Entering its 10th magnificent year, Fair & Lovely Foundation commences shortlisting in Mumbai

Entering its 10^th magnificent year, Fair & Lovely Foundation

commences shortlisting in Mumbai

Mumbai, Thursday, February 14th, 2013:Fair & Lovely Foundation since inception in 2003 has played an integral rolein changing the lives of more than 1300 girls; given them wings to achieve their dreams by empowering them through education and career development. Continuing their passion and determination in the 10^th year, Fair & Lovely Foundation commenced the country-wide scholarship programme shortlisting starting with Mumbaitoday. These interviews will be held in four other locations across the country as well. Through this scholarship initiative, the Fair and Lovely Foundation strives to empower the women and give them the opportunity to pursue higher education.

Fair & Lovely Scholarships are awarded to women with aptitude, drive and the ambition who wish to carve a place of pride for themselves in the society, but do not have the financial strength to realize their dreams. Scholarships of up to Rs. 1,00,000 is awarded to these deserving young girls from across the country, to pursue any graduate, post-graduate and doctorate courses within India.

Talking about the Fair & Lovely Foundation Scholarship program Mr.ArunSrinivas, Vice President – Skincare & Make-up,Hindustan Unilever Ltd. says, “As we enter the 10^th year of Fair & Lovely Foundation, we promise to encourage every Indian girl to make her dreams come true. Fair & Lovely Scholarship programme aims to reach out to girls who have the zeal and determination to make it big, but are hindered due to lack of financial support. In the past years, we have enriched lives of over 1300 girls and we hope to continue with our endeavour with vigour in empowering the young girls of India”.

ARZOO GOVITRIKAR

MANDIRA BEDI

MANDIRA BEDI,HARSHINI KANHELKAR & PREETI KANHELKAR

MANDIRA BEDI

The shortlisting interviews of the Fair & Lovely Scholarships programme witnessed an encouraging participation of girls from across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

The esteemed panel consisting of Ms.MandiraBedi(Actress), Ms.LeenaMogre(Fitness Expert), Dr. Rashmi Shetty(Dermatologist), Ms.HarshiniKanherkar(India’s 1^st fire-fighter), Ms.ArzooGovitrikar (Actress & Model), Mrs.Meenal Bendre (Superintendent, Central Excise), Dr.SnehaPalnitkar(Dir. Regional Centre of Urban & Environmental Studies), Dr.KalpaniSarangi(Chief Cosmetologist, Nanavati Hospital), Mr.MangeshKulkarni(Exe. Dir. Axis Capital), Ms.MadhuraNadgauda(Advocate - HighCourt&Lead Legal Advisor, CIDCO), Dr. Rahul Chaudhary (Ophthalmologist), Dr.SwapnaChaudhary (OBGYN), Dr.LalitSankhe(Prof & HOD, Preventive & Social             Medicineat JJ Hospital), Ms. Mira Gandhi (Centre for Study of Social Change), Ms.PreetiKanhekar(Fashion Designer) amongst others were moved by some of the heart wrenching stories of these ambitious girls, who are determined to make their mark. While for some it was hope against hope, as their parents who had the will to educate their child, were not economically powerful to afford the fee. For others, it was not the fee that mattered but the cost of reaching their college or buying the required books for study that proved a daunting threat to their goals of empowerment through education.

DR.SWAPNA CHOUDHARY,MRS.SNEHA PALNITKAR & DR.RASHMI SHAETTY

MRS.MEENAL BENDRE & MR. MANGESH KULKARIN

MS.ARZOO GOVITRIKAR,ADVOCATE MADHURA NADGOUDA  &  MRS.MEENAL BENDRE

Commenting on the initiative, Hon. Ms.MandiraBedi said, “It is a humbling experience to meet these girls, who have the grit and determination to make an indelible mark in their own way. The Fair & Lovely Foundation is giving a unique platform, which is indeed very encouraging for these young girls who come from small towns.”

With the first of these interviews commencing in Mumbai, Fair & Lovely Foundation will conduct the intensive process of short listing, with similar interviews scheduled across India in Chennai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

About Fair & Lovely Foundation:                

Fair & Lovely Foundation isan HUL initiative that aims to empower the women of India through education and career development. The foundation identifies academically exceptional girls from financially challenged backgrounds and offers scholarships up to Rs. 1, 00,000/- per candidate. To maintain integrity and fairness the selection is done by a panel of eminent personalities from diverse fields. As the foundation enters its 10^th year of inception Fair & Lovely intends to take forward the spirit of this endeavor.

About Hindustan Unilever Limited

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is India's largest Fast Moving Consumer Goods company touching the lives of two out of three Indians. HUL works to create a better future every day. We help people feel good, look good and get more out of life with brands and services that are good for them and goo for others.