EDITORchairmanEDITORIAL ART MOVES CHAIRMAN EDITORMPP BOSCH SUPPLIER AWARD INNOVATIONS KANNADA RAJYOTSAVA NEW CUSTOMERS NEW PRODUCTS 10 OCT: TESTIMONIALS DASARA PUJAAEROsPAcE & DEfEncE A&DUBAI IST PURCHASE ORDER FROM HONEYWELL FERRETTO VISIT MMM 8-TON TOW TUG IST AEROMART VISITORS' BOOK NEW CRM FROM SNECMA HAL, DRDO & ISRO AT AM NEW MACHINES TASK TALK RECOGNITIONMMM CEO VIEW LAUNCH PAD CEMAT ENABLING FULFILMENT COVETED AWARD LOGISTICS SUMMIT SCM SUMMIT BUGGY NEWS VISITORS' BOOKARMEs MAInI IMPROVEMENTS NEW CUSTOMERS TESTIMONIALS TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT SWAGATHAM APPRECIATIONMAhInDRA REvA RALLYING AROUND BERMUDA DEBUT E2O'S NEW TOP VARIANT E VISITORS' BOOKGRAMOThAn fOunDATIOn WELLNESS AND THE RURAL WAY OF LIFE PANCHKARMA BENEFITS YOGA & HEALTH

The last six months seem to have brought in

a sense of stability in the country. It remains to be seen whether cautious optimism is justified but, nevertheless, I truly believe that this is the Decade of India.

At the Maini Group, both consolidation and growth are being planned meticulously to ensure that we stay ahead in our field, and also be relevant in an ever-changing business environment. A YEAR OF GOOD GROWTH Group companies have grown well this year, with significant achievements in their domains. 2015 promises the launch of new products and solutions at the cutting edge of technology. We also plan forays into sectors that are in synergy with our present activities.

The Zero Waste initiative was launched in all our companies. It was heartwarming to see everyone join in to make this a success. In 2015, we'll begin our Safety Initiative as well.

The Gramothan Foundation continues its work with fervour. Several initiatives started this year should positively change the lives of the communities adopted. My best wishes to you for a very happy and prosperous New Year.

– Sandeep Kumar Maini

VALUEDELIVERED.ALWAYSA F O C U S O N V A L U E S ∫ A H E R I T A G E O F E X C E L L E N C E ∫ A L E G A C Y O F I N N O V A T I O N

ISSUE 13 JAN 2015

Season’s greetings and best wishes for 2015 to all of you, readers, friends and colleagues.

At this time of year we assess what’s gone by and what lies ahead of us, and so it may be appropriate to talk about our hopes and aims for our newsletter.

UNIQUE FORUMMaini Varta is a unique forum where we can share our achievements and happenings within the Maini Group. As it’s a collaborative effort, involving all our companies, we try to include news, articles and images that will interest as wide a range of readers as possible.

So we’ll be doing our best in the years ahead to make this even more participatory and inclusive an exercise. With your help, of course.

If you’ve ideas for different kinds of topics, suggestions for articles or areas for coverage in the Group’s life and philosophy that we might publish in the Maini Varta, please let me know. I’d also be delighted to get Letters to the Editor – which I’d do my best to publish in future issues. I look forward to hearing from you. In closing I’d like to thank all the people with whose help and support I am able to deliver Maini Varta issue after issue. I owe them my gratitude.

– Gita Maini

The Maini Buggy at the Kochi Muziris Biennale 21 DEC '14 KOCHI. Eco-transport and art is surely a future-friendly association worth nurturing. The Maini Buggy started its run at the Kochi Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2014, India’s biggest and most important international art fair: 94 artists from 30 countries at 8 venues for 108 days. The Maini fleet will run a hop-on, hop-off service between the venues, scattered across Fort Kochi, till the end of the Biennale. The service was inaugurated by actor Mammootty, Lok Sabha member K. V. Thomas and Biennale director Renji Panicker. Mammootty and Thomas rode in the buggy at Aspinwall, the main Biennale

venue. ‘We are very proud to associate with the KBF,' said Peter D’Mello, Maini’s Senior Manager, Service (Buggy), ‘With about 2,000 visitors a day, KMB 2014 offers us the

ART MOvEs

ideal brand communication platform.' Three six-seaters are on hand initially, with trained drivers appointed by us, helping this second edition of the Biennale move smoothly to a

successful conclusion. We look forward to leveraging the synergy between our eco-transport and this significant global art event.

