On Saturday, a significant event took place in Thanjavur, India, where 100 individuals received artificial limbs as part of CavinKare’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, known as the Walk India Campaign. This campaign, which was launched a decade ago, aims to provide custom-made artificial limbs to amputees in need. The distribution of artificial limbs was carried out in association with Freedom Trust, a organization that works towards the rehabilitation of amputees.

The 10th edition of the Walk India Campaign was held in Thanjavur, benefiting amputees from the district and surrounding areas. Over the past decade, the campaign has donated over 1,000 custom-made artificial limbs to beneficiaries from across the country. This initiative has brought significant relief and mobility to those who have lost their limbs, enabling them to lead more independent and dignified lives.

The Walk India Campaign is a testament to CavinKare’s commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. The company’s CSR initiative has been instrumental in providing mobility and rehabilitation to amputees, and has helped to improve their overall quality of life.

The event held on Saturday was a significant milestone in the campaign’s journey, with 100 individuals receiving artificial limbs. The beneficiaries were overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, and expressed their gratitude to CavinKare and Freedom Trust for their support and generosity. The event was a heartwarming reminder of the power of corporate social responsibility and the impact it can have on people’s lives.

The success of the Walk India Campaign is a shining example of what can be achieved when companies and organizations come together to make a positive difference in the world. As the campaign continues to grow and expand, it is likely to bring relief and mobility to many more amputees, and inspire others to follow in its footsteps. With its 10th edition, the Walk India Campaign has cemented its position as a leading CSR initiative in India, and will continue to be a source of hope and inspiration for many years to come.

CavinKare, a well-known company, has partnered with the Madras Management Association (MMA) to launch the 13th Edition of the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards 2024. This prestigious award aims to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurial excellence in India. The awards are open to companies with an annual turnover of not more than Rs 50 crores in the financial year 2022-23. Interested companies can submit their nomination entries through the official website, https://ckinnovationawards.in/, until July 8th, 2024.

The ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards are divided into three distinct categories, which will be evaluated by a panel of experts. The winners of each category will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, as well as comprehensive support in various areas such as marketing, finance, design, packaging, patent application, research and development, and human resources. This support will help the winning companies to further develop and expand their innovative ideas.

The awards are a great opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their innovative products, services, or business models. By participating in the awards, companies can gain recognition, build their brand, and network with other entrepreneurs and industry experts. The support provided to the winners will also help them to overcome common challenges faced by SMEs, such as limited resources and lack of expertise.

CavinKare and MMA have been promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in India for many years, and the ChinniKrishnan Innovation Awards are a testament to their commitment to supporting SMEs. The awards have a legacy of recognizing and rewarding innovative companies, and this year’s edition is expected to be just as successful. With the nomination process now open, companies are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their innovative spirit and entrepreneurial excellence.

The 23rd CavinKare Ability Awards, organized by CavinKare in collaboration with Ability Foundation, honored six individuals with disabilities who have challenged societal norms and driven change. The awards, which recognize outstanding achievements of people with disabilities, were presented in three categories: Eminence, Mastery, and Special Recognition. A panel of esteemed jurors, including Madhan Karky, Soumya Swaminathan, and Justice Prabha Sridevan, selected the award recipients.

The CavinKare Ability Special Recognition Award was given to Sarah Sunny, India’s first lawyer with hearing impairment to argue before the Supreme Court. Despite facing barriers such as the lack of legal sign language interpreters, Sunny continues to advocate for judicial accessibility. The CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence was awarded to Poonam Shroti, a disability rights advocate born with osteogenesis imperfecta. Shroti defied societal expectations by thriving in the corporate world and founding Uddip Social Welfare Society, which empowers individuals with disabilities through education and employment.

The CavinKare Ability Mastery Awards were presented to four individuals who have demonstrated exceptional mastery in their respective fields. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, a para swimmer and disability rights advocate from Gujarat, has won 31 national medals and holds a world record for the longest open-sea swim by a paraplegic. Miranda Tomkinson, from Chennai, is India’s first individual with visual and hearing impairment to major in Special Education and holds three postgraduate degrees. Jilumol Mariet Thomas, from Kerala, and Arshad Pandit, from Srinagar, were also recognized for their achievements. Pandit, who became paraplegic after a terrorist attack in 1995, is now an Associate Professor at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has secured significant research funding.

These individuals have not only overcome personal challenges but have also made significant contributions to their communities. They are an inspiration to others, demonstrating that people with disabilities can achieve great things with determination and hard work. The CavinKare Ability Awards provide a platform to recognize and celebrate their achievements, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of life. By honoring these exceptional individuals, the awards aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where people with disabilities have equal opportunities to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact.

Miranda Tomkinson, a 45-year-old lecturer, has defied all odds to achieve his dreams despite being born blind and experiencing hearing loss during his middle school days. He is a contract lecturer in the Department of Special Education at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), where he teaches diploma, B.Ed, and M.Ed courses to a majority of able-bodied students. Miranda’s story is one of sheer grit and determination, and his achievements were recently recognized at the 23rd edition of the CavinKare Ability Awards.

Miranda navigates the world with the help of special tools, including a “refreshable braille” device that helps him with text messages. He is independent and uses public transport to commute to work. Despite his disabilities, Miranda has pursued higher education, earning three postgraduate degrees and clearing the UGC NET exams in Sociology and Education. However, his journey has not been without challenges, including a protracted battle to get question papers in Braille for exams and facing isolation and social distancing during the pandemic years.

Miranda’s wife, Rexy Vinotha, has been a constant source of support, helping him to adopt new teaching methods and advocating for greater inclusion and awareness for individuals with deafblindness and multiple disabilities. Miranda has been using his blog, YouTube channel, and upcoming book to promote awareness and inclusion. He is currently working on a book featuring extraordinary persons with disabilities in India and hopes to become an author like Helen Keller.

The director and faculty at NIEPMD have been supporting Miranda, pushing for the implementation of the four percent reservation in government jobs for persons with disabilities, which could lead to Miranda getting a permanent job. Miranda’s colleagues praise his perseverance and resilience, emphasizing the importance of societal compassion and support for persons with multiple disabilities to grow and achieve their potential. Despite the challenges, Miranda remains determined and optimistic, inspiring others with his remarkable story.

CK’s Bakery, a Chennai-based bakery chain, has expanded to Karnataka with its flagship outlet in Bengaluru’s Jayanagar. The outlet aims to set up 25 more stores across Bengaluru within the next 12 months. CK’s Bakery, a part of CavinKare, aims to capitalize on the growing demand for bakery and quick-service restaurants (QSR) in urban India.

The bakery chain targets to offer high-quality, freshly prepared products at affordable prices, striking a balance between aspiration and affordability. To cater to the new market, CK’s Bakery has launched a new line of desserts specifically designed for Bengaluru customers.

The outlet has been strategically located and designed to cater to the city’s urban, on-the-go consumers with quick service. To enhance customer convenience, CK’s Bakery has partnered with leading quick-commerce platforms. This expansion is part of the company’s south expansion strategy, which aligns with its value proposition of fresh, high-quality offerings at affordable prices.

The bakery chain’s MD, Manuranjith Ranganathan, said, “India’s bakery and QSR segment is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by urban lifestyles and exposure to global food formats. At CK’s Bakery, we have successfully tapped into these shifting preferences.” The company aims to capitalize on the growth potential of Bengaluru, which represents a key market in its south expansion strategy.

Overall, the expansion of CK’s Bakery in Bengaluru is expected to create new job opportunities and bring fresh, high-quality bakery products to the city’s consumers.