Srinagar News, December 06 2018: Embracing the true spirit of the holy month of Ramzan, Vodafone has donated a sum of Rs 5.4 lakh for education of underprivileged children in Kashmir in keeping with the ‘spirit of giving’ associated with this pious month.
Now in its sixth year, the annual ‘Giving Initiative’ by Vodafone commemorates Ramzan in the most noble of ways by giving the gift of education to underprivileged Kashmiri youth for which it has donated more than Rs 35.5 lakh in these six years.
Since the inception of this initiative, Vodafone has tied-up with Sakhawat Centre, run by Iqbal Memorial Trust, an NGO in Srinagar to whom it has donated a grand sum of Rs 35.5 lakh over the course of these six years. Every year Vodafone ensures that an adequate amount of money is collected during the month of Ramzan to be utilized for the empowerment of underprivileged children in Kashmir. Sakhawat Centre ensures that the money is put to use to support the academic pursuits of underprivileged children of Kashmir
As part of its tie-up with the Sakhawat Centre for this cause, Vodafone donated 1 paisa for every outgoing call or recharge and Rs. 5 for every new activation in the Kashmir province during the entire month of Ramzan this year (starting May 17, 2018). It is needless to iterate that Vodafone does NOT charge anything from the customer for this program.
Commenting on the initiative Sudhir Pradhan, Business Head- Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, Vodafone Idea Limited said, “The annual Giving Initiative to commemorate Ramzan was initiated by Vodafone to make meaningful contribution to the development of Kashmir, in observance of the ‘spirit of giving’ advocated by this noble festival Over the years Vodafone, through this initiative, has contributed more than Rs 35.5 lakh for education of underprivileged children in Kashmir to help them grow as individuals and empower them to be positive contributors to Kashmir’s future. We look forward to continuing this celebration and our efforts towards Kashmir’s development in the years to come”.
The cheque of Rs 5.4 lakh was handed over to Dr. Yusuf-ul-Omer, Administrator, Sakhawat Centre (under Iqbal Memorial Trust) and Mir Mohammad Ashraf, Secretary Sakhawat Centre (under Iqbal Memorial Trust). Expressing his views on the initiative, Dr. Yusuf-ul-Omer, said, “Over these six years, Vodafone has shown remarkable commitment towards the development of underprivileged children of Kashmir and their empowerment through education. It gives us immense satisfaction to be associated with Vodafone for this ‘noble initiative’ which is designed to help create a better tomorrow for Kashmir and Kashmiri youth.”
Iqbal Memorial Trust has been working to rehabilitate the lives of thousands of destitute and orphans in J&K through a well-spread network of volunteers and service centers. With an objective of making its social welfare activities more broad-based, the Trust had set up the Sakhawat Centre, J&K in June 2005. This social institution has since been helping orphans, widows and other weaker sections of the society lead a dignified life.
This initiative is a part of Vodafone’s “Gift-a-Smile” programme which sees Vodafone undertake various such projects throughout the year.
About Vodafone Idea Ltd. (formerly Idea Cellular Ltd)
Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service provider with over 422 million customers and Revenue (AGR) Market Share of 32.2% (Q1FY19 including wireline revenue). Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. Company is developing world-class infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.
