In commemoration of India's 60th year of independence, Virginia-based United Way International has launched a United Way Friends of India Program, which has been kicked off with a grant of $250,000 from Principal Financial Group CEO Barry Griswell.

UWI said that it hoped to generate resources in North America from non-resident Indians, businesses and other sources to add more United Ways across India, and noted that the cities of Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Chennai, Hubli-Dharwad, Hyderabad, Cochin, Goa [Images], New Delhi and Pune have been identified to begin this work.

It said that it is seeking the partnership of individuals at all levels to give of their time, their talent or their treasure toward the goal of expansion of United Ways across India, and become involved in the United Way Friends of India program.

Griswell said this program provides a meaningful way for all North Americans, including non-resident Indians, and North American business and societal leaders to participate in the expansion of United Ways in India and to serve as supporters and volunteers in the initiative.

UWI is a global non-commercial organization, which has been in existence for more than 105 years.

To date, the Fund has also received funds from The Deshpande Foundation -- the family foundation of Desh and Jaishree Deshpande -- LG, Murthy Law Firm -- which represents small, medium, and Fortune 500 companies in immigration matters -- the Sunil and Nita Wadhwani Foundation.

Sunil Wadhwani is the CEO and co-founder of iGATE Corporation, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based company that claims is the first fully integrated technology and operations firm with a global service model.