NewZNew (Pune) : Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF), the CSR arm of Finolex Industries has enabled a talented student get back on his feet after he suffered a health setback. When Vishwas Shinde a student from a poor family studying in the 9th standard at Phatak High School in Ratnagiri district became deaf after an acute attack of mumps his world came crashing down. He had to discontinue his education but fate intervened in the form of persistent teachers who made him resume his studies.
Not only did he appear for his SSC examination under the disabled student’s category but also came out with flying colours securing 80 % marks! What made the feat exceptional was that due to his poverty and deafness he could go for no special training but rely on only text books. It was this same courage that made him enroll for a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at the Government Polytechnic in Ratnagiri although he continued to suffer from deafness. In the final year of his diploma programme, doctors suggested a cochlear implant to enable him to regain his hearing. This is an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear and is far more effective than a hearing aid.
“What is truly extraordinary about this boy is his self-belief and his tenaciousness in the face of adversity. We are very proud to have been able to play a small role in helping him get back on his feet. His story is an inspiration for others,” said Mrs. Ritu Chhabria, Managing Trustee, Mukul Madhav Foundation.
“I would not be where I am in life but for the kindness of so many people. I take this opportunity to thank all of them and especially Mukul Madhav Foundation. The loss of hearing meant that my world changed drastically and there was a sense of despair. Today, there is a feeling of accomplishment but I also feel humbled by all the kindness that has been shown to me,” said Vishwas Shinde.
The major part of Finolex’s CSR activity is carried out through Mukul Madhav Foundation which was established in 1999. Finolex has been actively contributing to the social and economic development of the underprivileged in the villages in and around its plants situated at Ratnagiri in the state of Maharashtra and Masar in the state of Gujarat. Special focus has been placed on education, health care, community development, environment and self-development.
