Mangaluru, February 26, 2025: In a significant step towards promoting education and empowerment of girl students, Malabar Gold & Diamonds Mangaluru Showroom, part of the Malabar Group, distributed 462 educational scholarships worth ₹37.28 lakh to girl students across 69 colleges in Dakshina Kannada. This scholarship distribution event, held for the 2024-2025 academic year, reflects the group’s deep-rooted commitment to education, social welfare, and inclusive growth.

Dignitaries grace the event

The scholarship distribution ceremony was inaugurated by Moodbidri MLA Umanatha Kotian, with several distinguished guests in attendance, including:

  • Sharan Kumar, Probationary IAS officer
  • Bhanumathi, Deputy Mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC)
  • Khadar Shah, District Information Officer
  • Ravoof, Corporator of Falnir Ward, MCC
  • Rafeeq Master, Motivational Speaker

The event also saw the presence of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ management team members, customers, well-wishers, and students, celebrating the impact of education and the transformative power of scholarships in shaping brighter futures.

Education as a transformative tool

Speaking at the event, MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, reiterated the company’s belief in the transformative power of education. He stated:

“Education is the most powerful tool to change the world. Our scholarship programme is a direct reflection of Malabar Group’s deep-rooted belief that education unlocks opportunities and transforms lives. We are committed to removing barriers for young girls so they can fulfil their educational aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.”

A legacy of social responsibility

Since its inception, Malabar Group has demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusive growth and social responsibility through its wide range of CSR initiatives. The establishment of the Malabar Charitable Trust (MCT) in 1999 gave structure to these efforts, with the group dedicating up to 5% of its annual profits to CSR projects spanning:

  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Poverty alleviation

These initiatives aim to empower marginalized communities, with education for girls emerging as a key focus area.

Malabar National Scholarship Programme: Transforming lives since 2007

A cornerstone of Malabar Group’s CSR efforts is the Malabar National Scholarship Programme, launched in 2007. Over the years, this programme has provided financial assistance to more than 95,000 girl students across India, with a total contribution exceeding ₹60 crore.

In Karnataka alone, Malabar Group has contributed over ₹16.82 crore, benefiting 26,066 girl students, highlighting the group’s long-term commitment to educational upliftment in the state.

Beyond education: Hunger relief and community welfare initiatives

Malabar Group’s commitment to social impact extends far beyond scholarships. The group’s Hunger-Free World Project, implemented in collaboration with the voluntary organisation Thanal, is one of India’s largest food security initiatives. This project distributes:

  • 60,000 food packets daily across 81 cities in 17 states
  • 10,000 food packets daily to school students in Zambia

The Group has ambitious plans to scale the project to 100,000 meals daily across 200 centres, ensuring no one goes to bed hungry.

Grandma Home: A safe haven for destitute women

Another notable initiative is the Grandma Home project, which provides free, fully equipped accommodation for destitute women, offering them:

  • Safety and protection
  • Access to healthcare and counselling
  • Supportive community living

Currently, Grandma Homes operate in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with plans to expand to:

  • Kerala
  • Chennai
  • Kolkata
  • Delhi
  • Mumbai

Micro-learning centres for dropout students

In its effort to bridge educational gaps, Malabar Group has established 581 micro-learning centres across 12 states, providing non-formal education and skill development to students who had previously dropped out of school. These centres have already supported over 25,800 students, helping them re-enter the formal education system or acquire vocational skills.

Holistic approach to community welfare

Malabar Group’s social responsibility initiatives extend to:

  • Providing medical aid to underprivileged patients
  • Supporting housing construction for families in need
  • Offering financial assistance for the marriages of underprivileged women

To date, the Group has invested over ₹282.29 crore in various community welfare projects, ensuring that social upliftment and sustainable development remain central to its corporate ethos.

A commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth

Malabar Group’s continuous focus on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation exemplifies its belief that true business success is measured not just in profits, but in the positive impact it leaves on society. By empowering young girls, supporting vulnerable communities, and addressing food insecurity, Malabar Group is laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future.

As Malabar Gold & Diamonds Mangaluru Showroom distributes these 462 scholarships, it underscores a broader commitment to ensuring that every girl has access to quality education and the opportunity to realise her full potential, regardless of her socio-economic background.