Star StEErIng Mammootty at the wheel with K. V. Thomas on his left and, behind, Jitesh Kallat, Curatorial Dir. and Bose Krishnamachari, Dir. KMB

Dasara Puja Gautam Maini at the Nelamangala Filter Unit

Bosch Supplier Award For superior quality and outstanding performance, Bosch honoured us with their supplier Award; another milestone in a relationship that spans 41 years.

New CustomerZF InDIa, PUnE is a new potential customer with a global requirement for critical engine parts (below: shaft)

Innovationsa CHIP COnvEyOr SEtUP at the Peenya C-217 plant which makes it easier to remove chips from the multi-spindle machines.

an OIl StOragE tanK that services upto 12machines has beenintroduced that helpseliminate manual work and prevent oil spillages.

Kannada Rajyotsava 1St nOv ’14. At the celebrations, inaugurated by P.B. Sathyanarayana, VP Ops; with him, Venkateshwar, Head, Filters, Bopanna, Plant Head, Nagabhushan, Peenya Unit union president and Maini Kannada Rajyotsava committee members.

As part of the Rajyotsava celebrations, retiring employees were felicitated (right).

LOOKING AHEADDirector's Note

MPP has focussed this past year on a two-pronged approach of increasing the top line at the same

time as improving lean manufacturing and productivity.

We've also formed a dedicated New Product Development team to speed up the introduction of new products for both exports as well as for the localisation process of those components and subassemblies that our customers currently import.

These apart, we're implementing AutoLean and AeroLean which will further speed up the delivery as well as the accuracy of New Product Development: over seven Lean Lines have been laid out to ensure a proper flow across our facilities.

Going into the New Year we see ourselves as a much stronger organisation, ready to grow exponentially, keeping pace with our global customers.

– Gautam Maini

Going into the New Year we see ourselves as a much stronger organisation, ready to grow exponentially, keeping pace with our global customers.

AerospAce & Defence

MMM 8-Ton Tow Tug Turns IndigoOCt '14. Since MMM’S pioneering 2013 launch of the indigenous 8-ton tow tug in India, there’s been no looking back. Indigo

Our Ist. Purchase Order from Honeywell Aerospace8tH DEC ’14. Honeywell Aerospace is the largest aircraft engine and avionics manufacturer, as well as being a maker of auxiliary power units and related aviation products. We bagged our first purchase order from them, which John Bonowski, VP Mech. Sourc., personally handed over to Naresh Palta, CEO, A&D, Maini Group during Honeywell’s Senior Leadership visit to us.

Naresh Palta and Honeywell’s John Bonowski

At the Ist Aeromart18tH – 20tH nOv ’14 nICE grOUnDS BangalOrE. Taking part in the first-ever Aeromart Summit was an illuminating experience. Being a supply-chain-orientated business summit, it was the ideal situation for consecutive B2B meetings with major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.The hugely successful event was organized by BCI Aerospace, France, and sponsored by key industry players like Airbus, ATR, Safran Group and Bharat Forge. From left: Jagadeesh Upalappa, Head Bus. Dev. MPP, Annick Bancet, Global Sourc. Mgr, Aerolia SAS and Naveen Das, Key Acc. Mgr, MPP

Ferretto Visit4tH DEC '14. After the launch, in April, of the Armes Maini Vertimag vertical storage system, Renato Franco of the Ferretto Group paid a visit to India to assess the needs of the market, across different industry verticals, and to meet potential customers. He is seen here (left and below) discussing with ISRO satellite centre officials their unique requirement: to store solar space panels in stringent environmental conditions.

