Mumbai: At a time when strength is what we will need to fight the on-going pandemic, The Indian Express Group has returned with its marquee property – the 5th annual 26/11: Stories of Strength. The return of the property has been much appreciated by brands which have shown their support to the show.
Bajaj Group through Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation has continued this year as the lead sponsor. “For the last many years, Bajaj Group has stood strongly with community, government and local authorities to make a positive difference to society. Since the lockdown was announced the Bajaj Group has pledged to donate Rs 100 crore to fight against the on-going pandemic Covid19,” Rahul Bajaj, head of Bajaj Group, said.
Facebook and Star India now part of The Walt Disney Company India also have continued their partnership for the event.“More than a decade ago, Mumbai a city very closed to my hear suffered immeasurably at the hands of terrorists. The city and the country since have come a long way in standing up against such heinous acts. Facebook is part of this strong effort. We are facing a pandemic now and just like in Mumbai 12 years ago, people are coming together to perform heroic acts,” Ajit Mohan, VP and MD – India, Facebook.
Meanwhile, Cadila Pharmaceuticals is the new brand which has joined the force saluting the great work undertaken by the warriors. “These are very troubled times. My son Rajeev and I pray every day that we all stay safe,” Dr. Iravandan Modi, chairman and MD, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said. Other sponsors include Global Health Strategies, Adani, Hungama, 92.7 Big FM, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, etc.Further, news network ABP has renewed its association as it continues to be a part of the league of brands showing their support to the marquee event.
Hosted by actor Amitabh Bachchan and directed by Dangal fame director Nitesh Tiwari — the 23-minute show is based on the theme ‘From 26/11 to Covid19 – India Fight Backs’ and will be aired on Star Plus on November 29, Sunday at 8:30 pm. Chief guests of the show include– Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Chief Minister of MaharashtraUddhav Bal Thackeray. Mr. Bachchan will narrate the stories of all the warriors who have made a difference to our society in troubled times like this. From 20-25 women of Insha-e-Noor, a women’s enterprise initiated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, living in Nizamuddin Basti who came together to stitch masks that were distributed for free in the community to the ‘Bhalukpong Women’s Langar’ a community kitchen which runs on donations. The women of the town – homemakers, nurses, teachers – came together every day to cook lunch for the frontline workers. Based in Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, these women just asked a simple question ‘if they are working for us, why not work for them?’
While C Mohan, who runs a salon in Madurai, despite being left with no income during the lockdown, donated Rs 8.5 lakh to buy rice, vegetables, and groceries for the needy. This was the money he had saved for his daughter’s future education. He also pledged his wife’s jewellery. In all the show will highlight 18 such ‘Stories of Strength’. Additionally, the show will feature a special performance by dance troupe The Kings which has been directed Amritpal Singh Bindra, known for creating Bandish Bandits.
