The AMM Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Murugappa Group, reached a significant milestone as it completed a century of dedicated service. On Monday, the organization celebrated this historic achievement by inaugurating the centenary block at the renowned AMM Hospital in Pallathur, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu. Azim Premji, Founder Chairman of Wipro Limited, graced the occasion and unveiled the inauguration plaque.
A Century of Quality Healthcare
Established a century ago, the AMM Hospital, fondly known as the ‘oru ruba’ hospital due to its nominal one-rupee patient fee, has been a steadfast source of high-quality healthcare for the local community. With the addition of the new block, the hospital now boasts state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, including CT Scan capabilities, ensuring continued excellence in healthcare provision.
Commemorating a Legacy
To honor the remarkable legacy of the AMM Foundation, which operates multiple hospitals, educational institutions, and diverse community initiatives, a commemorative coffee table book titled ‘A Century of Service’ was unveiled. The book, authored by historian and heritage activist Sriram V, was presented by Azim Premji, with the first copy received by P Chidambaram, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister.
A Proud History
Reflecting on the organization’s journey, M V Subbiah, former Managing Trustee of AMM Foundation and former Chairman of Murugappa Group, shared, “In 1922, my grandfather laid the foundation stone of the AMM Hospital, and the hospital opened in 1924. That tiny seed has grown into the AMM Foundation that today serves communities surrounding the places where our businesses have prospered.”
A Willingness to Give Back
P Chidambaram, while acknowledging the AMM Foundation’s remarkable impact, emphasized, “To engage in philanthropy, one must first find the willingness to do so. And the AMM Foundation has shown over and over how willing they are to give back to the community.”
Future Endeavors
M A Alagappan, Managing Trustee of the AMM Foundation and former Chairman of the Murugappa Group, outlined the organization’s future plans. “Going into the next century, we have four verticals — education, healthcare, sports, and environment. When the opportunity arises, we will expand into other initiatives to benefit the community,” he affirmed, underlining the commitment to continued service and growth.
***
Murugappa Group’s CSR Initiatives Broaden to Embrace Sports and Environmental Causes
In a significant expansion of its philanthropic horizons, the AMM Foundation, the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) arm of the esteemed Murugappa Group, is diversifying its focus beyond its traditional domains of healthcare and education to include sports and environmental initiatives. With an annual expenditure of approximately Rs 40 crore dedicated to charitable endeavors, sourced from contributions by group companies and the returns on its accumulated corpus, the foundation is poised to make a lasting impact in these new areas.
Water Rejuvenation Project – ‘Nanneer’
To combat the water scarcity challenges in the arid Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, the AMM Foundation has embarked on a water rejuvenation project named ‘Nanneer.’ So far, the foundation has successfully restored seven water bodies of varying sizes. Their ambitious goal is to restore a staggering 10 billion liters of water by 2026, a commendable step towards sustainable resource management, considering the 1 billion liters already reclaimed.
Murugappa Youth Football Academy and Community Fields
In a bid to empower underprivileged communities, particularly from the fishermen community, the foundation has established the Murugappa Youth Football Academy in northern Chennai. Simultaneously, a football field in Sivaganga district’s Pallathur village was inaugurated, providing opportunities for youth to excel in sports.
A Legacy of Social Responsibility
Reflecting on the foundation’s journey, MA Alagappan, Managing Trustee of AMM Foundation and former Chairman of the Murugappa Group, emphasized their longstanding commitment to social responsibility, predating regulatory mandates around CSR. Group companies contribute close to 1% of their net profits to specific AMM Foundation projects, in addition to their individual CSR endeavors tailored to their respective operating regions. The engagement of fifth-generation members of the conglomerate across the foundation’s verticals underscores their dedication to the cause.
Collaborative Partnerships
The AMM Foundation is fostering collaborative ties with other corporate entities. Collaborations include working with the Wockhardt Foundation for mobile medical vans, Agastya International Foundation for the Murugappa Science Centre, and teaming up with Coimbatore-based auto component maker Pricol on the water management project, ‘Siruthuli,’ aimed at environmental preservation.
A Century of Service and Growth
Established in 1924 with the inauguration of the AMM Hospital in Pallathur, Sivaganga, the AMM Foundation has evolved to manage numerous institutions and projects across India. Among its endeavors, the Foundation oversees the operations of five hospitals, mobile health vans, and five educational institutions, all geared towards making a meaningful impact on society.
Centenary Celebrations
To commemorate their centenary year, on January 22, the AMM Foundation inaugurated the centenary block of the AMM Hospital in Pallathur, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu. The event was graced by Azim Premji, Founder Chairman of Wipro Limited, who presided over the function and unveiled the inauguration plaque, underscoring the organization’s rich history and ongoing commitment to social betterment.
