Dwarka: Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) in collaboration with Council for Advancement of Peoples Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) is organising a 10-day "Gram Shree" Mela at Dwarka from 25th April to 5th May 2007. The Mela will be held in the compound of the Dwarkadish Temple Trust managed Vishranti Gruh near the ISKON Gate at Dwarka. The "Gram Shree" Mela will be inaugurated by Shri. Pabubha Manek, MLA, Dwarka Constituency at 5.30 PM on 25th April 2007.

The aim of the fair is to promote handicrafts and provide encouragement to the handicraft artisans from across the country. More than 40 artisans from Gujarat and other states of the country are expected to participate in the Mela to showcase and sell their products. Apart from exhibition of handicrafts, the Mela will also have cultural programmes in the evenings everyday for entertainment of the crowd.

On the occasion, Mr. Sanjiv Lal, V.P. — Manufacturing, Tata Chemicals Limited, said, "TCL has been actively engaged in community development in the region and is happy to conduct such a big and first of its kind Mela in Dwarka. This will give a great opportunity for artisans from across India to showcase their skills and promote their products."

TCSRD has been sponsoring programs for development of handicrafts in the Okhamandal region since the last 10 years. More than 400 women earn their livelihood by production and sale of embroidery work, patchwork, mirror-work garments, apparels, wall hangings, bed-sheets, cushion covers, etc. These products are being marketed by TCSRD in the urban centres under the "OKHAI" brand name.

About Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD)
Tata Chemicals Limited (TCL) set up the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) in 1980 to promote its social objectives for the communities in and around Mithapur, where its facility is located. This service was further extended to the communities in and around its Babrala and Haldia facilities.

The Society works to protect and nurture the rural populations in and around TCL's facilities, and helps people achieve self-sufficiency in natural resource management, livelihood support and the building of health and education infrastructure.

Taking into account the different geographical spread of the three regions and their individual subcultures, different agricultural, economic and development programmes have been implemented in these regions.

Tata Chemicals Limited was one of the first organizations to hold an Impact camp, which was held at Mithapur in the year 1982, providing eye care to hundreds of patients at the Mithapur Hospital. Tata Chemicals Limited was also the first organization to run world's first hospital on wheels — the Life Line Express, through Jamnagar district for the first time between November 21, 2004 and December 21, 2004.