Malabar Group’s ‘Hunger Free World’ Project Wins CSR Times Award 2024

Malabar Group, the parent concern of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally, has been honored with the prestigious CSR Times Award 2024 for its transformative ‘Hunger Free World’ project. The CSR Times Award is a national recognition in India given to corporate organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to social responsibility, with a focus on the welfare of the people.

The award ceremony, organized in collaboration with the Government of Goa, featured Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant as the chief guest. Mr. Fanzeem, Head of Retail Expansion & Regional Head – West India, Malabar Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Shabeer P.K, Head of CSR; and Mr. Milind Umate, Business Head – Corporate Gifting, accepted the award on behalf of Malabar Group. The event also saw the participation of distinguished guests, including Rt. Air Marshal V.P.S. Rana, Delhi CSR Times Editor Harish Chandra, Goa CSR Authority Joint CEO Vijay Saxena, and Goa CSR Authority Principal Adviser Dr. M.B. Gururaj, among others.

Malabar Group’s ‘Hunger Free World’ project is a cornerstone of its CSR activities, aimed at combating hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need. Currently, the project distributes 41,000 food packets daily across 69 cities in 16 Indian states. In addition, 10,000 food packets are distributed daily to school students in Zambia, Africa.

In Zambia, Malabar Group’s efforts are particularly impactful, with 10,000 food packets being delivered daily to students, including those at John Laing Primary School in the capital city of Lusaka. The Group has committed to distributing 3.6 million free food packets to children in Zambian schools.

“We are deeply committed to addressing hunger and poverty through our ‘Hunger Free World’ initiative,”said M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group. “This award is a testament to our continuous efforts to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. We believe that true success is not just in business growth, but in contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve.”

Beyond the ‘Hunger Free World’ project, Malabar Group has launched the ‘Grandma Home’ initiative, providing free, fully equipped accommodations for underprivileged women. Currently, ‘Grandma Homes’ operate in Bengaluru and Hyderabad cities in India, with plans to expand to other major cities including Kerala, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) initiative has been the primary commitment of Malabar Group since its inception in 1993, with 5% of net profits set aside towards such initiatives in each country of operations. The key focus is in the areas of Health, Hunger Free World, Housing, Education, Women Empowerment & Environment. The ESG goals of the organization are periodically strengthened to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization.  

Editor’s Note

Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate.

With an annual turnover of $6.2 billion, the company currently ranks as the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of over 355 outlets spread across 13 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centres, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada & Australia. The group, owned by more than 4,000 shareholders, has more than 21,000 professionals from over 26 countries working towards its continued success.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewellery at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus areas of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.

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