Main Bhi Ashok’: A Collective Call to Lead with Meaning and Empathy
Noida, 16th July-
On the occasion of the 80th Founder’s Day of the MBD Group, celebrated at their
flagship Radisson Blu MBD Hotel Noida, the Group proudly unveiled Ashok Karya, a deeply
personal and purpose-driven CSR initiative launched in honour of its Founder, Ashok Kumar
Malhotra, to celebrate his enduring legacy and vision.
Launched on his birthday, Ashok Karya is more than just a program; it is a movement that reflects the
timeless values Ashok Kumar Malhotra stood to educate, elevate and empower. Rooted in his
belief that businesses must serve society, the initiative aspires to build a more inclusive world through
small but significant acts of empathy. The launch also saw the reveal of the official Ashok Karya logo
and its powerful tagline: “Main Bhi Ashok” (written in Devanagari) inviting every individual to lead
with conscience, care, and a sense of shared responsibility.
The launch event was a warm and emotionally resonant gathering of stakeholders, dignitaries, guests,
and change-makers. The evening opened with a soulful tribute to Ashok Kumar Malhotra’s
remarkable life and enduring ideals. Mrs. Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson of MBD Group and
the late Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra’s beloved wife, was present at the event, fondly honouring her
husband’s legacy and leading the auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony that set the tone for the
meaningful evening ahead.
The venue was transformed into a gallery of purpose, featuring an evocative art exhibition with over
50 paintings created by neurodiverse children in collaboration with the Arts and Souls
Foundation, a platform that empowers children with special needs through artistic expression. Each
artwork offered a heartfelt glimpse into their imaginative worlds, reflecting resilience, emotion, and
unfiltered creativity. The MBD Group also felicitated these Godly abled children, honouring their
exceptional talent and spirit. Celebrated not just as artists but as storytellers, their works drew
admiration and emotional engagement from all present. Most of the artworks were either reserved in
advance or sold immediately, a touching affirmation of the children’s brilliance and the deep
connection their creations sparked among the guests.
In a heartfelt note at the launch, Ms. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD
Group, shared, “Ashok Karya is not just a tribute; it’s a shared responsibility, a platform to amplify
voices that need to be heard, and to honour the values that built this institution.” Ms. Sonica
Malhotra Kandhari, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, added, “We hope this initiative
inspires not just our guests and partners but society at large to embrace a more compassionate form of
leadership; one that balances profit with purpose.”
The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Ms. Vimla Bitham, former Member of
the Legislative Assembly, Uttar Pradesh, and former Chairperson, UP Women’s Commission;
Shri S.S. Chahar, former Additional Director General, Border Security Force and Mr. Saurbh
Singh, Director, Appinventiv, and a young entrepreneur shaping India’s digital future. Their presence
underscored the broad-based support for initiatives that blend compassion with civic responsibility.
Driven by the belief that impact begins with empathy, Ashok Karya has already begun creating
tangible change. In recent months, the initiative has supported environmental stewardship through tree
plantation drives, enhanced education by donating books to under-resourced schools, brought joy to
children from underserved communities through curated cinema and meal experiences, and celebrated
festivals with senior citizens in old-age homes, reaffirming the idea that no act of kindness is too
small.
Ashok Karya is positioned as a core pillar of the MBD Group’s sustained social responsibility efforts
and continues to evolve through impactful community partnerships and new formats. Among the most
anticipated upcoming initiatives is School on Wheels, a mobile education unit designed to deliver
vital learning resources to children in remote or underserved regions
