Canon India continues Pledge for Social Development with Second Anniversary Celebrations of Sol Gohalia village adoption

21 September, 2017

Kolkata, September 21, 2017: Committed to create a significant and positive contribution towards the communities it operates in, the world pioneer in imaging Canon India marches forward with its social endeavors. Started in 2012, Canon India's flagship CSR programme, ‘Adopt a Village’, incorporates four adopted villages at present. Adopted in 2015, 40 kms from Kolkata, Canon's fourth village, 'Sol Gohalia' today denotes its second commemoration of adoption.
This is yet another milestone in the journey of the ‘Adopt a Village’ programme, which focusses on comprehensive advancement of communities dwelling in these villages. Home to more than 4500 people earning their employment from daily labor, irrigation and small businesses, Sol Gohalia in the past two years witnessed noteworthy improvements in the fields of 4E’s-eye care, education, environment, and empowerment leading to holistic progress and development.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Kazutada Kobayashi, President & CEO, Canon India, said, “Commitment to the community comes very naturally to all Canon employees across the country. It is an integral element of our brand’s DNA and reflects prominently in our work ethics. Under our initiative- Canon Involve, our employees regularly engage with the children to contribute to a brighter today and tomorrow for them. On our association with Sol Gohalia completing two fruitful years today, it gives me immense satisfaction to say that we are heading in the right direction. I am extremely delighted to see the noticeable changes the village has experienced, and yet these efforts have only motivated us to further amplify our efforts, reach out to more communities and inspire others to come together and work for the betterment of the society.”
The special day was marked with celebration, enthusiasm and vigour amongst one and all. The village school Principal gave a warm welcome to the employees with his speech. School children brimming with vigour presented regional dance and singing performances themed around the Durga Puja. A special cake cutting ceremony took place to mark the second anniversary of the village. An origami workshop for children was facilitated, post which art and craft material was distributed to the children as the festival and anniversary celebration gifts. With the participation of more than 135 students from the village school, Sol Gohalia Nimnubuniyadi Vidyalaya and 14 Canon employees, Sol Gohalia anniversary celebration was a notable event in the CSR journey of Canon India.
The village has undergone noticeable developments in the past two years since its adoption. Children earlier shying away from school and basic health care are now excited to dress up in their presentable uniforms, study sincerely and even ace tests. A friendlier infrastructure was established at the school premises, seating more students for better education and enlightenment. There is increased understanding about the importance of basic education. More than 130 students are being reformed and educated on a daily basis where basic computer class training and e- learning platforms are creating a sense of curiosity and constant engagement. In the last one year, 810 people from the community were benefited from the Resource center.
A daily habit of reading newspapers is also encouraged as a part of practical knowledge that is being imparted to the children on a daily basis. Understanding the value of co- curricular activities; regular music, dance, sports and arts and crafts sessions are organized to engage with the students. Numerous basic educational programs have been undertaken by the school authority such as Basic English, geography, reading newspapers and life skills. There has been a growing emphasis on the increment of new enrollments as well as bringing back the students who dropped out of school for various reasons. Focusing on basic healthcare and eye care, the vision center has continuously been utilized to check the vision of the Sol Gohalia residents and the people from the nearby villages. Spectacles have been shared and wherever required surgeries have been recommended. 963 patients having eye related problems were addressed in the last one year. A recent eye care camp witnessed the participation of 139 villagers.
Canon India’s four adopted villages in the country included Ferozpur Namak in Haryana, Maharaja Katte in Bangalore, Karanjoti in Maharashtra and Sol Gohalia in Kolkata.
About Canon Group
Ever since its foundation in 1937, Canon has been adhering to the “Kyosei” philosophy and has been striving to create and deliver world-class products, becoming a top global corporation by diversifying into new business fields throughout the world. Focusing on optical technologies, Canon produces office equipment, imaging devices, industrial systems and other products. Through the close connection between its global head office in Tokyo and regional headquarters in America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and regional headquarters in Japan, Canon combines its global and local operations organically. In 1996, Canon launched its Excellent Global Corporation Plan with the goal of serving the society with advanced technologies and becoming a trustworthy and responsible corporate citizen. The year 2016 is the first year of Phase 5 of the Plan. Currently, Canon boasts a strong global presence of 317 subsidiaries all over the world, supported by 189,571 employees. (Data as of December 31, 2015)

Canon India
Canon India Pvt. Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of Canon Singapore Pvt. Ltd., is a world leader in imaging technologies. Set up in 1997, Canon markets over 200 comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging product and solutions in India. The company today has offices and warehouses in 14 cities across India and employs over 1000 people. Canon has over 500 primary channel partners, 14 National Retail Chain partners, and over 6000 secondary retail points. Canon has 240 own retail stores accredited as “Image Square” across 115 cities in the country. Canon India’s service reach extends to over 600 towns covering 17,564 PIN codes across India - which comprises of 300 Camera collection points, 18 Camera repair centres, 235 Printer repair centres, 262 Copier, Scanner and Large Format Printer Sales & Service dealers.
In sync with its corporate tagline- ‘Delighting You Always’, reinforced by World class technology, Canon offers an extended product portfolio, including copier MFDs, Managed Document Services, Fax-Machines, Printers, Document and Cheque Scanners, All-in-ones, Digital Cameras, DSLR’s, Cinematic Imaging ProducCanon Indiats, Camcorders, Cable ID Printers and Card printers catering to the multiple market segments of consumer, SME, B2B, Commercial, Government & PSUs. In H1 2017, the imaging leader recorded a growth of 14% over the same period last year.