A&Dubai

Our maiden appearance at the important Dubai Airport Show 2014 was

made to leverage our buggies’ and electric tugs’ Gulf market potential. R.Prahalad, VP, made a presentation on eco-friendly products at the Show’s Innovative Podium. Shivaprasad, GM International Sales, was also present. Post-Show traction has been considerable and our regional progression well consolidated.

Airlines is a valued partner in our efforts to evolve solutions specific to commercial aviation requirements. As a part of after sales service, A&D and MMM jointly organized a national level

training session for Indigo’s ground support staff from Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai. Certificates were handed out when the intensive two-day workshop concluded.

AerospAce & Defence vIsITORs' BOOK

HAL, DRDO & ISRO at Armes Maini

Leveraging a substantial assessed potential for Armes Maini Vertimag automated storage and retrieval

systems at HAL, DRDO Labs and ISRO, were the live demonstrations held at the AM facility for their representatives. For HAL, there was an exclusive event for senior management from 11 of its Bangalore divisions showing not just Vertimag but other comprehensive storage solutions too.

vErtIMag taKE-OFF. HAL senior management at Armes Maini, including Rajkumar AGM (LCA), third from left and Wg Cdr Benjamin, GM Overhaul, seated next to Naresh Palta and S.A. Mohan.

New CRM13tH OCt ’14 Another global leader becomes a customer: Rockwell Collins USA, the fastest-growing A& D company in smart communications and aviation electronics. Their leadership team visited on a familiarization trip that was also exploratory in purpose. Wayne Flory, VP, Supply Chain and Tina Schoner, Dir. Sourc., presented

their outsourcing strategy and declared their interest in working with us.

Our relationship with Rockwell Collins is firmly established and growing rapidly, after our sustained efforts bagged us credit for being the first Indian-approved supplier for machined components and sub-assemblies. FrOM rOCKwEll: Wayne Flory, VP Supply Chain, and

Tina Schoner, Dir. Sourc.

From Snecma IMpRESSED1St SEP ’14. Another leadership team from the Safran Group came, to discuss their strategic growth plans with us. Christian Grande, Dep. V.P. Purch., Pascal Brocard, Corp. Purch. Mgr, Jean-Louis Vergneau, Corp. Prod. Mgr, and from Safran subsidiary, Messier-Buggatti-Dowty, Frederic Bochu, Ind’l Dir., were impressed with the extent and scope

of our parts product suite as well as by the excellence of the quality management system that supports it.

AUDITOCt ’14 We were successfully audited by Snecma, France for system and process compliance. The audit confirmed we met the key qualification criteria required to secure orders in their new global programmes.

aUDIt grOUP SHOt With Guy Lienhart, Snecma, from left, Suryaprakash, Ashok Aseri and Srinivasan

New Machines – and Facility(Below left) Ace Micromatic CNC grinding machine. (Below right) DMG Mori Seiki 4-axis CNC horizontal milling machine (Bottom) A temperature-controlled clean room for assembling structural aircraft parts has been created for Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, UK.

Task TalkBangalore Chambers of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) formed a task force on aerospace and aviation to focus on attracting more investments to Karnataka.

Naresh Palta, CEO (A&D) and R. Prahalad, VP, have been invited to be among its members, and so voice industry, so as to voice industry opinions to the government.

RecognitionMaini garnered more recognition in the domain, with invitations to Naresh Palta from two industry bodies. The first co-opts him as Chairman onto SIATI’s Offsets Committee.

He has also been elected Chairman-Member on CII’s National Aerospace Committee and as a Member Core Team of the Government of Karnataka and CII’s Aerospace Task Force.

The scene in india In products such as storage racking and shelving systems, the market is relatively small, in comparison with China as well as developed economies of the western world. Only 12% of warehouses are organised at present. Therefore, the scope for growth for the next 10 years can be exponential.

