HEALTHCARE AND LIVELIHOOD: MGL’S IMPACTFUL CSR INITIATIVES
CSR initiatives by Mahanagar Gas Limited address a gamut of issues such as better healthcare for the underprivileged, enhancing education, empowering livelihoods for vulnerable groups, and reducing inequalities for socially and economically disadvantaged communities
Mahanagar Gas Limited’s (MGL’s) corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, We Care, stands as a beacon of hope, transforming lives and uplifting communities. Through a wide-ranging framework, this initiative addresses critical issues such as eradicating poverty and hunger, promoting healthcare, enhancing education, empowering livelihoods for vulnerable groups, and reducing inequalities for socially and economically disadvantaged communities. With partnerships with local bodies, We Care is creating a lasting impact and inspiring change for a brighter, more equitable future for those who cannot afford treatment or access education or improve their lives.
Sanjay Shende, Deputy Managing Director, Mahanagar Gas Limited says, “Our activities across multiple thematic areas in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad districts, where we focus on health, education, livelihood, and community development, have been encouraging. These efforts reflect our dedication to driving long-term positive change and ensuring the social well-being and empowerment of the communities we engage with. Through We Care, we continue to support projects that create lasting impact, foster empowerment, and contribute to a sustainable, inclusive future for all.”
At Nair Hospital Dental College, computer-assisted designing (CAD) and computer-aided milling (CAM) are setting new benchmarks in dental care. Patients can now receive precision-crafted dentures in a variety of materials in just two visits — compared to the earlier four to five. This is especially significant for labourers and daily wage earners who previously avoided treatment to avoid losing workdays.
Dr Ajay Chaurasia walks us through life-saving interventions made possible with timely cardiac equipment support
Thanks to MGL’s support, the college now houses state-of-the-art equipment, including intraoral scanners, laboratory scanners, milling machines, 3D printers, and a sintering furnace. According to Dr Rahul Kulkarni, Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Nair Hospital Dental College, this advanced technology is revolutionising the field of dental restorations and prostheses, benefiting both professionals and patients alike. What’s more, postgraduate students can learn advanced techniques on hi-tech instruments.
At Mumbai’s Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital’s Cardiology Department, MGL’s contributions have been lifesaving. Automated implantable cardioverters (AICDs) are treating ventricular tachyarrhythmias and preventing sudden cardiac deaths, while free, single-use balloons for valve stenosis procedures have significantly reduced risks associated with equipment reuse.
Dr Ajay Chaurasia, Head of Cardiology, shares that MGL’s support extends to other critical equipment, including ventilators, stress test machines, and monitors. The department has also received 20 pacemaker generators, a significant leap from the earlier three, enhancing their ability to save lives. Dr Chaurasia commends MGL’s “philanthropy beyond belief ” and expresses hope for continued support with equipment like echo machines.
J J Hospital’s nephrology unit has benefitted immensely as well. With the addition of three new dialysis machines to the existing six, the unit now caters to 15-20 patients daily, up from 12-15 earlier. MGL’s donation of over 4,500 catheters and the installation of a reverse osmosis plant providing 170 litres of clean water for dialysis have significantly improved care.
Dr Geeta Sheth, Associate Professor of Nephrology, notes that free dialysis services for senior citizens and underprivileged patients have become a reality, enabling the hospital to assist patients from across Maharashtra.
At Hitwardhak Mandal Hospital in Kandivali, the smiles of children treated under the Clubfoot Elimination Program tell stories of hope and transformation. Five-year-old Rishiv Rathore, who began treatment at just one-year-old, has made a full recovery. Dr Hardik Desai, a paediatricorthopaedic specialist heading the programme, recalls how Rishiv’s parents discovered the free treatment during a health camp in Vapi, Gujarat. Since then, they have diligently travelled to Mumbai for his treatment, ensuring his full recovery.
A woman receives dialysis care at J J Hospital, where MGL’s support has transformed access to free and safe treatment
A child receiving care under the Clubfoot Elimination Program — each step forward made possible by MGL’s Arogya initiative
In collaboration with Anushka Foundation, MGL’s Arogya initiative supports this impactful programme, which has provided treatment to nearly 440 children from marginalised families across Mumbai and its suburbs. The programme operates through clinics at Rajawadi Hospital, Nair Hospital, and Kandivali’s Hitwardhak Mandal Hospital, ensuring children born with clubfoot receive life-changing care.
At the Sahayogini Palak Sanstha Centre, Navi Mumbai, the atmosphere is filled with inspiration and resilience. In partnership with MGL’s Saksham programme, the centre supports children up to 18 years old with multiple disabilities, offering them a path toward integration into society.
Suresh Naik, Founder-President of the centre, shares that it was established in 2014 to provide need-based education, life-skill training, medication, rehabilitation, and infrastructure for children with disabilities. With branches in Kalwa and Thane West, the centre serves 150 children, offering support to families who struggle to afford quality healthcare and education for their children.
