MG Vadodara International Marathon launched new initiative VM Connect

Symposium to provide better understanding of CSR facilitate engagement between corporate organizations and NGOs associated with the Marathon

The MG Vadodara International Marathon launched a new initiative called VM Connect, with a symposium to provide a better understanding of CSR and also facilitate engagement between corporate organizations and NGOs associated with the Marathon.

The Chief Guest of VM Connect was Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director of MG Motor India, underlining its commitment to promote healthy living and fitness in the community. MG Motor India also announced its extended association with Vadodara International Marathon for another 3 years, as the agreement was signed at VM Connect, by Tejal Amin and Rajeev Chaba.

The carmaker has been associated with the popular marathon in the city since 2017 as the Title Sponsor. Speaking about the extended association, Rajeev Chaba said, “Our partnership with Vadodara Marathon, which will now span a total of 6 years, is a testament to our commitment towards cause-driven community development. As the title sponsor, MG Motor India has promoted and celebrated the spirit of running, fitness, and healthy living amongst the citizens of Vadodara and its many employees who call the city their home. Through the event, we have also supported various important causes that impact the region as well as the nation. By extending the association we endeavour to continue building awareness around key aspects of a well-rounded society while also promoting healthy living amongst our employee base.”

Tejal Amin, Chairperson of Vadodara Marathon, said, “In continuation to the 9th edition of MG Vadodara International Marathon we are deeply honoured to present a new initiative – VM Connect – which is a step further in the Marathon’s core objectives of Sports with Seva. VM Connect endeavours to create a platform for dialogue and sustained meaningful action where citizens, NGOs and industries come together for the betterment of our city. The Marathon focuses on local, social and civic causes, and provides a platform for local NGOs to gain visibility, awareness and funding for their projects. The 9th edition of MGVM2020, which was held on 5th January 2020, focused on the themes of Fit India campaign, with special focus on Water Conservation.”

The VM Connect symposium included the Key Note Address by Padma Shri Dr. M.H.Mehta on the theme “Water Conservation and Ecological Impact”.

MGVM in collaboration with Pagdand, an environmental conservation NGO, presented their project “Chalo Recharge Karein”for recharging of ground water levels in Vadodara. Sharing details of the project, Nishith Dand (Founder, Pagdand) said that at present, they have focused on 6 areas, to aid water conservation for the city. Vadodara Marathon has adopted 2 water recharge points and inviting citizens and industries to adopt other points to replenish ground water levels in our city.

This was followed by a panel discussion on “Catalyzing Synergies”, which shed light on all aspects of CSR compliance & regulatory issues related to CSR funding, sharing of industry & NGO experiences and expectations. The panelists included representation from industry, NGO, as well as legal compliance of CSR, with Padma Shri Dr. Subroto Das (Managing Trustee, Lifeline Foundation), Deepak Asher (Director & Group Head, INOX Group of Companies), Samir Parikh (C.A., Amin Parikh & Co), Rikesh Desai (Managing Trustee, Mook thani Trust), Tejal Amin (Chairperson, Vadodara Marathon & Navrachana Education Society) and moderated by Harsh Purohit Founder Director, Cognito.

The event included presentation of short listed 15 projects from Marathon associated NGOs, for the consideration of the corporate organizations. Team Vadodara Marathon has worked with these NGOs to prepare this pallette of CSR projects in the fields of healthcare, child rights and education, women’s empowerment, water conservation, and heritage conservation. The event ended with interactions between corporate, organizations, funding agencies, and NGOs.

VM Connect is another important initiative by MG Vadodara International Marathon to create a platform for continued development of Vadodara, living up to the Marathon ,motto of “Sports, Seva, Swachhata”.