CEO View: Engineering Review Engineering Review regards us as 'a leading industry player in the materials handling, warehousing solutions and people movement space,' defined by a culture of 'innovation, thought-leadership and quality focus' and 'a history of pioneering electrical energy applications.' P.K. Balasubbramaniian spoke to s.A. Mohan, our CEO. Excerpts:FirsTs MMM was the first company in India to design and manufacture electric golf buggies: a green solution for in-campus mobility, (with) over 50 variants based on sector specific requirements.

susTainable Earlier, external-use products were largely diesel- or LPG-driven forklifts. We have observed increased adoption of electric technology in materials handling equipment over the past two years even outside-plant.

role in Warehouse auTomaTion Modern and automated warehouses are an upcoming phenomenon in India. (They’re) making more frequent inventory transactions in a greatly compressed time frame; implementing more value-added services such as supplier-managed inventories and using less space and integrating more computer technology.

We offer automation systems and modules

that include guided vehicles and fleet management systems to track and improve (MHE) productivity. We can assist customers using simulation tools which predict levels of automation required, (thus) reducing costs, improving productivity and accuracy, while giving complete visibility of the inventory data.

exporTs a ThrusT area Recently set up a dedicated exports division. Exclusive sales and service partners in South Africa, Oman, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Prospective partners: across Middle East, Africa and SAARC countries.

on looking ForWard GST will be the single largest driver for growth and consolidation (allowing) companies to have large-format warehouses, very cost-efficient and business-specific.

field of material handling solutions brings the Yale range of products to all MHE operators in India. The launch of the new diesel forklift truck will further strengthen the position of Yale and Maini in the growing Indian forklift truck market.’

CLEAN-RUNNING, ERGONOMICThis much-awaited vehicle is designed to meet the specific requirements of the Indian market. It comes in two variants, the 2,000 kg. GDP20UX and the 3000 kg GDP30UX with an efficient, quiet, clean-running 3.1 lit engine suitable for all standard applications.

Launch Pad CeMAT: MMM Yale Next Gen Diesel Forklift Truck11tH DEC ’14 PragatI MaIDan, DElHI.Our CeMAT theme this year was Integrated Material Handling and Storage Solutions and the highlight for us at this major annual international fair for intralogistics, now in its eighth year here, was the launch of the new diesel counterbalance forklift truck from Yale-Maini.

To quote Rajesh Wazarkar, MD Yale India, ‘This unique partnership between two of thestrongest and most innovative forces in the

Armes Maini was also showcased at CeMAT. The products on display were multi-tier shelving, multi-tier mezzanine and pallet racking. The demo units put up at the exhibition stole the show, standing tall at 7.5 metres and dominating their surroundings. Rajesh Wazarkar, MD Yale India, does the honours

Visitors' Book

22nD OCt’14: Rajesh Wazarkar MD, Yale India and Richard Lim MD, Shanghai Hyster with our Chairman. Mr. Lim was concluding a prospective buying trip here, which entailed the possibility of our supplying forklifts and tow trucks for Shanghai Hyster's China operations.

Logistics Summit 21, 22 aUg ’14. HIltOn CHEnnaI. Over 200 delegates came by, including logistics professionals from supply chain and logistics companies as well as from the user industry. With a high degree of venue visibility and S.A. Mohan, Rahul Sagar, Mohana Krishnan and Vinay representing Maini and several sales leads were generated.

Mr. Mohan who is a CII Institute of Logistics Advisory Council member made a well-attended presentation titled Value Addition in Warehousing.

Enabling Fulfilment 9, 10tH SEP ’14. tHE granD, DElHI. BUIlDIng warEHOUSIng COMPEtItIvEnESS This was another successful event in the second half of our trade show calendar. Our presence was enhanced with the Group corporate video on the presentation screen during networking breaks. Among the brands that visited us here were Asian Paints, JK Tyre, DelEx, Benetton, Philips and a team from Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Coveted Award: Express Logistics and Supply Chain Leadership 24tH SEPt ’14. We were named Warehouse and Material Handling Company of the Year for 2014 at the 8th Express Logistics and Supply Chain (ELSC) Leadership awards. The ELSC Conclave held on an annual basis is recognized as one of India’s most prestigious logistics events. An independent research agency is entrusted with the task of choosing the winners. The

award was received by MMM CEO S.A. Mohan and Rahul Sagar, AGM Marketing.

