A generous donation of Rs. 1 crore is being made by Toyota Group companies for people who suffered in the Uttarakhand flood disaster. These firms include Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts and Toyota Corporation based in Japan. An event was held in New Delhi, where the donation was handed over to Praful Patel, Minister for Heavy Industry. The cheque for the donation was presented to Patel by Vikram Kirloskar, who is the Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts. This fund of Rs. 1 crore comprises contributions that have been made by the management and employees of these firms.
Present at the gathering, Vikram Kirloskar expressed his grief and offered condolences to families of victims who lost their lives. He also brought to notice the need for more initiatives required for helping those who have been struck by this natural calamity. He said, “The floods in Uttarakhand have claimed many lives and property and our heart goes out to all those who have lost their near and dear ones. We at Toyota are contributing in our own little way to do our bit to extend help to those affected in this catastrophe and we hope that this fund helps the displaced victims of the floods”.
Industry experts are of a view that Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited is a firm that takes its corporate social responsibility quite seriously. The firm, in the past, has lent its name to many causes related to public awareness, social issues and environment protection. The natural calamity that struck Uttarakhand was the worst disaster to hit India since the 2004 tsunami. According to statistics, around 5700 people were presumed to be dead and thousands more were were stuck due to the destruction of bridges and roads.
Since the catastrophe has taken place, the Indian government has constantly been involved in the restoration and damage control. The situation was out of hand at a point of time, which required the intervention of the Indian Air Force, paramilitary troops and the Army for the evacuation operations. Several companies and organisations across the country have made generous donations towards the cause. Television channels, newspapers and other sections of the media have released numerous campaigns, asking people to come forward and lend their help to victims.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited currently employees more than 6000 people. It owns land of around 432 acres and a building area of approximately 74000 metre square. In terms of equity participation, Toyota Motor Corporation has a share of 89 per cent and 11 per cent is owned by the Kirloskar Group. There are two production facilities owned by the firms, including one in a Bangalore suburb and the other on the outskirts of the same city.
