Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of the international education provider GEMS Education, has lent his support for a landmark initiative aimed at providing basic education to 100 million children in India.

The Dubai-based educational entrepreneur was the lead sponsor of the 'Pratham Gala,' the charity dinner that was hosted in London on September 28, 2007 to raise funds for the 'Read India' initiative.

Read India has been launched by Pratham, a non-governmental organisation that originated in the slums of Mumbai in 1994 with the aim of improving the lives of underprivileged children in India. Under the guidance of a Board that comprises social workers, educationists and philanthropists including Sunny Varkey, Pratham works towards the realization of universal primary education.

Commenting on his support for Read India, Sunny Varkey said that Pratham India shares the same ideals and long term vision as GEMS, the core of which is improving the lives of children through providing proper education.

"We believe education is the only long-term, sustainable solution to poverty and its related inequalities. At GEMS we provide over 2,600 children from families in need with free education every year," stated Sunny Varkey.

"Read India will provide further impetus to the ongoing efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of the United Nations which aims to provide primary education to all children by the year 2015.

"The right kind of education creates firm foundations for the future, helps children become responsible, committed and concerned citizens in later years and ultimately makes the world a better place. At GEMS schools we teach our students to look beyond their classrooms and be citizens of the world in their thoughts, words and deeds," added Sunny Varkey.

Sunny Varkey has also recently pledged AED100 million (approximately GBP13.5 million) towards the 'Dubai Cares' initiative announced recently by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to provide basic education to one million children in the developing and poor countries.

Sourced From: R&PM:Edelman