Commenting on the awards, Mr. Mohan said, ‘Our brand promise is 'Value delivered. Always'. We strive to offer our customers the right solutions and the lowest total cost of ownership. That’s why they see us as their preferred partner for warehousing, material handling and intra-logistics solutions. This award certainly attests to our commitment to be among the leading players in the country in the intra-logistics space.'

ElSC awarDS (Right) S.A. Mohan & Rahul Sagar

SCM Summit16,17 OCt. ’14 wEStIn MUMBaI. At the Supply Chain Management Pharma Summit, the Maini stall showcased among others, the new Yale-Maini reach truck and the Armes Maini Vertimag.

Buggy News12-14 SEP ’14 gOa. 11tH annUal IntErnatIOnal FOOD & HOSPItalIty ExPO. This event’s visibility is always notable, well-supported as it is by Goa Tourism and its state government and the leading hotel supplies and hospitality service brands. Visitors thronging our stall included decision-makers and influencers from Goa’s hospitality industry asking about our comprehensive guest and utility movement solutions.

Posters showcased the Flexi, housekeeping, F&B, maintenance, disposer and cargo buggy. MMM’s Sarath Nerella Asst. Mgr Mkting, Rahul Sagar AGM Mkting, Sunil Thakur Sales Mgr Buggy (West) and our Goa channel partner, Durga Enterprises were on hand, prompting several sales leads.

TestimonialsFSC SeCTOR: LOGISTICSWe run a huge warehouse and distribution network across several million sq. ft. of warehousing. Maini has been involved in designing and quality specification of all products that we required, and went out of their way to get us quality products at right prices. They have been personally supportive in all our ventures and all our projects across the country.

– Anshuman Singh, MD &. CEO

KEMwEll SeCTOR: PHARMAWe were setting up a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility where a 15m.-tall warehouse required seismic-compliant pallet racking. Armes Maini was able to offer us a single-piece upright of 13m. with all the required tolerances for such a tall structure. Not only was the project executed to our utmost satisfaction, but Armes Maini also went a step further in suggesting technically compatible MHE with their racking.

– Anurag Bagaria, Chairman & MD

JOCKEy SeCTOR: APPAReLWe needed a contemporary storage system for our apparels; Armes Maini took inputs from our team and provided various alternatives for our special needs. We are delighted by their customer-centric approach in giving us a storage system that thoroughly meets our functional requirements and also scores very high on aesthetics and finish.

– Sunder Ashok Genomal, MD

OEC SeCTOR: ReCORD MANAGeMeNTWe have set up a state of the art record storage facility near Mumbai wherein the racking required was for a height of 13m. Apart from providing a safe and stable system challenge was to integrate the walkways with the civil mezzanines. Armes Maini with their design conforming to international standards executed the project to our utmost satisfaction. We wish them all the success in their future endeavors.

– Girish Annath, Vice President-Admin. Infra & Security

FrOM a MaHInDra twO-wHEElEr vEnDOr An appreciation certificate for installing medium-duty racking in record time and the line-up at the felicitation ceremony.

Improvements a nEw BEaM PrOFIlE lInE has been added for better productivity. It’s being dedicated to beams eliminates machine set-up time. The

SwagathamA warm welcome to these gentlemen who’ve join the Armes Maini family since the previous issue of Maini Varta. Here’s wishing them mutually fruitful and productive times ahead.

Raju NGMSW (HR, IR)

ManagEr Hr.

Nagaprasanna VB Tech (Mech.)

aSSt Mgr DESIgn

V Hari Prasad M Tech (CAD)

Sr Mgr DESIgn

New CustomersE-COMM: Further consolidating our position vis-à-vis the realm of the e-commerce giants, we accomplished the major feat of executing a 2,00,000 sq.ft. warehouse in eight weeks flat.rEPEat Other important customers were in

touch, placing several further orders.CUStOMISED We increased our customized solution expertise and are in the process of executing a project with a fully customized storage solution for a leading automobile manufacturer.

beam profile line adds 60’x 40’ and 70’x 40’ beams to the beam sizes we already offer, thus extending our product range.

vISUal aIDS Signage clearly setting out operating procedures has been positioned on all functioning machinery thus enhancing productivity and safety.

