Dominique Crenn
Chef Owner Atelier Crenn, San Francisco
“I met Anand through a very dear friend of mine and fellow chef April Bloomfield. Through Anand I learnt about the phenomenal work the Creative Services Support Group does. Giving opportunities to young men and women from less fortunate backgrounds is a phenomenal cause. I look forward to be able to support them now and in the future. Their work allows these young men and women to pursue a career and having a meaningful life in which they are able to give back to society some of the opportunities CSSG has given them. I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for such an important cause close to my heart.”
Gustavo de Arístegui
Ambassador of Spain in New Delhi
“I have known about CSSG since their first fund raising event in 2011. Over the years I have got to know them better. The work and dedication they have on providing opportunities to young men and woman is phenomenal. It has been an honour to be able to support such a powerful initiative and utilise the creative sectors to help those less fortunate than us. On a more personal note I have found Anand Kapoor to be one of the few people I know who is focussed, dynamic and determined to make a change through the charity. It is important that we support such initiatives as CSSG in any way we can as this has the potential to make a massive change to the way we view poverty in India.”
Vineet Bhatia
Chef Patron Rasoi, London and Rashima Bhatia Managing Director R.V.B Cuisine Ltd, London
“Rashima and I have supported CSSG’s initiatives since 2011 there are few organisations that are creatively rethinking vocational training in the same way that CSSG is. Instead of viewing vocational training as a short-term solution to youth unemployment by quickly training young adults for repetitive work on an assembly line, CSSG guides students towards a long-term solution by training underprivileged young men and woman for a career that is worthwhile, challenging, and intrinsically interesting. By providing them with the opportunity to develop tangible skills for long lasting careers in a variety of fast-growing sectors and beyond teaching students literacy and arithmetic, CSSG foster in the youth they work with the ability to think originally and creatively about a wide range of issues in a myriad of rewarding careers. They go beyond teaching the proverbial man to catch a fish; they nurture youths’ innate creativity, giving them the ability to rethink, reinvent, and disrupt the entire” fishing” industry”
Raj Nanda
CEO, Art Equity
“I was told about CSSG through a friend and was asked if I would like to help. When I became aware of the wonderful job that this Charity was doing, I knew I had to be involved. Not only does CSSG provide support financially and emotionally, it provides skills that can be used by beneficiaries into adulthood – skills that not only allow them to follow a career, defend for themselves but importantly build self-esteem by being a contributing participant in the community. I am humbled to be part of this great initiative”
Emmanuelle Becquemin and Stephanie Sagot
La cellule
Our own conviction met the philosophy of the charity group (CSSG): creation is a way of blossoming and a path to freedom and it is important for us, as artists, to support it.
Cherie Blair QC
QC And Founder of Cherie Blair foundation.
“….a good idea I wish you well
Shradha Singh
Deputy Managing Director at L’Opera (French Bakery Pvt. Ltd.)
“CSSG is such a dynamic organization. We have worked closely with CSSG since their inception when we conducted a round of open interviews at one of the homes they work with for their career day. As a result we took on a young man who initially came to us for training but has since been offered a full time position. What CSSG does is increasingly necessary in this day and age. Most of the young men and woman they work with are left without any true opportunities to progress in life. CSSG’s initiatives encapsulate our strong ethos to support the wider community and help those around us. One of the key qualities that sets CSSG apart from other agencies working in this field is their sustained efforts to walk the path of integration – the accompaniment and interface between us and the young men has proved crucial to the success and learning for all parties. We at L’Opéra are encouraged to continue supporting and walking the path of transformation with CSSG”
Mickey Bhoite
Executive Chef Le Cirque New Delhi.
CSSG has laid a broad, strong foundation for a prosperous economy with the aim of arming under privileged with essential skills of securing a job they love and leading a dignified life. It was an honour and a privilege to be part of this wonderful initiative and look forward to many more such opportunities to work with Anand. Kudos to Anand and team for conceptualizing such an endeavour, giving the folks a chance to dream and importantly, making those dreams come true! My best wishes and full support to the team!
