Finance Minister inaugrates unique resource for India's Youth

Media News

New Delhi, October 02, 2007

The Union Finance Minister, P Chidamabaran, launched the Jaago India Foundation and www.jaagoindia.org, a portal that aims to awaken the youth on relevant social issues – as a first step in the quest to foster change. The Jaago India Foundation will bring relevant social issues to the forefront – issues that are talked about in passing, but are in dire need of retribution. The website will be an online community that not only provides a plethora of information on the issues of the day, but also suggests steps to take appropriate action. Supported by Tata Tea, the Foundation is taking a big step to engage the youth and make them a moving force in taking a look at the larger issues that afflict India.

www.jaagoindia.org will alert India’s youth on issues like water conservation, child malnutrition, education, female infanticide, drug abuse, global warming, among others in its quest to build a powerful community for young citizens to share information, debate on issues, support and motivate each other through forums, discussion groups, and chats.

The foundation hosted a panel discussion on the subject of “Yuva Shakthi” on the occasion of the launch attended by over 200 students in Delhi. The discussants included Sonu Nigam; Sanjeev Bikhchandani, CEO, Infoedge (Naukri.com); and Satya Naraynan, CEO, Career Launcher. Safiya Ally Qureshi, Producer & Radio Jockey, Radio Mirchi moderated the discussion

Speaking on the occasion, Sheetal Talwar, CEO, WSG Pictures & Director, Maverick Media said, “As the country experiences economic empowerment, we feel it is important to awaken and engage the youth of India to recognize and address socially relevant issues. This is our contribution in the 60th year of our Independence and the 100th year of Satyagraha, which are a significant milestones in the history of India.”

Every month, the www.jaagoindia.org will highlight one key issue. Content will include 3-5 short films on each of the 12 issues for the year - from providing detailed facts on the issues, causes, effects, RTI section, real life examples, and a discussion board on the issue. The content will be comprehensive and will provide enough information, along with tools to empower the citizens to take action, as and where needed. The first issue being addressed on the portal at present is Tax Evasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Percy Siganporia, Managing Director, Tata Tea Limited, said, “As a category leader Tata Tea believes its youth oriented market and operational focus will emotively connect with issues that drive the heart, mind and soul of India’s emerging social consciousness. Tata Tea believes that the youth of this country are the true change agents and it is of critical importance that every platform possible needs to be created to facilitate the change.”

Jaago India Foundation, an independent trust started by WSG Pictures, aims to create a forum of like-minded people to work together for Sarvodaya - upliftment for all; and work with other NGO’s to create awareness and empower people for action. WSG Pictures aims at raising relevant social issues through various mediums such as films and the internet.

For further information, please contact:

Karishma Gupte

PR Pundit

Tel: 98103 65113

E-mail: karishma.g@prpundit.com