Training & Development May '14 Performance assessment is central to HR and its effectiveness is enhanced with appropriate training. At Armes Maini, a HR session was held in May from which there were substantial takeaways; everyone involved acknowledged the responsibility for objective goal setting and one-on-one performance assessment sessions.

(Above) Signage spells out the decking line reset and Omera press machine start procedures

E Visitors' Book: Karun Chandhok17tH nOv '14. Ace Indian Formula E racer Karun Chandhok from the Mahindra Racing team, called on us. Addressing the media gathered to meet him, Chandok said, ‘The objective of Formula E is to transfer race car technology to road cars such as the e2o.’

Director of Formula E Racing and CEO Mahindra Reva, Chetan Maini said, ‘From 2015, Formula E organizers will allow OEMs to design their own cars so in future we’ll have a much more involved role. We will be developing customised cars to compete in Formula E’s next season.’

CUSTOMISED COMpETITION‘Formula E has already created significant interest globally and will serve as an EV R&D platform. It exemplifies the importance of EVs in the context of modern mobility.’ He went

Rallying AroundJUn '14.We staged a rally themed Drive for a Better Tomorrow. It was flagged off from Golf Course Road and was the largest-ever gathering of proud e2o owners.

Extending five kilometers, through Millers, Raj Bhavan and Palace Roads, it ended at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park.

The rally re-affirmed the e2o’s USP of making city driving convenient and effortless. There was a planting of about 100 saplings by e2o customers at the Park after the rally. Speaking on the occasion, Chetan Maini, CEO, Mahindra Reva said, 'Such overwhelming participation encourages us to drive similar initiatives for a cleaner, greener and healthier ecosystem.'

rally gOOD At the starting point

Bermuda Debut 10tH JUl '14 BErMUDa Auto Solutions today officially unveiled the e2o. At the launch, Chetan Maini said, ‘Mahindra Reva, besides being one of the global pioneers in electric vehicles, also offers a comprehensive suite of technologies for different applications.

‘The e2o incorporates the latest developments in EV traction, battery technology, energy recovery, telematics and IT – a unique synthesis that will help us shape and co-create, with our customers, the future of personal and commercial mobility solutions. CUTTING-EDGE SYNTHESISGlen Smith, MD, Auto Solutions added, ‘The e2o may well reflect the future of mobility in transportation on islands such as Bermuda. Renewable energy is a fairly untapped resource here and it’s time we made more use of it.’

The e2o’s arrival prompted a lot of interest and discussion, with one blogger estimating that it could mean about (Bermudan) $1,500 per annum in savings over gas-driven cars, going on to add, ‘Now, take it to the next level, and incorporate a solar PV system

to charge the car, and the savings become better again. It is certainly financially and environmentally compelling!’

Adapted from: http://bernews.com/2014/07/mahindra-reva-to-offer-electric-car-on-island

e2o’s New Top Variant with Electric Power Steering and a 120 Km RangeaUg '14 The e2o goes from strength to strength. Its new premium variant was launched, boasting electric power steering and an extended range of 120 km. And there was more, as Chetan Maini, CEO, Mahindra Reva elaborated, ‘The e2o is automatic, with the smallest turning radius, and comes with a host of features like the Hill-hold, which prevents it from rolling back while on an incline, the Infotainment System, Driver Information System and the reverse parking camera. The variable-assist electric power steering takes e2o’s maneuverability to the next level.’

He added, 'We also looked closely at how to alleviate customers’ "range anxiety". This variant can run 120 km. on one charge. In the rare event of its running low, customers can use the unique REVive app on their smartphones to remotely activate the reserve energy that can keep them going for an additional 8 kilometres.’

on to say, ‘The gap between Formula E and regular road cars is much less because the technologies are matured on the same time. For example, the batteries we use in Formula E are similar to what we use in the e2o and even other features like the high-performance powertrain will come to be used in road cars fairly quickly.’

