 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: In a commendable effort to enhance educational access for rural girls, FICCI FLO JKL, with the generous support of Finolex Industries and its CSR partner, Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF), successfully conducted a Bicycle Distribution Drive. The event, held at Govt. Higher Secondary School Bhalwal and Govt. Higher Secondary School Gharota, saw the distribution of bicycles to 25 underprivileged schoolgirls, significantly easing their daily commute and encouraging continued education.
This initiative, part of FICCI FLO's National Rural Livelihood Vertical, aims to address the critical issue of long-distance travel for many rural girls-often 5 to 8 kilometres-to reach their schools. The lack of transportation contributes to higher dropout rates and hinders many girls from completing their education.
Ruchika Gupta, Chairperson FICCI FLO JKL, emphasized the impact this initiative would have on the lives of these young girls. "By providing bicycles, we are not just easing their daily commute but are also promoting the importance of education for the girl child. These bicycles will help ensure that these students can continue their studies without the obstacle of a long commute," she stated.
Gupta also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Mukul Madhav Foundation and Finolex Industries for their generous support in facilitating the distribution of bicycles. She extended her thanks to Vidyotma Gupta, Principal Govt. HSS Bhalwal, and Mrs. Harpreet Kaur, Principal Govt. HSS Gharota, for their unwavering support in making this initiative a success. Both principals expressed their appreciation for the noble efforts of FICCI FLO JKL, MMF, and Finolex Industries in organizing this drive, which they believe will make a significant difference in the lives of these young students.
Also present at the event were Mr. Gazi, the representative from Finolex Industries, and key members of the FICCI FLO JKL core team, including Varuna Anand, Immediate Past Chair; Sona Mehta, Treasurer; Pooja Gandotra, Joint Treasurer; Nandita Bajaj, Joint Executive Secretary; and esteemed member Rajni Sehgal.
Ritu Prakash Chhabria, Managing Trustee of Mukul Madhav Foundation and National Head of the Rural Livelihood vertical at FICCI FLO, emphasized the significance of such initiatives, stating, "I am grateful to Finolex for their generous sponsorship, which aligns with their ongoing commitment PAN India and various projects in regions like Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. We have also collaborated with seven chapters of FICCI FLO to undertake numerous projects focused on enhancing rural livelihood."
This initiative is a testament to the dedication of Finolex Industries and Mukul Madhav Foundation, alongside FICCI FLO JKL, in empowering girls and improving educational access in rural areas. |
