Malabar Group, India’s leading business conglomerate and parent company of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, has set aside INR 150 crore in 2025-26 to expand its CSR initiatives in healthcare, education, hunger and poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, and housing for the underprivileged.
Under its main CSR effort ‘The Hunger Free World,’ the Group has committed to distributing 70,000 meals each day to the underprivileged in India and Zambia, for a total of 2.50 crore meals in 2025–26. This reflects a huge increase over the 2.5 crore meals served over the previous three years and demonstrates a stronger commitment to the cause of food security for marginalized people. The effort is consistent with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
Dr. Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog and G-20 Sherpa, launched the second phase of the Group’s CSR initiatives on May 28, 2025, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi, coinciding with World Hunger Day. Other dignitaries included M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of the Malabar Group; KP Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman; O Asher, Managing Director of India Operations; Group Executive Directors Nishad A K and K P Veerankutty, Group Director PA Abdulla Ibrahim, Dr. Idrees V, Chairman of the THANAL Daya Rehabilitation Trust; Jishad N K, Zonal Head – North; and other management officials.
Speaking about the effort, MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, stated, “At Malabar Group, CSR is an intrinsic part of our culture, and we believe in giving back to society. We choose May 28 as our annual CSR day, reaffirming our commitment to standing with the underprivileged via consistent and meaningful action. Our CSR initiatives demonstrate that persistent devotion. While we are doing everything we can, more organisations joining this effort will have a greater influence. With 295 million people globally enduring acute hunger (according to UN figures), quick action is required. This urgency motivates our meal distribution initiatives through the Hunger Free World project. However, in addition to food distribution, concerted measures to increase output, create jobs, and support economic growth are required to bring about long-term change.
The Hunger Free World project presently distributes 70,000 meal packs every day across India and Zambia. Over 60,000 nutrient-dense meals are served everyday in India through 167 centers spread across 20 different states. In Zambia, the organization works with the Zambian government to provide daily meals to 10,000 children at three schools. The Hunger Free World project runs cutting-edge kitchens with modern amenities staffed by educated culinary specialists and hygiene-conscious employees.
Malabar Group’s educational and social welfare project has resulted in the establishment of 716 micro-learning centres across India, where street children receive primary education and nutrition. Over 32,000 youngsters have enrolled, with 9,000 already attending formal schools. This initiative is run in conjunction with Thanal. In addition, 1,14,000 girls have received scholarships to help them continue their study.
The Group has also developed a program called Grandma Homes, through which shelters have been built to provide free housing and care to poor women. Currently operating in Bangalore, Kerala, and Hyderabad. Plans are being developed to expand the effort to Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.
On the healthcare and disaster relief fronts, the Group intends to establish non-profit medical stores in all 140 locations in Kerala, offering medicines at reduced prices. Such stores are already operating in 27 locations around the state.
Malabar Group has also started the Uyirppu Project, which supports higher education for youngsters affected by last year’s landslide in Wayanad, with 134 students receiving financial assistance. Since its founding, Malabar Gold and Diamonds has contributed 5% of its income to social benefit.