SEaSIDE E20 The Bermuda unveiling

nEw agE The new dashboard and instrument panel

Karun Chandhok and Chetan Maini

ANNUAL HOME REMEDIES pROGRAMMEWe conduct this programme to increase awareness about ayurvedic medicine, its advantages and applications in the panchayat neighbourhood, where plants can be conveniently gathered or cultivated for household extraction and use. As part of the programme, we distribute seeds and plants to panchayat inhabitants.

BI-ANNUAL VECTOR-BORNE DISEASE pROGRAMMEThis is a programme to help to spread awareness of these diseases and promotes the use of preventives like homemade mosquito coils.

WELLNESS FOR WOMENThis programme included laptop presentations on physical development and related concerns.

Panchakarma benefits D.B. Kuppe(Left) Dr. Dhinu Kumar administers the panchakarma treatment, which alleviates the effects of osteoarthritis and cervical spine degeneration as well as ailments such as sinusitis.

Panchkarma comprises a range of treatments and procedures, especially appropriate in an area like D.B. Kuppe where bone degenerative disorders are common.

(extreme left) Gramothan's Mallika with a householder;(below) from left: Gramothan's Govardhan B.K., Vippen Sareen, Dir. Maini Group and Gramothan staff

Wellness and The Rural Way of Life

IIn the villages where we work, holistic wellness is an absolute priority. When poverty is a fact of life, enhancing wellness

can help reduce losses like those suffered in daily wages and work-time due to bad health as well as intangible ones like anxiety and pain.

We saw the issues that required immediate attention were mainly related to personal, domestic and thus, also, community hygiene. Awareness-building competitions were

organized, with prizes given to children for personal hygiene and to families for the cleanest houses.

HYGIENE-BASEDWe asked the Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine to conduct a survey and hired a wellness consultant who developed a sustainable wellness programme in the villages. Consequently, 11 girls who’d studied up to senior secondary were chosen for a yoga instructors’ programme emphasising hygiene and women's health. We’ve tied up for a year with the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana where the girls received residential training. A facilitator stays a week every month, in

the villages to monitor the programme. As a result, for the last six months the thirteen schools in the villages have had daily yoga sessions that instill healthy practices and build health awareness.

WOMENPart of our wellness initiative for women, is developing a menstrual hygiene programme.We’re also exploring the feasibility of mobile delivery vans for pregnant women.

At Gramothan, we feel that, to meaningfully foster wellness, we must, ceaselessly, make more aware and motivate each person and their community so that awareness becomes action, always – a way of life.

THe MAINI GROUP, 38 Maini Sadan, 7th Cross Lavelle Road, Bangalore 560001 India. Ph +91 80 4072 3800

shubha@maini.com • www.mainigroup.com

Yoga and HealthDASARA-TIME YOGA SHIBIRA five-day residential programme was held for the 9-16 year age group that consisted of yoga classes and different sorts of games. Three daily meals, which included milk, were provided as well.

DAILY KRIYAGramothan Foundation’s Asha workers, did a course in yoga at SVYASA University, after which they’ve started daily kriya yoga classes for the villages’ schoolchildren.

MONTHLY YOGA VISITSGramothan’s yoga instructor does a monthly round of the villages to teach and follow up on physical and mental health programmes and nutrition and diet.

ADULTS SpECIALIST QUARTERLY MEDICAL CAMpS Specialists were on hand for consultations; free medicines were also provided.

SWARNA BHINDU pRASHAYANAIn the ayurvedic texts, Swarna Bhindu Prashayana is a prescribed way to promote children’s growth and development, with appropriate lehyams (traditional jam-based natural tonics). This monthly programme covers the ages from two right up to sixteen. We also provide nutritional inputs, check-ups and monitor heights and weights.

BI-MONTHLY ANGANWADI HEALTH CHECKUp A pediatrician consults and free medication is provided, along with height and weight checks.

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Drs. Dhinu Kumar & Sridhar Murthy with patients.