The impact is transformative for parents such as 33-year-old Dakshayini, whose life took a difficult turn when her husband left her after their daughter, Chandni, was diagnosed with hearing and speech impairments. “Earlier, Chandni used to be very hyperactive and could not sit still. I heard of this centre through a friend. Since coming to this centre, Chandni’s hyperactivity has reduced significantly. This place has been a godsend for me as a single mother trying to ensure my daughter’s education and development,” Dakshayini shares.
The Sahayogini Palak Sanstha Centre follows a comprehensive educational model, integrating occupational therapy, speech therapy, special education, physiotherapy, and in-person training. It also offers early intervention/ education programmes.
Nestled amidst sprawling farms and lush greenery, Ghurupacha Kond village in Mahad taluka, Raigad district, Maharashtra, is a picture of rural tranquillity. Amidst this serene landscape, a bright, colourfully painted school stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Inside, 21 students from Classes two to four are engaged in a reading programme designed to move beyond rote learning.
This 14-week baseline programme focuses on cognitive development, letter recognition, and fostering independent thinking. In a nearby Anganwadi school, children aged three to six are introduced to songs, storytelling sessions, and alphabets in both English and Marathi. Children are also taught the importance of hygiene and sanitation through fun and engaging songs.
Aishwarya Anant Shibe, a teacher working with the programme is proud of her students who are between seven and 15 years of age. “Earlier, they would only know alphabets in Marathi, and could not think or write creatively. Since this programme was introduced two years ago, some of my students were able to write an essay in the first year itself,” she says with pride.
The programme has also helped the children overcome differences among themselves based on caste and creed. “That was a learnt response from their families. This led to children from one community not talking to children belonging to other communities or from other villages. However, with the learning and training imbibed through the programme, the children have learnt to overcome these biases. I am happy and encouraged by this progress,” adds Shibe.
An MGL Sahayogini Palak Sanstha Centre van parked outside the school — bringing holistic development tools closer to home
Under its CSR initiative MGL Vikas, Mahanagar Gas Limited has signed an MoU with PRIDE India to implement an integrated village development programme in five villages of Raigad district. This initiative focuses on holistic development through education, health and sanitation, livelihood, and community empowerment.
Since the education intervention began in 2020, school dropout rates have significantly declined. Strong partnerships between school management and the community have ensured that students attend classes regularly.
The villages involved in the programmes are noticeably cleaner due to consistent awareness campaigns on sanitation and hygiene. Open defecation has significantly reduced following the repair of 20 individual toilets. Villagers and Panchayat members have been trained in maintaining cleanliness in the community, reducing water wastage, trimming wild grass to maintain the environment and, utilising wastewater to set up kitchen gardens with seeds provided by PRIDE India. This integrated approach not only improves living conditions but also instils sustainable habits, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.
Children learn through stencils — recognising shapes and vegetables as part of the Saksham programme’s creative curriculum
MGL’s initiative is transforming these villages into models of rural development, empowering individuals with better education, improved sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Kashiram Balkrishna Chivilkar, a 70-year-old farmer, beams with pride as he gestures toward his flourishing mango trees, standing tall on his once-barren oneacre plot. Just a few years ago, Chivilkar was clueless about how to utilise his arid land. The land remained dry and unkempt. Today, thanks to MGL’s Vikas programme in partnership with PRIDE India, Chivilkar has transformed it into a lush orchard with three varieties of mango saplings that promise a bountiful harvest in the coming years.
Chivilkar received hands-on, two-day training in vermicomposting at the College of Agriculture, Dapoli. He has a field that yields a single crop of paddy annually, barely enough to sustain him and his wife. Now, with the introduction of sprinklers and vermicompost techniques, his earlier arid land is not only fertile but also a source of daily motivation and future income. “I am excited about what is to come.
Smiles that signal hope — children from Ghurupacha Kond proudly embracing education and equality
The mangoes will be my second crop, and I am hopeful this will help secure our livelihood,” he says with a smile.
In Ghurupacha Kond village, women who previously spent their afternoons idle after completing household chores, are now becoming entrepreneurs and skilled workers. Through the Vikas programme, these women have received training in diverse skills such as tailoring, chocolate-making, goat rearing, and creating seed banks. These new learned skills have empowered them to contribute financially to their families and gain a sense of independence.
One such success story is that of 29-year-old Sanchita Sagar Guru, who is a mother of two young children. Like most women, she spent her time doing household chores and looking after the children. Her husband was the sole breadwinner. After Guru received a training in tailoring through PRIDE India, she is able to earn a steady income through tailoring clothes. Confident and elated at her new-found status, Guru says, “I never thought I could earn money of my own. I am able to earn Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000 a month. Earlier, I knew basic tailoring and could stitch my blouses. During the wedding season I am inundated with orders to tailor blouses; I can make the most fashionable blouses. This training has changed my life and has given me confidence,” she shares.
