Ratan Tata pledges support to development in Tripura

Feels that Tripura is a great state with an immense potential

Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan Tata today pledged support to community development work in Tripura as Tata Trusts joined hands with the state government.

Speaking at the MoU signing between Tripura government and Tata Trusts for community development in the state, Tata said: "Our aim is to encourage prosperity, not by being exploitive, not by taking natural resource or assets from here and developing them outside, but by creating livelihoods for the people that we work with."

Tata further said: "We have partnered with the state government of Tripura with a view to convey what philanthropy means today. It is no longer providing charity, it is being a partner with the recipient to raise the quality of life."

He said: "Our vision is to make a difference, elevate dignity and self-respect of the community with which we work.

It is with this interest, that we have started the ventures which the Chief Minister on fisheries, poultry and dairy product departments."

Tata said he assured Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar to see what Tata Trusts can bring to Tripura for transport, gas and other natural resources.

"In this way, we will add value, gain reputation, gain a brand along with serving states in India or the rest of the world. We will look at whatever we can do to make this happen," he said.

Exuding confidence of the partnership to succeed, Tata said: "I feel that Tripura is a great state with an immense potential. It's a pleasure to be here and have the chance to experience the adrenaline of feeling - that maybe you can make a difference."

The joint initiative intends to implement interventions in areas of dairy development, fisheries, skill development, education, nutrition and health, for improvement in the quality of life in Tripura.

Speaking about the initiative with Tata Trusts, Sarkar said: "I am delighted that we have with us India's oldest, non-sectarian philanthropic organisation - Tata Trusts, that work in several areas of community development." A steering committee will be the guiding force for implementation of this joint programme and would comprise of representatives from the Government of Tripura and Tata Trusts.