A ray of hope for the helpless
Founded in 2013 by film producer and London-based entrepreneur Rohit Shelatkar, Grand Maratha Foundation (GMF) is headquartered in Mumbai and primarily focuses on catering to the needs of farmers and their families across Maharashtra. However, through the pandemic, the organisation has extended a helping hand to all underprivileged communities in need.
“As soon as the lockdown was announced last year, GMF swung into action and organised various donation drives. It provided essential items to underprivileged communities in various areas of Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, Ambernath, Vada, and Pandharkarwada,” says Shelatkar. In addition to its charity and relief work, GMF has also conducted free health checkup drives in order to spread awareness about the ongoing pandemic.
“GMF has so far spent a total of approximately ₹50 lakhs acquiring essential food supplies and ready-toeat meals for the underprivileged all through the pandemic,” he says, adding, “Currently, India is battling the second wave of Covid-19, and the needy will once again be disproportionately affected. Their access to nutritious food and proper healthcare is restricted. Hence, we at Grand Maratha Foundation have always been at the forefront to provide aid to the underprivileged who need a helping hand as they battle the worst brunt of this pandemic.” Shelatkar now has his eyes set on planning further outreach programmes in India.