India Commitments

At Dow India, we have always believed that the role of chemistry is to do more good in the world. As such, we are committed through chemistry to the betterment of global humanity.

We place a high value on listening to our communities and strive not just to be a good neighbor, but a global corporate citizen. We understand that our promise is our most vital product and through authentic relationships we are building better, stronger, more sustainable communities in the places where we do business.
We invite you to learn more about our community involvement and commitment to the Indian region.

Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) in Jaipur, Rajasthan:

Issue
Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) is a charitable organization in Jaipur, 250 kilometers west of New Delhi. Funded entirely by donations, BMVSS actively supports physically disabled people and helps by providing them with artificial limbs and rehabilitation services free of cost. More than 90 percent of those receiving limbs live below the poverty line. In 2006, BMVSS fitted almost one million individuals with limbs across India.

Zuhair and Vipul examining a prosthetic foot at Jaipur Foot event

How we help
Dow India helped change the lives of 5,800 people through its support to the “Jaipur Foot.” Traditionally, the artificial foot (called “Jaipur Foot”) is handcrafted by using rubber stuffed with packing material. The foot is supported by an artificial leg made out of high density polyethylene pipe and has a plastic knee joint. This artificial limb is fitted to the amputee’s leg, which enables the beneficiary to lead a near normal life. A Jaipur foot lasts about two years, and BMVSS will provide a replacement limb when needed, free of cost.

Dow Polyurethanes Systems, which is part of the Dow Polyurethanes portfolio, helped BMVSS develop a new foot made out of polyurethane instead of conventional rubber. The use of polyurethanes makes limbs 20 percent lighter, more flexible and longer lasting. In addition to the polyurethanes technology, Dow is also donating Rs 1,00,000 to the charity that will enable the production and distribution of these artificial limbs to those who are in need. A distribution program will be implemented and the cities of, Pune, Mumbai and Chennai will host locations to which amputees can go to receive artificial limbs specially customized to their needs. The foot will be produced by Pinnacle a customer of Dow using Dow’s polyurethane.

Water Purification Project

Dow India has contributed Rs 75,000,000 to establish water purification plants across 15 villages in and around Dahej, Gujarat, where a new joint venture with Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd will be built. Dow Water Solutions will help set up these Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants in the target villages.

Construction of a New Science Wing

Dow has donated $90,000 to the American School of Bombay to build a science wing to accommodate elementary school students. The new science sector will showcase state-of-the- art facilities, including imported equipment, instruments, and furniture from Waldner Firmengruppe and VS in Germany to help stimulate and encourage students to explore science.

Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP), Lonavla, Maharashtra

Dow employees in front of a completed house built through Habitat for Humanity

Dow employees building a wall for a house

Issue
In 2006, the Jimmy Carter Work Project, a program within Habitat for Humanity, set forth to construct houses for families in poor and rural areas in Lonavala, in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, India. Demonstrating continued commitment to his organization, former President Jimmy Carter was on-site to lend a helping hand and launch the project.

How we help
Dow became a Gold sponsor of the Jimmy Carter Work Project Habitat Build in Lonavala, and committed $500,000 and sponsored the building of 73 houses over the course of two years.

A proud and active supporter of Habitat for Humanity International since the early 1980s, Dow lends support to Habitat in many ways, including house sponsorship funding, donation of STYROFOAM™ extruded polystyrene insulation, and employee/customer volunteer work crews at builds around the world.