In a classroom bursting with colours, children engage with letters and learning, one alphabet at a time
Guru’s children are learning alphabets and habits of cleanliness and hygiene in the local Anganwadi. “Now they want a handkerchief pinned to their uniforms daily. They don’t just throw their school bags or their uniforms around the house. They are learning to be disciplined and independent. I am so grateful for the education they are receiving at the Anganwadi,” she says.
The Vikas programme has roped in village development committees of each village. Committee members are formed of retired workmen and women who work as nurses or are part of self-help groups (SHGs). Mahadev Vitthal Gudegar, who worked in Mumbai for 30 years is back in the village and is involved in choosing the beneficiaries for various initiatives of the Vikas programme. Rasik Raju Guru, a midwife, helps in conducting medical camps in the village.
The villagers are also taught to create seed banks from good crops in their farms. Training is given on how to store seeds, how to sell them to seed banks and buy different varieties of seeds to ensure diverse crops. When the seeds are sold to seed banks in other villages, it fetches a higher price. However, local villagers can buy them at a lesser price when purchased within the village. Villagers are also provided training in the usage of eco-friendly fertilisers, and given training to increase their yield.
The MGL Vikas Programme has also been a game-changer for the unemployed youth in Ghurupcha Kond village, providing them with sustainable skills and tools to earn a livelihood without leaving their homes. They have received training in the use of paddy threshers, power tillers, and grass cutters, which has opened new employment avenues for them, and helped many young men and women to build stable lives in their communities.
Gajanan Patre, a 25-year-old beneficiary, explains how the programme has impacted his life. “Earlier, I had to leave the village to look for work. Now, with the training and equipment provided by PRIDE India and MGL’s Vikas programme, I earn Rs 200 to Rs 250 daily by repairing agricultural machines and implements. I now have a sustainable livelihood. My family is happy that I am at home and don’t have to leave them and go to far-off towns in search of work,” he says.
The training ensures there is no labour shortage in the villages as urban migration is now witnessing a decrease due to ensured means of livelihood for the villagers.
The MGL Vikas programme goes beyond individual training by promoting community-wide sustainability. Initiatives such as seed banks, vermicomposting, and advanced farming techniques have not only improved agricultural productivity but also enhanced the standard of living for several villages.
MGL’s partnership with PRIDE India reflects a long-term vision of rural development — one that empowers farmers, women, and youth with skills and resources needed to lead self-reliant and dignified lives. By addressing the root causes of economic and social challenges, the programme is creating a ripple effect of positive change, fostering a brighter future for rural communities.
Little hands build big dreams — children stack blocks of knowledge in a classroom built on joy and possibility
Mr Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director, Mahanagar Gas Limited, shares the company’s CSR strategy, the importance of impacting marginalised communities and people through its ‘We Care’ initiative. Edited excerpts from a conversation
At MGL, we view CSR as more than just a business obligation -- it is a genuine commitment towards making a meaningful difference in the lives of people and the communities we serve. CSR is deeply woven into our core strategy. It is about investing in the future of society while also advancing our mission. Whether it is providing access to clean energy, supporting educational initiatives, improving healthcare infrastructure, or championing environmental sustainability, our CSR efforts are designed to leave a lasting positive impact.
By aligning our business growth with social well-being, we are building stronger connections with our stakeholders. At MGL, we believe in the power of collaboration, empathy, and responsibility. This mindset inspires our employees, motivates our leadership, and empowers us to create long-term value for society and our company alike.
We measure the success of our CSR programmes not just by financial returns, but by the longterm impact on the communities we serve. The true ROI for us is when the communities become self-sustaining, with the ability to continue the initiatives we started, without relying on external support. Our focus is on building capacity, empowering individuals, and fostering local ownership of the programs.
At MGL, CSR starts with our leadership team, which ensures that CSR values are embedded in our corporate culture and guide our business strategy. Our teams across various departments identify opportunities where we can create value. By fostering collaboration between departments and stakeholders, we ensure that CSR is woven into the fabric of our operations. This holistic approach helps us drive positive change while ensuring the long-term success of our company and the well-being of society.
At MGL, our long-term CSR goals reflect our commitment to making a rippling impact on communities. Realising the need for upskilling the youth to make them industry ready and self-reliant, skill-development will be one of our major focus areas going ahead. In this direction few initiatives such as upgradation of plumbing and electrical laboratories and conducting a training module for ‘CNG Compressor Operations & Maintenance’ at Government ITI in Karjat. have already been implemented
By assisting organisations especially PVTG (particularly vulnerable tribal groups), we aim to ensure that important social initiatives continue to thrive without disruption. We are expanding our reach to areas such as Latur, Osmanabad (Dharashiv) in Maharashtra, and Davangere in Karnataka, and will assess their need for support.
We ensure our initiatives are guided by clear, policy-driven frameworks that align with regulatory standards and our internal commitments. We maintain rigorous overseeing through regular internal audits and reviews, ensuring that every step is well-documented and accountable. We also make sure our stakeholders, including employees, partners, and the communities we serve, are informed about the progress and outcomes of our CSR programmes. Regular reports, monitoring visits, community feedback sessions, and open communication channels help maintain transparency.