New Delhi : October 20, 2016 : This festive season, Swarovski joins hands withSmile Foundation, a national level development organization,by sponsoring education for 100 children for a year. A first for Swarovski, the objective lies in reducing the economic hardships of the students and enabling them to pursue quality education in order to pave a brighter future.

Stemming from a strong belief that the future of India rests on the foundation of education, this CSR initiative transitions beyond philanthropy and focuson comprehensive development of children.

Swarovski has had a longstanding commitment to do business in a way that respects society and the environment. Corporate Social Responsibility is both an integral part of Swarovski’s heritage anditsessential characteristic.Swarovski has been building this strong track record by associating themselves with credible organisations, determined to make a positive impact.

Speaking on the initiative, Sukanya Dutta Roy, MD, Swarovski India, said, “We, at Swarovski, take pride in our association with Smile foundationto add that festal ‘Sparkle’ to the children’s lives. Our endeavour is to enable a secure future for them with this gift of knowledge enhancing their prospects for a brighter future.”

“The partnership with Swarovski will add more strength to the cause of extending quality education and a brighter future for the underprivileged children. A country cannot progress without its children being educated. We are humbled to be associated with Swarovski” said Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation.

Keeping the theme of Swarovski Sparkling Flame and the jubilant spirit of children in mind, there is a ‘Diya Painting’ competition that has been organised on the 20th October 2016 (Thursday) at the DLF Mall of India which will be judged by Swarovski India, Consumer Good Business, Managing Director, Ms. Sukanya Dutta Roy and the esteemed ambassador of Smile Foundation and ex-Miss India, Shivani Wazir Pasrich.

About Smile Foundation:

Smile Foundation is a national level development organisation reaching out to more than 400,000 underprivileged children, youth and women directly every year through 158 welfare projects on subjects such as education, healthcare, youth employability, and women empowerment across 26 states of India. Adopting a life cycle approach of development, Smile Foundation focuses its interventions on children, their families and the community.

About Shivani Wazir Pasrich

Shivani Wazir Pasrich; an Economics Honours and law graduate, an Actress and an Odissi dancer, she is known to be actively involved with social many concerns. She has been working for the cause of ‘safe motherhood’ with the White Ribbon Alliance. She is a member of the Executive Committee for the Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children and is a member of the governing body of Ekatwam- Together for Epilepsy. In 2009, Shivani was awarded ‘Pride of theNation’ and in 2013 she received the Universal Humanity Award. She was also the recipient of the India Foundation award for excellence in her field and the Women Achievers recognition from TIE. She is currently on the advisory board of CII- Government of India, Media and Entertainment market 2016.Shivani has also made a film, “Girls are Gold” which speaks about eradicating discrimination against the girl child in our society. There are several hats that she has donned over the years, all reflecting her creative and vibrant versatility, that enjoy an underlying positive tenor.