When do you plan to inaugurate the AIDS Awareness Counselling Centre at G B Road in New Delhi?
We are at the moment talking to various practitioners, NGOs and volunteer services to work with us in creating awareness about AIDS. We are hopeful that everything can be worked out by the beginning of the next year.

Why does the RBGM Foundation focus particularly on AIDS and not on other diseases like cancer, considering the fact that the group is into tobacco products?
TheFoundation's main focus at the moment is AIDS and not other diseases because we feel that AIDS is a growing epidemic of enormous proportions and fatal consequences. It's a problem not well recognised in India.

Unfortunately, India will be the largest AIDS infected country in the world by the 21st century, according to World Bank estimates. Unless we recognise this disease to be a threat and educate the masses, this problem cannot be tackled.

Although Modicare is a part of the K K Modi group, it's a separate entity and focusses on its own objectives and beliefs, independent of what other companies are involved in. The foundation is a non-profit organisation with Modicare as its only contributor currently.

What are the foundation's plans for promoting non-formal education in slums?
The foundation's plan is to promote non-formal education in slums through balwadis right at their doorstep as a method of eradicating illiteracy and child labour. Also, we are attempting to provide vocationalfacilities to the older age group.

How much is Modicare contributing to the RBGM Foundation?
One per cent of Modicare sales is contributed to this foundation. We are looking for more donations and funding by other corporations within and outside the K K Modi group.

The perception is that only Modicare (from the K K Modi Group) is actively involved in supporting RBGM? Why is this so?
At the moment, only Modicare is committed towards the foundation. The idea was generated by the Modicare team and the ideology of the team fitted with fitted that of foundation. I myself strongly believe in my grandfather's philosophy of giving back to society what we have got from it. As a step towards this, my company has decided to contribute a percentage of sales from my company towards social welfare.

In any case, the group has been involved in building schools, management institutes and hospitals to help people. Godfrey Philips sponsors the Red & White Bravery Awards, wherein we recognise acts ofbravery by common people. So, even though no other company in the group may be contributing directly to the RBGM Foundation, most of them are involved in social activities of some kind.

Do Modicare's social ventures result from the company's stated policy or your personal commitment?
Modicare's force is its consultants and employees and together with me, they share this commitment towards social responsibility.

Does Modicare also undertake social activities without involving the RBGM foundation? If so, please elaborate.
Modicare itself recently sponsored the Special Olympics for mentally handicapped children in the Capital. Whenever we find a worthy cause to support, we are ready--whether as a part of Modicare or the RBGM Foundation. It's my personal commitment and belief to do whatever possible to help the needy.

Anything else you would like to add?
I think it's noble step for corporates such as the K K Group to get into issues of a sensitive nature. It has been atradition of the group to be socially conscious and this is the endeavour of my company and my foundation.