The COVID 19 crisis is one of the toughest challenges we will face as a race. The Tata Trusts and the Tata group co… https://t.co/GQ6H6sSFcF — Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) 1585392484000

NEW DELHI: Tata Sons chairman emeritus Ratan Tata on Saturday announced a commitment of Rs 500 crore to protect and empower communities affected by the deadly coronavirus. The amount will be jointly contributed by Tata Trusts, Tata Sons and the Tata Group companies.The fund will be utilised for providing personal protective equipment for the medical personnel who are working on the frontline, respiratory systems, testing kits, setting up modular treatment facilities, knowledge management and training of health care workers."The COVID-19 crisis is one of the toughest challenges we will face as a race. The Tata Trusts and the Tata group companies have in the past risen to the needs of the nation. At this moment, the need of the hour is greater than any other time," Ratan Tata said on Twitter."We are deeply grateful and have immense respect for every person of member organisations who have risked their life and safety to fight this pandemic," he added.Meanwhile, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran announced an additional support of Rs 1,000 crore towards Covid-19 and related activities. "We will work together with the Tata Trusts and our chairman emeritus Mr Tata and would be fully supporting their initiatives and work in a collaborative manner t bring the full expertise of the group," he said in a statement.Chandrasekaran further said that they would also be bringing in the necessary ventilators and are gearing up to manufacture the same in India soon.Several other industrialists like Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Anil Agarwal have also extended their support in the past few days to fight this pandemic. While Reliance Industries announced it will set up India's first dedicated Covid-19 hospital in Mumbai, ramp up face mask production and provide free meals and fuel, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra has offered the facilities of the group's hospitality arm as medical care facilities and will also work on how its manufacturing facilities can make ventilators.Anil Agarwal's Vedanta Ltd has also committed a fund of Rs 100 crore to combat the outbreak. The fund will be utilised to provide preventive healthcare to daily wage workers, company employees and contract workers.