Mark Best
Chef/ Owner Marque Restaurant & Pei Modern
“Coming from a city like Sydney it is very difficult to comprehend the scale of poverty in India. Seen against this background CSSG’s charitable efforts are phenomenal. It is easy to forget that such a large number of young men and woman have nothing and have few opportunities open to them. Whilst I was in India it struck me that CSSG’s initiative is so simple yet so powerful a tool that can really change the lives of these young men and woman. It is amazing that such an initiative had not been set up before in India. Using the modern creative sectors to make a change in a fast developing country makes absolute sense to me and CSSG deserves strong kudos for their achievements. India is a country with extremes and to bring together these two dichotomies through food is a worthy venture. CSSG took us to visit some of the young men and woman they help. It was truly an eye opener and placed into context the work CSSG does. They truly have my support and I am happy to make available to them any help I am able to provide.”
Vincent Cleme LOUIS XIII
Brand Ambassador
Believe me… Anand Kapoor and his team at The Creative Services Support Group (‘CSSG’) are never short of energy, creativity and persistence to conceptualize and execute new and ambitious ways to support underprivileged young adults in India and raise funds for the cause. As a sponsor in 2013, I was impressed by the passion, the professionalism and more importantly, the transparency of the team.
Roger Pizey
Michelin Starred Chef Patisserie at Marco Restaurant and Author
After coming out to India and seeing the work CSSG is doing I felt confident enough to be able to personally endorse them. For me to be able to endorse an organisation like CSSG I need to be convinced of the work they are doing and know that it is directly helping those who need help. I personally was able to endorse CSSG to A New Direction in London as I had seen the opportunities CSSG is giving young men and women from underprivileged backgrounds. It is truly inspiring the work CSSG continue to do and I am honoured to be able to have in some small way helped them achieve their goals. I am thrilled to be involved and support CSSG’s efforts to ensure a brighter future for those less fortunate.
Steve Moffitt
Chief Executive Officer A New Direction
A New Direction is excited to work in partnership with CSSG. Creating opportunities for young people to experience, learn and work as part of the Creative and Cultural industries is central to both organisation’s mission, vision and values. The task ahead is challenging and there is a great deal to be achieved. Both AND and CSSG are young, ambitious and strategic organisations, working in different cities in different parts of the world – it is important for us to be networked and connected – however it is more important for the young people we work with to be connected to one another and to a global aspiration of what is possible. We look forward to successful collaborations, sharing of ideas and a rich exchange of learning.
Rashmi Varma
Head of Rashmi Varma Design
We love everything about what CSSG stands for – empowerment through creativity. Every creative organisation should work with CSSG to help realize dreams of those who may not have the chance to do so.
Anamika Singh
Director and Founder of Anandini Himalaya Tea – INDIA
To feel with the heart is one thing and to feel with the heart, create ways to give back to the society where there is a sense of responsibility and the want to make a difference is another! CSSG follows the latter and it gives me an opportunity to do my bit in this world where people talk more than they act!
Anwarul Haque
Head of Dilse Campaign for Rainbow Homes
We are pleased to support CSSG in its effort to secure a career for homeless young adults in our care. CSSG provides invaluable support at a highly crucial juncture of the lives of street children as they grow into adults in need of self-sustaining livelihood options. The work CSSG is doing is absolutely crucial to help ensure that the youth we work with continue to take steps forward towards a self-sustaining future as they become adults. CSSG provides the young adults in our care a hope for the future and a life filled with dignity, respect, and purpose. It’s crucial that this organization is supported in order to make a better life for the underprivileged.
Sapna Chadha
VP Marketing at American Express
During my time at American Express I worked closely with CSSG from 2011 to 2013. CSSG have a strong ethos and a powerful message that they are able to share through strong fundraising initiatives that are both unique and exciting. The results of CSSG’s fundraising initiatives go to help young men and woman from less fortunate backgrounds. The work CSSG does is commendable and much needed in a country like India. I wish them luck in their future initiatives and will always be there to support them.
Michael Wignall
Michelin starred Chef at the Latymer UK
Travelling to India and to be able to contribute towards CSSG (Creative Services Support Group) initiatives was a deeply rewarding experience. To be able to give support to those less fortunate was an honour and education in itself.
