Mumbai, Thursday, September 8, 2005: Goodlass Nerolac Paints Limited (GNPL), India’s second largest paint company, called out to people today to join hands to form a Human Chain in an effort to commemorate International Literacy Day and pledge to drive away illiteracy. Nerolac also donated Rupees Thirty Thousand towards the education of children of the Concern India Foundation. The Human Chain was formed at Big Bazaar, Lower Parel from 12pm to 2pm and at INOX, Nariman Point from 3pm to 5pm on September 8, 2005. Renowned model and Miss Earth, Niharika was present for the event and ascertained her support to drive away illiteracy.

Celebrated annually on September 8, since 1966, International Literacy Day calls attention to the global effort to promote literacy, and education, as a central United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) mission. Nerolac too has always been committed to making a difference in society. The company invests heavily towards community welfare to improve the quality of life and sense of well being of citizens at large.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bharuka, Managing Director, Nerolac said, “Illiteracy is an intolerable situation. It is not a fact of life, but a consequence of inaction on the part of agencies involved and society at large. Its consequences are pervasive and powerful. If we wish to combat poverty, injustice and the violence that so often results from them, we must begin by mobilizing minds through education and literacy.

We are driven by our aim to support those projects in society, which are sustainable and relevant to the society and join hands in bigger ventures with NGO’s in projects that look at developing the community at large. Nerolac as a self-imposed policy contributes on an average 0.5 % to 0.75 % of its profit every year to GNP Charitable Trust and carry out activities for the upliftment of the society. Nerolac also formalized a framework for Corporate Social Responsibility, the mission for which is ‘to positively contribute to the development of society by acting as a good neighbour, considerate of each other, playing a role of good corporate citizen with passion and compassion.’

Speaking on the Occasion, Ms. Kavita Shah, CEO Concern India Foundation, said - " A literate world is not only one where people can read and write, it is a world in which the human potential has been liberated and placed in the service of progress. There is, in short, no secret about what is required to build a better world for tomorrow. It is increasingly evident that we must begin by investing substantially in improving education today: investing not only our financial resources but also our imagination and hope as well. We really appreciate Nerolac's support towards Concern India Foundation and its children for their bright future.”

About Goodlass Nerolac Paints Limited:

Goodlass Nerolac Paints has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing for more than 85 years pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Goodlass Nerolac is the second largest paint company in India and undisputed leader in Industrial segment, having a turnover of Rs.1069 crores (over Rs 1160 crore of group turnover). The company has five strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network of over 11500 dealers across the country. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from architectural coatings for homes, offices, hospitals and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries.

About Concern India Foundation:

Started in 1991, Concern India Foundation (CIF) is a non-profit, public charitable trust that supports development-oriented organisations working for the disadvantaged.

For further Information, please contact: -
Madhavi Mukherjee/Poonam Bhoir
Hanmer & Partners
Ph: 56335969
Email: madhavi@hanmerpr.com/poonam@hanmerpr.com
M: 098209 64932