"Target" for Making a Real Difference

New Delhi, Dec 4 (UNI) From the "chotu" who serves you tea humming "Ya Ali" in the local tea shop, to the child who breaks his finger nails scouting through endless pile of garbage to the one trying to earn alms at the nearest traffic red-light; all will see the beginning of a new dawn from January 1 , 2007.

Keeping in lieu with its philanthropic views, The Target Sourcing Services, a US based Fortune 500 Corporate Sector Merchandising Corporation, made a significant contribution towards imparting free education to children from weaker sections of the society in Delhi by presenting cheques to five shortlisted NGOs at a Cultural Meet held at Sriram Centre Auditorium here today.

The five NGOs which received the grant, namely Nehru Bal Samiti, Katha, Seva Mandir, SOS Children's Village and Sshristi, will conduct free learning centers, programmes and classes for the local children in various age groups in the selected areas. The parents of these children will no longer have to face any hassles regarding tuition fee, uniform, mid-day meal, health care, and above all, a good teacher, who can shape a joyful future for their wards.

Speaking at the cultural meet, Chief Guest Dr Kiran Bedi gave "full marks" to Target Group for giving five per cent of their income as an annual commitment towards providing free education to the children of the weaker communities. "I salute the target group for their endeavour in providing free education to the children of the weaker communities in Delhi," the most celebrated IPS Officer said.

"If the other corporate houses also follow suit and take up their corporate responsibilities by giving back at least some percentage of their income then the day is not far away when not even a single kid in this country will be out of school," she added.

Underlining the vision of the Group, Managing Director of Target Sourcing Service, P Jagannath said, "Target Groups believes that giving is not just a responsibility but a privilege to serve the community of the needy ones. We have the opportunity to make a real difference in each of the communities we serve. By helping to create strong communities and cities, we improve local economics and develop a better quality of life for the beneficiaries." The cultural meet saw the performances from children of the five NGOs. Programmes ranged from musical poems on environment by children of "Katha" to a mute skit based on national integration and religious harmony by children of "Sshristi". .More vibrant performance in the form of the rendition of the song "Mera Desh Rangeela" by children of Nehru Bal Samiti formed a part of the cultural programme for the afternoon.

The inclusion of 'Right to Education' in Fundamental Right is not enough to move the children to school. A more concerted effort is needed to get the weaker sections of the society in the same level playing field. With this view as its goal Target Group along with the NGOs has taken a step towards making a real difference.

UNI MS RP DS1700