On 16th January 2020, S.P. Mandali’s Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), India’s leading B-School organised a unique social initiative ‘Friends of India’ to felicitate the efforts of individuals who have distinctly contributed to the Socio-Economic and Cultural development of India across the globe. The people who were honoured were- Dove Segev-Steinberg (Israel) for his contribution to social service and Joss Brooks (Australia) for his contribution to environment, Fif Fernandes and Hamish Boyde for their contribution to health and wellness, Christopher Turillo (USA) for his contribution to education, T M Hoffman (USA) a master in Indian and Japanese music – vocal and Flute; Achia Anzi (Israel) for cultural contribution; Anat Bernstein-Reich (Israel), Alfredo Munoz and Steve Felder for contribution to economic growth in India. This initiative also made an attempt to build stronger ties with the rest of the world by promoting such leaders.
The Board of Advisory for this initiative included Hon’ble Counsel General of Iceland Mr. Gul Kripalani, Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman of Key Boards of Companies, Mr. Rajiv Podar, Managing Director, Podar Enterprise, Ms. Rohini Iyer, Founder & Director, Raindrop Media, Mr. Vinit Mehra, Founder of DOT and UN Speaker and Mr. Adnan Sami, Singer and Composer.
This initiative congregated some well-known personalities from Bollywood, Television, Dance, Music and Digital Space like Mallika Sherawat, Himesh Reshammiya, Bosco Martis, Shantanu Maheshwari, Shilpa Shinde, Arjun Bijlani, among other celebrities who supported the cause.
These celebrities walked the ramp for the ‘Walk of Friendship’, along with children from ‘Pratham NGO’ to create awareness on education for all. One of India’s leading fashion designer Nivedita Saboo had designed their clothes for the event which was choreographed by Prasad Bidapa. The event also included a small act, performed by the World of Dance Champions The Kings United.
Adv. Shri S. K. Jain, Chairman, Managing Council, S. P. Mandali and College Development Committee said “Through the ‘Friends of India’ initiative we aim to build a strong and healthy relationship between India and the rest of the world. The event acknowledges the exemplary work of individuals and paves the way for the generations to come. The development of a nation is recognized by its true human capital, and appreciating people who work for the betterment of society.”
On this occasion, Prof Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, S.P. Mandali’s WeSchool said, “We are extremely happy to initiate such a unique event that promotes the need for social consciousness among students. We are thankful to all who have come together and supported us in taking the first stride towards a global change. This is an initiative that recognizes the extraordinary work of many renowned personalities from fields such as Art & Culture, Technology, Economics, Business, Commerce, Health, Education and Environment. We understand that corporates today are looking for professionals with not only a high intelligence quotient but also a high social quotient. Initiatives such as these would help in imbibing a global perspective and social awareness among students.”
