient nutrition. The project’s impact is far-reaching, and with continued growth, Malabar Group hopes to make an even larger difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.
Another significant initiative by the Malabar Group is the Grandma Home project, which provides shelter and care for destitute women. These fully-equipped homes offer women a safe and nurturing environment where they can live with dignity. Currently, the project operates homes in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with plans to expand to several other major cities in India, including Kerala, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. This initiative aims to address the needs of vulnerable women who lack the means to secure housing and protection, giving them a chance to lead lives of comfort and security.
In total, Malabar Group has invested more than $31 million in various social responsibility projects, further solidifying its reputation as a company that takes its corporate social responsibility (CSR) seriously. The Group’s investments in education, hunger relief, women’s empowerment, and housing have positively impacted countless lives, and the company remains committed to furthering its efforts in these areas.
Malabar Group’s ongoing contributions to society through its diverse initiatives reflect its deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community. The company’s dedication to CSR has grown alongside its business operations, ensuring that it remains an integral part of the communities in which it operates. The National Scholarship Programme, Hunger-Free World Project, and Grandma Home initiative are just a few examples of how the Malabar Group continues to lead by example in making meaningful, lasting contributions to society.
As Malabar Group continues to expand its philanthropic reach, its focus on education, particularly for young girls, stands out as a key priority. Through the National Scholarship Programme, the company is providing life-changing opportunities to thousands of female students who may not have had access to education otherwise. These scholarships are more than just financial aid; they represent a commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders, professionals, and change-makers.
The company’s efforts to promote education, alleviate hunger, and provide shelter reflect its understanding of the interconnectedness of these issues. By addressing the educational needs of young women, ensuring that the underprivileged have access to nutritious food, and offering housing to vulnerable women, Malabar Group is creating a comprehensive support system that fosters both individual and community development.
Looking ahead, Malabar Group is poised to continue its legacy of impactful philanthropy. With its scholarship program growing each year and its hunger and housing projects expanding, the Group’s contributions to society will likely continue to touch thousands of lives in meaningful ways. By maintaining a focus on education, women’s empowerment, and social welfare, Malabar Group is setting an example for other corporations to follow.
The Malabar Group’s National Scholarship Programme for 2024, along with its other philanthropic initiatives, demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility. As it supports the education of over 21,000 female students this year and continues to invest in hunger relief and housing projects, Malabar Group remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless individuals across India and beyond. With over $31 million already invested in social responsibility projects, the Group’s future contributions are expected to have an even greater impact, helping to shape a more equitable and prosperous world for all.