Pichai and Nadella express concern for India’s Covid-19 situation, Google pledges Rs 135 crores to India

On Monday, Google and Microsoft pledged their support for India as it fights a crippling second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in thousands without hospital beds, oxygen, and other vital medical facilities.

Sundar Pichai announced on Twitter that Google would donate Rs. 135 crores to UNICEF and the non-profit Give India for medical equipment, community outreach, and grants to help share vital knowledge about the viral disease.

Devastated to see the worsening Covid crisis in India. Google & Googlers are providing Rs 135 Crore in funding to @GiveIndia, @UNICEF for medical supplies, orgs supporting high-risk communities, and grants to help spread critical information.https://t.co/OHJ79iEzZH

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) April 26, 2021

Pichai published a blog post outlining the company's plans to assist India in overcoming the crisis. The Rs 135 crore funding consists of two grands from Google.org, worth Rs 20 crores, according to the blog post signed by the company's India head and VP, Sanjay Gupta.

The first grant will go to GiveIndia, who will use it to extend cash support to families who have been hit hardest by the crisis in order to aid them with their daily expenses. The second grant will go to UNICEF, which will assist in the delivery of critical medical services, such as oxygen and laboratory equipment, to areas of India where they are desperately needed.

Donations from an existing employee giving campaign will also be included in the grant.

According to a company spokesperson, Pichai will donate Rs 5 crore to relief efforts in addition to Google's donation.

Sanjay Gupta explained, “This funding also includes increased Ad Grant support for public health information campaigns. Since last year, we’ve helped MyGov and the World Health Organization reach audiences with messages focused on how to stay safe and facts about vaccines.”

Hefurther informed, “We’re increasing our support today with an additional 112 Crore INR ($15 million) in Ad Grants to local health authorities and non-profits for more language coverage options.”

Microsoft Chief executive, Satya Nadella said the present coronavirus situation in India makes him "heartbroken" and that his organisation will strive to use its resources and technologies to help with relief operations and promote the purchase of oxygen devices. He also acknowledged the efforts of US administration to extend their support to India and expressed his gratitude for it.

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