Indian philanthropist donates another US$1.12 million to polio eradication

By Antoinette Tuscano
Rotary International News -- 29 March 2011

Rajashree Birla has given a combined total of more than $4.2 million to The Rotary Foundation for polio eradication. Rotary Images

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Rajashree Birla, of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, has donated another US$1.12 million to The Rotary Foundation in support of Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge.

Including this contribution, Birla has given a combined total of more than $4.2 million to the Foundation for polio eradication.

Foundation Trustee Ashok M. Mahajan says that Birla's extraordinary generosity stems from her belief that giving to others is the best way to make a lasting change in the world. As a mother, she has compassion for the young victims of polio and wants to help Rotary achieve its goal of eradicating the disease, he says.

"Mrs. Rajashree Birla strongly believes that what we have done for ourselves dies with us. But what we do for others remains forever," he says. "Charity begins at home but should not end there."

Mahajan adds that Birla has confidence in the Foundation's ability to use the money wisely.

Birla's late husband, Aditya Birla, made the Aditya Birla Group into a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest in India, employing more than 100,000 people in over 20 countries. Her eldest son, Kumar Mangalam Birla, is chairman of the board, and she serves as a director.

The family has a longstanding commitment to business accountability and community service. Birla continues that legacy through her leadership in the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, where she oversees projects that address education, health care, and other social issues.

Among her many awards and honors, Birla is an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Bombay, which presented her with the Citizen of Bombay Award in 2003. In 2004, she received the Pride of India Award from the Rotary Club of Mulund, where she is also an honorary member.

The Aditya Birla Centre has helped immunize about three million children against polio in 3,200 villages in India, one of the four remaining polio-endemic countries.

Donate now to continue the Foundation's work.

34 Comments:

At 10:39AM on 24 April 2012, Rtn Sandesh Savant wrote: Your generosity serves as an example for all Indians to contribute towards any worthy cause like polio eradication. Thank you for changing our mindset.

At 10:37AM on 5 July 2011, Rtn. Sk. Alaul Alam Apu wrote: I do salute to Mrs. Rajashree Birlaji and hats off also to her highness. We're inspiring extremely to contribute our world through Rotary activities by Birlaji's cordial cooperation for eradication polio. We like to do some humanitarian activities for distressed women in our lower community with Mrs. Rajashree Birlaji's guide and help. Long live Mrs. Rajashree Birlaji. Rtn. Sk. Alaul Alam Apu RC Jessore. Dist-3280 Bangladesh.

At 10:36AM on 5 July 2011, M. Subramaniam wrote: Generousity needs a big heart. God has bless this in you . Thank you .

At 10:22AM on 5 July 2011, Rtn. Manoj Mohan, President, RC kozhencherry wrote: Fell Great and Proud to be an Indian Rotarian. Thanks Rajashree Birla

At 2:09PM on 1 July 2011, Tin Tin Nu Raschid wrote: As a Rotarian and as a person married to a person of Indian descend, I am very pleased and proud of your generosity. May God bless you, PDG Tin Tin Nu Raschid ( D 7610USA)

At 12:04PM on 1 July 2011, Teri DeGolia wrote: I, too, am humbled by your generosity. Being part of such a wonderful organization is something everyone should feel in their hearts. My God Bless you and your family.

At 9:40AM on 1 July 2011, hasan wrote: Thank you very much Ma'am. This is sure to be graceful motivation for all Rotaractors Challenge towards eradicating Polio.

At 9:38AM on 1 July 2011, Neshad Asllani wrote: Thank you for making substantial giving for Rotary.

At 9:23AM on 7 April 2011, margaret cooper wrote: What an extraordinarily graceful giver . This seeming unassuming lady has given true meaning to the words : `` to whom much is given , much is expected ``- though she has no obligation to give . God bless you mam .

At 2:35PM on 6 April 2011, tina okhumhale wrote: Thank you and thank you very much ma!

At 10:23AM on 6 April 2011, Zahid wrote: It is indeed a great contribution to save thousands of children from being handicapped. I admire the great Mrs. Rajashree Birla for such a generous donation. Dr. K. Z. Hasan. Rotary club Dhaka West. District 3280

At 10:22AM on 6 April 2011, Colleen Bonadonna wrote: Your generosity and spirit is making a difference and will help reach the goal of a polio free world.

At 10:21AM on 6 April 2011, makanjuola wrote: I am indeed grateful for this simple act of appreciation in saving precious souls of GODS creation. God be with you. Thank you for this gesture.

