core sector communique

GITANJALI GROUP AND Gr8 PLEDGES THEIR HEART TO BETI

~Promises to Lend Their Voice to the Cause of Female Foeticide~

Mumbai, August 16, 2012: The Gitanjali Group and Gr8 announced the strengthening of their commitment towards a very special movement called BETI. Beti is a movement against female foeticide and atrocities such as acid attack, dowry and woman literacy. After supporting the cause espoused by Beti for a number of years, the Gitanjali Group has now decided to take its association to a new level, and will henceforth become an integral part of the movement, aiming to take the message to an ever wider audience across the country. Renowned model Anushka Ranjan was also announced the face of BETI who will pledge her commitment to spreading the message for the cause far and wide.

Mehul Choksi, CMD, Gitanjali Group along with Ms. Anu Ranjan, President – Indian Television Academy announced their plans to reinforce their commitment to the Beti platform. These events will also be focused on particular causes and issues that may arise from time to time. First one being that of Sonali Mukherjee, a young victim of a horrific acid attack in Jharkhand. Taking this initiative further, this year the opening show of India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) presented by Gitanjali and Gr8 for Beti will focus on generating support for treatment for this brave girl.

Talking about the ‘show with a heart’ and the new thrust that Gitanjali will also be taking up with Beti, Mehul Choksi, CMD, Gitanjali Group said, “Our jewellery adorns women everyday and enhances their beauty, but we also appreciate the very important role that they play in society. We will be working closely with the dynamic team that heads Beti to spread the message everywhere. The show, with a high glam quotient and an even higher emotional one, is expected to truly touch the hearts of the audience.”

Adding further Ms. Anu Ranjan, President, Indian television Academy said “BETI was formed in 2006 as a movement against female foeticide. Over the years, we have organized various awareness campaigns to highlight the cause. Several celebrities like Sreesanth, Priety Zinta, Aishwarya Rai, Aamir Khan among others have supported us in our endevour. Sonali Mukherjee needs about 22.5 lakhs for her reconstructive surgery. We have already collected about 13 lakhs and handed it over to her doctors at New Delhi.”

A show with a difference, the Beti show will see an amalgamation of three world’s - jewellery, entertainment and fashion coming together for a common cause. This spectacular show will showcase the outfits of ace designers Vikram Phadnis and Madhurima Nigam who have also come forward to support the cause.

To take the mission to another level and generate funds for Sonali Mukherje’s treatment, known names from the film and fashion fraternity have come together ; all of whom will be contributing some of their collections at IIJW for raising funds.

Post the IIJW opening show, Gitanjali and Gr8 will continue its work for Beti by identifying causes in need of a voice and assistance and will conduct events throughout the year across cities to raise funds for them.