CSR: Aurobindo Pharma Foundation Funds Rs. 3 Cr for Vedasadanam Block at Sri Sankara Gurukula Veda Patasala

Aurobindo Pharma Foundation is a Aurobindo Pharma’s CSR Arm for Social and Economic Growth

HYDERABAD (India CSR): Aurobindo Pharma Foundation (APF), the philanthropic arm of Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, has inaugurated and dedicated Vedasadanam Block to Sankara Gurukula Veda Patasala located in Shameerpet, Medchal – Malkajgiri district.

Sankara Gurukula Veda Patasala (SSGVP), was established in the year 1984, to provide Vedic teaching and promote Ancient Indian Art and Culture in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Over the last 39 years, SSGVP is engaged in the preservation of Ancient Indian Culture and Tradition of Oral recitation of Vedas in the Indian Traditional Gurukula system. Every year over 150 students are provided free education, food and accommodation and employment with various institutions.

Noticing the rising demand of admissions and the student strength, Aurobindo Pharma Foundation, has come forward to construct a new Veda Patasala named as “Vedasadanam Block” at the SSGVP’s Shameerpet premises with a CSR fund of Rs. 3 Crores and dedicated the block to the trust. Spread across in a total built up area of 21,063 square feet, the Vedasadanam Block consists of 30 full-fledged classrooms and can impart Vedic education up to 300 students in a single term.

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Teachers would focus more on character formation and personality development of students as part of the learning modules, which would have a larger and positive impact on society and nation. While the teaching methodology and practises truly resonates the authentic traditional classroom system, in order to impart education to vidyarthis through distinguished Gurus from multiple locations, the education block is also equipped with digital system that facilitates teaching via Skype video conferencing.

The Vedasadanam Block also houses Yoga and Meditation Training; giving a 360 degree learning modules to the Vidyarthis (Students) wherein they can get inspired and follow the ideals of moral education.

Inaugurating the Vedasadanam Block, K Nityananda Reddy, Director of Aurobindo Pharma Foundation and Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, said, “We admire the dedication and contribution made by Sankara Gurukula Veda Patasala to the society and we are delighted to dedicate the new patasala block to the trust and be part of their significant journey”.

V. Srirama Ghanapati, Managing Trustee of Sankara Gurukula Veda Patasala, said, we are extremely grateful to Aurobindo Pharma Foundation for their generous contribution which has enabled us to continue the preservation of our glorious Vedic heritage and ancient Indian customs. Not only this, but their support has allowed us to promote the teaching of Vedic scriptures, and the traditional Indian art and culture that has been part of the Indian Gurukula System for centuries.

For the past 30 years, we have been running this patashala, which is now moved to a new premises at Ponnala village with all facilities under the guidance of our Founder Bharma R. Venkatrama Ghanpatigal. Our committed teachers, guided by an efficient principal, are dedicated to keeping these traditions alive and imparting them to future generations, he further added.

CSR of Aurobindo Pharma

Aurobindo Pharma Foundation is the philanthropic and CSR arm of Aurobindo Pharma Limited and strives for the social and economic growth through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme. Besides driving social project directly through its expert teams spread across different locations, the foundation also undertakes social initiatives by collaborating with the community groups to support public policies that promotes economic and societal development. Few of the notable areas that Aurobindo Pharma Foundation has contributed include – Community health programs, Education, Women empowerment initiatives, Environmental protection initiatives and Social upliftment initiatives to benefit marginalised and differently abled people.

The inaugural event witnessed the presence of Dr. Ranganji, Justice V. Ramasubramanian – Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Pamidighantam Narasimha, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Sachidananda Saraswati Swamiji; Dr. G. Sateesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri; K Ragunathan, Non – Executive Chairman, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd; Dr. M. Sivakumaran, Director, Aurobindo Pharma Foundation & Director, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd and S. Sadananda Reddy, CSR Head, Aurobindo Pharma Foundation.

Is it real CSR?

While it is commendable that Aurobindo Pharma Foundation is investing in the preservation of ancient Indian culture and tradition, it is important to consider whether it is appropriate for a company’s CSR funds to be used for activities of a particular cause or religion. It could be argued that such funds should be used for broader social welfare activities that benefit a wider range of individuals and communities, regardless of their religious affiliation. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the selection of beneficiaries for CSR funds is done in a transparent and objective manner, without any bias or favoritism.

(India CSR)