Azim Premji pledges 34% Wipro shares for philanthropy

Agencies

March 13, 2019

Bengaluru, Mar 13: Wipro Chairman Azim Premji has earmarked 34% of Wipro Ltd shares worth ₹52,750 crore ($7.5 billion) for his philanthropic activities, a statement said on Wednesday.

“Azim Premji has increased his commitment to philanthropy, by irrevocably renouncing more of his personal assets and earmarking them to the endowment, which supports Azim Premji Foundation’s philanthropic activities,” the city-based Foundation said in a statement.

With his new commitment, Mr. Premji’s total contribution to the philanthropic endowment corpus is ₹145,000 crore ($21 billion), which includes 67% of economic ownership of Wipro Ltd, it said. The Foundation works in the education sector, aiming to improve the quality of public schooling system, and supports other non—profit organisations working in the field through multi-year financial grants.

“Currently the field work in education is spread across Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, along with some work in the northeastern states,” the statement said.

As many as 150 not-for-profit organisations working for the marginalised sections across the country have received the grants from the Foundation over the past five years.

“Over the coming years, the Foundation’s activities are expected to scale up significantly. The team driving the field work in education is expected to grow significantly from the current 1,600 people,” it added.

The Foundation, which also runs the Azim Premji University in Bengaluru which offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate courses in education and human development, will also expand, it said in the statement.

“The university will expand to have 5,000 students with 400 faculty members across multiple programmes. Thereafter, another university in the northern part of India may be set up,” it said. The expansion aims to contribute to developing a more just, equitable, humane and sustainable society in India, it added.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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