Indian CEOs have hearts too, and it was evident during the charity event “CEOs Sing” organized on February 16 in Gurugram to raise funds for critically ill, underprivileged children with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).
The corporate honchos from national and multinational companies across India sang a number of classical Bollywood numbers. Some of them set the stage on the fire with their spouses while others like P Balaji, the Chief Regulatory and Corporate Affairs officer of Vodafone Idea Ltd was accompanied by his daughter.
Pulsating drumbeats, resonating music and corporate honchos sang out loud to save little hearts.
These were the moments that made the 22nd edition of Genesis Foundation’s CEOs Sing event so unforgettable. Supported by Oracle, the event took place at Crowne Plaza, Gururgram.
The event has grown significantly since its debut in 2010, and this year, more than 10 CEOs took time out of their busy schedules to raise funds for critically ill, under-privileged children with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).
The Bollywood hits sung by the honchos included Laga Chunri Main Daag, Chhupaun Kaise, Kahin doo jab din dhal jai sham ki dulhan badan churai, Kora kagaj tha yah man mera likh diya naam uspe tera and many others.
Rajeev Beotra, CEO Print- HT Media left the audience spellbound with Bollywood numbers that included “Laga Chunri Main Daag, Chhupaun Kaise…” as he sang just like a professional singer. The song based on classical music is not the easy one to sing to its tunes.
The commitment to supporting this important cause and the spirit of fun camaraderie were evident throughout the evening, as classic Bollywood hits, old and new English numbers, medleys and impromptu jams filled the room and the audience’s hearts. From soulful melodies, to energetic performances, the audience enjoyed a wide range of exciting and emotional moments.
Navin Gurnaney, CEO, Tata Starbucks Pvt Ltd who returned to India after 30 years of professional life in USA sang two Bollywood numbers that included “Ik hansi shaam ko dil mera klho gaya….”
The event featured several renowned executives, who showcased their passion and talent for music in an effort to raise funds for a worthy cause. The line-up of star performers included Julian John, CEO, Zion Technologies; Ajay Dhawan, Founder, ADs World; Lokvir Kapoor, Executive Chairman, Pine Labs Pvt Ltd. ; Vidur Mahajan, Head of Research at CARING, Mahajan Imaging; Bishwajit Bhattacharyya, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Dr Sonu Talwar, Clinical Director& Senior Consultant IVF Treatment, Southend Fertility Centre; Vishal Malik, Director of Admin-McKinsey & Company; Sonal Dabral, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy South & Southeast Asia & Vice Chairman, India; Sanjay Kapoor, Director, Tech-Connect Retail Pvt Ltd; P Balaji, Chief Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Officer, Vodafone Idea Ltd; Navin Gurnaney, CEO, Tata Starbucks Pvt Ltd; Asha Rai, Classical Singer; Rajeev Beotra, CEO Print- HT Media; Ranjan Chopra, Founder & Chief Managing Director, Team Computers & Head of Zorba and Vipin Raheja, Founder & CMD, Napino Auto & Electronics Ltd.
P Balaji, the Chief Regulatory and Corporate Affairs officer of Vodafone Idea too sang two numbers sang Bachna aie haseeno lo main aa gaya and Kora kagaz tha yah dil mera.
Speaking on the occasion, Prema and Jyoti Sagar, Founder, Trustees, Genesis Foundation said, “What started as a personal initiative has grown into an extensive network of supporters actively working towards the cause. I am thankful to all those who have been a part of this journey and we need many more people to come forward and give little hearts gift of life”.
Shailender Kumar, Vice President and Regional Managing Director, Oracle India also commented saying, “These little hearts are the hope for India’s bright future and therefore, at Oracle, we feel that it is vital that corporate India invest in initiatives advancing the health of tomorrow’s workforce. This event, through its light-hearted moments, reminds us to come together and give back to society, building a stronger and healthier foundation for tomorrow. We are proud to support Genesis Foundation in their mission to save little hearts and bring joy to the lives of these children.”
Genesis Foundation facilitates medical treatment for critically ill under-privileged children suffering with Congenital Heart Defects. The support required in the said critical illness varies from specific surgeries (including neonatal), Cath Lab Interventions along with recovery and recuperation post-surgery.
So far, it has supported medical treatment of over 1800 critically ill children. The children supported by the Foundation belong to families with an income of less than or equal to Rs 10,000 per month and the parents are unable to afford treatment of these children who suffer from a serious life-threatening ailment.
100% of funds raised are used towards treatment of critically ill children as all overhead costs are borne by the founder trustees.
