US technology giant company, Google has announced a commitment of Rs 135 crore to fight the pandemic in India, which is hit hard by the second wave of Covid-19 infections. The commitment includes two grants from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, totaling Rs 20 crore.
The fund will help in getting urgent medical supplies, including oxygen and testing equipment for India as the country sees record case numbers amid oxygen shortage.
Sanjay Gupta, Country Head and VP of Google India, said “The first is to GiveIndia to provide cash assistance to families hit hardest by the crisis to help with their everyday expenses. The second will go to UNICEF to help get urgent medical supplies, including oxygen and testing equipment, to where it’s needed most in India.”
The funding also includes ad support for public health campaigns. The tech giant has increased ad grant support by enlarging additional Rs 112 crore to help local authorities and non-profits for more language coverage options.
Besides, over 900 ongoing Google employees have contributed Rs 3.7 crore for organizations supporting high-risk and impoverished people.
For the past few months, Google is adding Covid-19 features to its core products, including Search Engines. The Covid features in search can be accessed in English and eight languages. Google says it will continue to improve localization and highlight the certified information.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai is pledging Rs 5 crore in a personal capacity to fight the coronavirus pandemic in India. “Devastated to see the worsening Covid crisis in India,” Pichai tweeted.
I am heartbroken by the current situation in India. I’m grateful the U.S. government is mobilizing to help. Microsoft will continue to use its voice, resources, and technology to aid relief efforts, and support the purchase of critical oxygen concentration devices.
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) April 26, 2021
Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has also extended support to fight the existing Covid crisis in India she said, I am heartbroken by the current situation in India. I’m grateful the U.S. government is mobilizing to help. Microsoft will continue to use its voice, resources, and technology to aid relief efforts, and support the purchase of critical oxygen concentration devices.