Safe ride for primary school children of Sevalaya with installed speed governor, first aid box, and emergency exit!
India’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI), as part of their Social responsibility activities, has donated a 50 seater school bus worth 20 lakhs to Sevalaya, at the 27th Annual Day celebrations of Sevalaya, an NGO which provides free, quality education for 2000 children at Kasuva, 45 kms away from Chennai city. This much needed donation will help the primary and pre primary school children in the age group of 3 to 8 to travel to school in safety and comfort compared to the crowed public transport and the 2 KM walk to the school from the nearest bus stop.
Chief Guest Shri P.S.Prakash Rao, Chief General Manager of SBI, Chennai Circle, presided over the 27th Annual day function by lighting the lamp and releasing the 27th Annual Report. He flagged off the School bus donated by SBI, much to the delight of the younger ones.
Speaking on the occasion, he said true to its name, Sevalaya was a temple of service and he was honoured to be present at the 27th Annual Day celebrations. He also appreciated the values Sevalaya inculcates in its students. “A visit to Sevalaya is a great experience and gives one the feeling of connecting to one’s roots”, he added. He also said that he wished to start a similar initiative in his village.
He added that State Bank of India was planning to launch SBI Foundation which he hoped would have a continuous engagement with Sevalaya. As per the stipulations of CSR law Rs 250 crores would be available for charity by State Bank of India.
State Bank of India as a responsible Corporate Citizen earmarks 2% of its Profit every year for its CSR activities. During last FY 2014-15, SBI spent Rs.116 crore on various CSR activities across the Country. During the current FY Chennai Circle alone has donated nearly Rs.81.72 lakhs till date. SBI, Chennai Circle is a committed forerunner in the Country in CSR activities.
Prizes were awarded to toppers in X and XII on the occasion. Long service Awards were also presented to the staff completing 5, 10 and 15 years of service in Sevalaya. Vidiyal, a manuscript magazine prepared by the children was also released. Gifts were also presented to select villagers and the residents of old Age Home who willingly and actively involved themselves in the activities of the organization.
Mr. V.Muralidharan, Founder & Managing Trustee, Sevalaya gave an introductory speech and welcomed the gathering. He said, “Sevalaya activities have been on the increase, to meet the changing needs of the community. The number of beneficiaries, the programs, the villages covered, all have increased many folds in the last 27 years. We have almost eradicated child labour in the 40 villages around Sevalaya. As our activities increase, the much needed funds have to come from individuals, associations and socially conscious corporates. With the new CSR law in India, many corporates are coming forward to associate with Sevalaya’s programs. We are glad that SBI, a socially conscious institution has come forward to support us ”.
Mr. Amarchand Jain, Advisor, Sevalaya took immense pleasure to thank the donors as well as the gathering after giving away the memento to the Chief Guest.
