Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Cherie Blair, stressed on the importance of educating women. She stated "if you educate a woman, you educate an entire family".

The Loomba Trust was established in the UK in 1997 to create awareness about the plight of widows and to provide help for them and their families. The Trust currently educates over 3,600 children of poor widows in all the 29 states in India through scholarships. The Trust is supporting projects in South Africa, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Bangladesh and will be extending its support to Nepal this year. June 23 has been designated as International "WIDOWS DAY" to focus for sustained International action.

"Priyadarshni Academy is supporting The Loomba Trust in view of its focus on education" stated Shri Nanik Rupani, Chairman, Priyadarshni Academy in his welcome speech. The Academy started in 1984 and is an International NGO focusing on socio-cultural and educational aspects of society. It gives scholarships to meritious and deserving students doing courses in Engineering, Architecture, IT, Medical, Management, B.Ed and other allied disciplines. It also gives financial assistance for needy people. The Scholarship Committee consists of principals and educationalists and it will screen the applications received from all over the country.

Shri Dinesh Khanna, Managing Director, Eastern International Hotel Limited and Member, Priyadarshini Academy's Global Advisory Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

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