Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “Golf has traditionally been perceived as a sport limited to the privileged few due to accessibility and resource constraints. The ‘Golf for Everyone’ program seeks to change this narrative by creating opportunities for talented young athletes regardless of their socio-economic background. By bringing golf to the doorsteps of underprivileged children, we hope to foster a truly community-driven sporting culture that celebrates diversity and equal opportunity. BMW India Foundation’s vision is to nurture projects that transcend socio-economic boundaries and become truly inclusive. We strongly believe projects like ‘Golf for Everyone’ hold that tremendous transformational power.”

As part of this endeavor, BMW India Foundation and The Golf Foundation are conducting India’s largest annual golf talent hunt for 2025-26. Through this extensive grassroots golf discovery program, the talent search will begin with in-school talent identification camps across government and low-income schools. To participate in the talent hunt, children can also WhatsApp “I am Talent” on +91 93106 92833.

Using portable hitting mats, nets, and putting kits, children undergo simple athletic evaluations such as throws, sprints, jumps, and coordination drills. This initial screening helps identify young athletes who show potential in physical agility and coordination.

Children shortlisted from these camps will progress to regional on-range golf camps, hosted at golf facilities across multiple Indian states. Here, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of golf and assessed for basic skills, creating a bridge between raw talent and formal training. Over 1,800 – 2,000 children are expected to be screened through these multi-stage processes, culminating in a National Talent Hunt that will select approximately 30 promising young golfers to receive advanced support.

The selected children will benefit from a comprehensive support framework that includes regular professional coaching, access to high-quality equipment, tournament exposure, mentorship, and financial assistance. This holistic development program aims to empower these young athletes to pursue golf professionally while also supporting their overall personal growth.

The ‘Golf for Everyone’ initiative not only aims to identify future champions but also strives to instill values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship among the youth. By democratizing access to golf, the program hopes to inspire a new generation of achievers who will carry forward the legacy of Indian sports on national and global platforms.

The post BMW India Foundation and The Golf Foundation Collaborate to Launch India’s Largest Golf Talent Hunt for Underprivileged Youth appeared first on NRI News.

SHIRDI: To promote preventive healthcare for underprivileged women in rural Maharashtra, the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. Mane Medical Foundation & Research Centre, a reputed Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The partnership marks the launch of a comprehensive cancer screening and awareness program, offered entirely free of cost, in Shirdi and other districts of Maharashtra.

This grassroots initiative aims to screen 10,000 ultra-poor women for cervical and breast cancer by December 2025. The first screening camp was held on June 8 at Rahuri, 60 km from Shirdi, where nearly 350 women were screened.

Focused on early detection and timely intervention, the program addresses a critical gap in access to preventive healthcare for marginalised groups who often go undiagnosed due to financial and geographical barriers.

Dr. Mane Medical Foundation will lead on-ground implementation, supported by community outreach efforts. All women will undergo Pap Smear and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), and where needed, additional health checks including Haemoglobin, Blood Sugar, and Cholesterol tests.

Speaking on the initiative, Namrata Hinduja, Member, Steering Committee of Hinduja Foundation, said, “Empowering women through health is the foundation of building stronger communities. This initiative reaffirms our unwavering commitment to closing critical healthcare gaps and ensuring that no woman is denied care because of her economic circumstances.”

Paul Abraham, President of Hinduja Foundation, said, “Cancer has emerged as the fastest-growing health concern in India, with over 1.7 million new cases reported in 2025. Projections indicate that this number could rise to 2.5 million by 2030. Early detection through screening is key to managing costs and survival chances. This initiative is not just about early detection & treatment, but also about education, empowerment, and building a culture of preventive care. We are committed to creating a lasting impact in communities that need it the most.”

Women with positive findings will receive free-of-cost treatment at Dr. Mane’s Charitable Cancer Hospital in Rahuri, Shirdi. The program also includes training for community health workers to build long-term healthcare capacity in local areas.

