A Beacon of Hope
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तुलसी पंछिन के पिये, घटे न सरिता-नीर । दान दिये धन ना घटे, जो सहाय रघुवीर।।
"In the vast ocean, the water remains abundant despite the little birds drinking from it. Likewise, wealth never diminishes with the act of giving, especially when guided by compassion." So says the 16th century sage-poet Tulsidas, whose words of wisdom have enlightened generations of Indian household.
Having received such pearls of wisdom from his late father Shri CM Poddar, Sanjay Poddar, along with his wife Madhu Poddar, has launched the CM Poddar Foundation—a philanthropic organization (not-for-profit) dedicated to working for the welfare of the underprivileged in India.
We hail from the land of the world-renowned social worker Mother Teresa, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her incomparable humanitarian work. She selflessly worked for patients of leprosy even going on to establish a leper colony in the 1960s, selflessly dedicating her life for the upliftment of a section which was vehemently shunned by most of the society of that time. Having had the honour of meeting this great soul, Sanjay and Madhu hope to learn altruistic compassion and emulate her value of social service.
Another philanthropy stalwart we’ve had the pleasure of knowing is Dr. S. S. Badrinath, a renowned ophthalmologist who founded India’s largest charitable eye hospital: Sankara Nethralay. An awarded of the Padma Bhushan, a top civilian honour in India, he founded this not-for-profit to provide eye-related healthcare to the economically marginalized who are deprived of ophthalmic care. Rated among top four ophthalmic institutions in the world in 2020, the hospital tends to over 1500 patients on a daily basis.
Such are the magnificent people whom we take inspiration from. This foundation is thereby a tribute to all these compassionate souls, especially to Late Shri CM Poddar after whom its named.
FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS
The journey of the CM Poddar Foundation is rooted in the simple yet powerful belief that charity begins at home. Sanjay and Madhu, the compassionate duo behind this initiative, first extended their helping hand to those closest to them – their employees and domestic help. They ensured that these individuals, often overlooked by the broader society, had access to essential healthcare, medical insurance, and educational opportunities. This personal commitment to uplifting those around them laid the groundwork for CM Poddar Foundation.
With a population of 1.4 billion and a significant demographic living below poverty line, many in India often don’t gain access to basic healthcare and insurance. Despite well-intentioned efforts from governmental and private, non-profit organization, there are always people to help and aids to provide. The COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the devastating second wave, was such an instant. Witnessing the widespread suffering and the dire need for support, Sanjay and Madhu were moved to action. They extended their philanthropic reach beyond their immediate circle, providing crucial aid to financially distressed patients. This act of kindness and responsibility marked the official inception of the CM Poddar Foundation.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE:
Vasudhev Kutumbakam, a phrase from the ancient Maha Upanishad, translates to "The World is One Family." This timeless wisdom forms the cornerstone of our mission. At CM Poddar Foundation, we view every individual in need as a family member deserving of love, care, and support. This principle guides all our endeavours as we strive to embody the spirit of universal kinship and compassion.
वसुधैव कुटुंबम्
EMPATHATIC INTERVENTIONS
Healthcare for the Marginalized
Recognizing the acute healthcare needs of the economically disadvantaged, the Foundation is dedicated to providing financial support for urgent medical treatments, surgeries, and essential medications. Our partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers enable us to reach those in urgent need swiftly and effectively.
Support for Disabilities
The challenge of accessing long-term care for physical disabilities and mental health conditions in India is daunting, especially for the less fortunate. We commit to funding treatments, therapies, and long-term care for individuals facing these challenges, ensuring they receive the timely care they deserve.
From physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness, impaired motor function, etc, to mental health conditions such as ADD/ADHD, Autism, and more, CM Poddar Foundation strives to be a helping hand and a nurturing shelter to all who need them.
Moreover, most people with special needs are able to lead normal lives if they are provided with special aids to cope with their disability. Some of such special equipment that CM Poddar Foundation is happy to sponsor are:
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Low Vision Aids (like telescopes, CCTV magnifiers, magnifying spectacles etc).
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Hearing Aids (BTE-Behind-the-ear, ITE-In-the-ear, IIC-Invisible, etc).
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Speech and Sound Therapies (such as Fluency, Cognition, Language, and Voice)
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ADHD and Autism Treatments/Therapies for Children
Focus on Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs hold a unique place in our hearts. They are—like any other child—pure at heart and deserving of equal opportunities. But due to their disabilities they often face social discrimination in day-to-day life. At CM Poddar Foundation, we believe they are differently-abled, not disabled, and strive to infuse a sense of normalcy in their lives.
"बच्चे मन के सच्चे
सारी जग के आँख के तारे
ये वो नन्हे फूल हैं जो
भगवान को लगते प्यारे"
"Children, pure at heart, are the precious jewels of the entire world. They are like tender blossoms dearly loved by the divine almighty." This poignant verse mirrors our vision at CM Poddar Foundation. We see every child as a precious gift, deserving of love, care, and opportunities for a brighter future. In nurturing these young lives, we not only uphold our cultural values but also pave the way for a more compassionate and inclusive society.
It is difficult to describe in words the sheer pleasure someone who cannot see or hear, gets when they experience the sense of sight or sound for the first time in their life after fitting these special visual or hearing aids. And such is the kind of pleasure we sincerely wish to provide to as many precious lives as we can.
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS FOR GREATER IMPACT
“80% of the blindness cases are preventable with medical treatment”, says Orbis International, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to prevention and cure of blindness across the globe. According to the veteran ophthalmologists and researchers associated with Orbis, a vast majority of people who can be cured are deprived of timely medical intervention due to the lack of access and resources. This is where organizations like Orbis and we the CM Poddar Foundation comes in.
In our mission to bring about transformative change, we collaborate with esteemed organizations both nationally and globally. Our partnership with groups like Orbis International, Shankara Nethralaya (Chennai), Maharaja Agrasen (New Delhi) and Fortis Hospital (Gurugram), among others, exemplifies our commitment to leveraging expertise and resources for a greater impact, specifically in the realm of preventable blindness and other medical conditions.
Educational Empowerment
Education is a fundamental right, yet for many, especially those with special needs, it remains inaccessible. The CM Poddar Foundation is devoted to bridging this gap. We identify and support differently-abled children from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring they receive the education they deserve. This initiative is more than just financial aid; it's about providing hope and opening doors to new possibilities.
Vision for a Healthier Future
As we walk this road of compassion, our vision is to expand our reach to the most remote and underserved regions of India. Small villages, that get neglected and end up lacking basic medical infrastructure, are frequently in dire need of support. Our goal is to bring essential healthcare to these communities, ensuring that no one has to undertake arduous journeys away from their home for basic medical needs.
CM Poddar Foundation
WeWork DLF Two Horizon Centre, 4th Floor DLF Phase 5, Sector 43, Golf Course Road, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
For more information please contact:
+91 9810620180
Registered with Government of India under “Trust Act 1882” vide Registration No. TD 21903, Dated 16/02/2024.