At 9:53AM on 5 April 2011, RTN. S. K. JAIN - PUNE wrote: Not only Mrs. Rajashree Birla is extremely graceful and looks very distinguished, but her heart is also full of compassion. With her personal efforts Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital has been started in Pune, which is serving the comminity in a big way. She came to our District Polio & Planning Meet in Pune and impressed every one with her thoughts. I also had the opportunity to interact with her when she came to our Hospital in Delhi at the launch of ORS Zinc for to support Polio Eradication programme. May God give her Long life.

At 9:53AM on 5 April 2011, Shrinivas Malu wrote: It is really a great did. It shows her concern for Indians and India. A true example of generosity and donation for right cause at right time. God bless her and her family . so that such more did comes from her.

At 3:59PM on 4 April 2011, W. (Bill) Robson wrote: Namaste Mrs Birla. The Rotary World and indeed the whole World should be in awe of your extraordinary generosity. Thank you, thank you so very very much. Bill Robson PHF, DRFCC District 5050

At 3:59PM on 4 April 2011, DG Mahesh Kejriwal,D-3250 wrote: We as Indians are proud of Smt. Rajashree Birla and her family for looking beyond self and exemplary service above self in Building Communities....

At 10:10AM on 4 April 2011, Rtn. PHF. Alexander Manuel, RC of Nagercoil Central wrote: Every Rotarian in India is really proud of you Madam. Shmt. Rajashree Birla - may your tribe increase. Let your kindness bring cheers to the efforts of Rotarians in eradicating polio.

At 9:56AM on 4 April 2011, Rtn.PHF.ThomasPanicker Georgekutty, Rotary Club of Kundara, Dist. 3211 wrote: It is very Great News -The Bible Saying St.Mathew 25.40, " The King shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

At 9:53AM on 4 April 2011, Rtn.Prafull Mandloi Khandwa wrote: It's a grate donation by a grate family of India.

At 9:50AM on 4 April 2011, K Jambulingam wrote: Most generous.Feel happy and proud it is from an Indian.God bless you to continue your noble work Rotary club of Dindigul Midtown

At 9:45AM on 4 April 2011, PDG RAJKUMAR RAJGARIA wrote: Mrs Rajashree Birlaji proved that India is not a Country which always takes, but also give also, because of her contribution to TRF from India has increased manyfold we are really proud of you madam

At 9:42AM on 4 April 2011, Mahmood khan wrote: This is an example of how a noble act like Bill Gate's donation to Polio inspires another noble heart to follow suit.

At 9:41AM on 4 April 2011, Patrick Carlton wrote: Dear Mrs. Birla, Your philanthropy is a "shining example" that all of us, as Rotarians, should seek to emulate. I feel personally humbled by your steadfast efforts to make the world a better place though polio eradication. Respectfully, Patrick Carlton AG, District 5300

At 9:41AM on 4 April 2011, Lusy-Madiun wrote: I'm speechless.... May God blesses you and family, congratulation for being able to donate this huge amount.

At 4:49PM on 1 April 2011, A FOLLOWER OF ROTARY wrote: Congratulations

At 9:18AM on 1 April 2011, Vasu Ramanujam wrote: Thank you very much Ma'am. This is sure to be great motivation for all Rotarians working towards meeting the Bill Gates Challenge towards eradicating Polio.

At 9:19AM on 1 April 2011, bar code software wrote: Such a kindness and humanitarian shown to help others. Great initiative for eradicating polio from the world. barcode maker http://www.barcodelabelsoftware.net

At 11:04AM on 31 March 2011, Bill Stumpf, Ludington MI USA Rotary wrote: Your generosity is an inspiration to us. We are this close and must press on. Thank you.

At 11:05AM on 31 March 2011, Barbara Wilson wrote: I am thrilled by your generosity and hope that other large companies follow your shining example.

At 9:17AM on 31 March 2011, Rania Essa wrote: Thanks so much for your kind help given to all and another thanks for the impressive lessons which you teach us by setting many examples about "how we can be a real mother" God Bless you.

At 9:16AM on 31 March 2011, Rtn. Manoj Kumar Jain PHF, Secretary, RC Dimapur wrote: Great News. May GOD bless her and her family for being so generous to Rotary.

At 4:11PM on 29 March 2011, Karen Teichman, PDG wrote: I am humbled by your extraordinary generosity to help so many... and to work toward a polio free world. Thank you.

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