Supported by Reliance Life Insurance, the initiative is currently being implemented in Shirdi and is planned to expand to other cancer hotbeds such as Osmanabad and Ahilyanagar districts soon.

The post Hinduja Foundation Partners with Dr. Mane Medical Foundation to Provide Free Cancer Screening for Underprivileged Women in Shirdi appeared first on NRI News.

Speaking on the occasion Dr.S.V.Kota Reddy –Vice-Chancellor at VIT AP University, said The STARS scheme, which began in 2008 in Vellore Tamilnadu is the brainchild of Dr. G. Viswanathan – Hon’ble Chancellor of VIT University. The STARS scheme underscores VIT’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for rural students. Originally launched for rural students in Tamil Nadu, the scheme has now expanded its reach to benefit academically bright students from economically challenged backgrounds in Andhra Pradesh from 2017 onwards.VIT-AP University offers free admission to 52 students each year, selecting one boy and one girl from each of the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. These students are district toppers who have studied in government colleges located in remote villages of the state. Today, 48 out of these 52 students received their admission letters.

Many of these students come from families surviving on daily wages or working as domestic helpers, or as poor farmers where the dream of higher education often remains a distant reality. Through the STARS scheme, we are not only providing them with an opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations but also empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society.”

“At VIT AP, we believe that every deserving student should have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams,” added Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti – Registrar. “The STARS scheme at VIT AP University not only covers tuition fees but also extends support for free hostel accommodation. This comprehensive support ensures that financial constraints do not hinder the educational ambitions of talented students. The STARS scheme exemplifies our commitment to fostering talent and creating a more equitable society.“

“The university’s initiative has garnered praise for its proactive approach to addressing socio-economic disparities through education. By offering a pathway to higher education, VIT AP University is paving the way for a brighter future for these students,” added Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti

Dr. John Pradeep – Deputy Director of Admissions, Dr.Manoj Kumar Mishra – Assistant Director of Admissions, Venkanta Laxmi – STAR Scheme Coordinator, and Dayanand Gunti – Chief Public Relations Officer were also present on the occasion.

The post VIT-Ap University Has Provided Free Admission To 48 Underprivileged Students From 26 Districts Of Andhra Pradesh Under The Stars Scheme appeared first on NRI News.

The Declutter and Donate Drive initiative encouraged people to declutter their homes and donate items they no longer used, to help those less fortunate. With Love recognizes the importance of reusing and recycling and organizes this drive as a means of redistributing these resources to those who need them most.

Pune residents were encouraged to participate by contributing items such as clothing, toys, books, kitchenware, and other household items that they no longer need.

“We believe in the power of collective generosity,” said Dimple Somji, founder, and trustee of the NGO, “Through the Declutter and Donate Drive, we aim to bridge the gap between those who have more than they need and those who struggle to make ends meet. It’s an opportunity for our community to come together and create a positive change.“

Another key project the NGO undertook was the JoyBag Drive. This heartfelt initiative focused on collecting essential kitchen grains to support underprivileged diabetic kids and their families in need.

Amidst economic challenges, many families struggle to put meals on the table during Diwali. The JoyBag Drive helps to organize essential kitchen grains such as rice, wheat, lentils, and more; for these families so that the festivities are stress-free for them as well.

Neelima Ladkat, another key trustee of the NGO, expressed gratitude, saying, “The overwhelming response from our community demonstrates the incredible compassion and unity of purpose. The JoyBag Drive is about more than just providing food; it’s about creating a stronger, more supportive community.“

These initiatives not only aim to provide essential support but also raise awareness about the challenges faced by underprivileged families struggling to make ends meet. It encourages a spirit of empathy and understanding within the community, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society.

With Love, the NGO extends its heartfelt appreciation to the community, partners, and supporters for their invaluable contributions. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children and their families, ensuring a brighter future for all.

The post Pune’s With Love NGO brightens Diwali for the Underprivileged appeared first on NRI News.