The work CSSG is doing by allowing young men and women to live with dignity is something I shall never forget and an experience that money can’t buy.
It was great to be able to give something back through the work CSSG does as well as experience another culture, new flavours and ingredients. The time there has left an indelible mark on me and inspired me both professionally and personally. I am proud to be part of this change.
Pitamber Sahni
Principal PITAMBER SAHNI DESIGN STUDIO
Life is all about opportunity. A lot of us wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for the opportunities that have been granted to us along the way. What probably made all the difference was having someone around helping us make the most of them. This is exactly what CSSG is doing for underprivileged youth in India.
CSSG plays a unique role in providing opportunities for underprivileged youth through skill-based training in the creative sectors thereby allowing the individual to grow and ensure a secure future for themselves. By providing a holistic approach to helping someone re-navigate life CSSG is making a real difference.
Sonalee Kumar
Director, TCC
We at TCC are proud of our association with CSSG and wholeheartedly support all its initiatives and endeavours that provide dignity, hope and self-reliance to the underprivileged in the creative sector.
Damian Whiteley
Opera Singer and Musician
My experience of the work of CSSG is one of a ground breaking, innovative and highly creative approach to fostering a sense of social consciousness and philanthropy in Indian society, with the most brilliant idea of engaging creative talents from around the globe to raise awareness as well as funding. The genuine concern, unfailing energy and tenacity of Anand Kapoor and his dedicated team constantly amazes me and inspires me to do what I can to support this truly modern and moral endeavour.
Kumari Selja
Union Minister of State for Education and Culture 2011 presently member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India
Emerging economies will be driven with creative ideas and this knowledge will determine the manner in which competitiveness evolves, creative industries are a new reality now and they are poised to boast high growth in the coming years. We Indians have inherited such great heritage which we can draw upon and it is for us to blend and mould this treasure into an economic force.
Sharmila Tagore
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Actress and Begam Ayesha Sultan of Pataudi
I hope you will agree and allow me to say that the way Indian creative sectors and artists are projected abroad is quite limited the full range of our talents is not really projected in the way it ought to be I think that is probably because of the fragmented nature of the Creative sectors itself. India is a growing metaphor of what is happening in the world today so we need to look within and out to make sure that India does go to the next level. The best of modern India is what we want to see represented.
Sir Mark Tully
Former Bureau Chief of BBC and Writer
I do believe very strongly that we need to broaden the cultural links between our two countries and around the world. But at the same time I do believe very firmly that this does not mean producing a mish mash of culture but it means respecting and learning from each other’s cultures which I believe is primarily an Indian thing to do.
Dr Amin Jaffer
International Director of Asian Art for Christies
I believe that this initiative is going to place India once again in the forefront of international minds when it comes to design the applied arts fashion media across the board., India’s economic revival – India’s economic renaissance – must be matched by a cultural one and this project led by Anand (Kapoor) I believe will really unite a variety of forces in this country; a variety of talents from throughout India north to south east to west and provide a superb platform for the talent of Indians who are engaging with contemporary life technology contemporary tastes and have a great capacity to change the way in which the world looks at India and the way the world interacts with India.
Sir Richard Stagg
Ex Ambassador to India 2011 presently British Ambassador to Afghanistan
I think in this area the UK and India are very natural partners. If you look at the importance of culture and creativity in India it is clear that it is essential to the Indian personality and identity. If you look at the UK in terms of our engagement with Literature, Theatre cinema and the Arts over centuries again we have too a very long history of innovation and creativity. So what I hope is that this exercise ….. will …. light a new flame in the cultural and creative partnership between our two countries.
Ian Curley
Hatted Executive Chef of the European Melbourne Australia
It has been my pleasure to travel to beautiful India and work with CSSG in promoting a chance for young people to be able to turn their lives around. I have been both inspired and motivated to be able to work with some of the worlds’ best chefs and to be able to create an opportunity for people from a disadvantaged background to at least have the opportunity to begin to have a life where they are given a chance to build a life with dignity and respect.
I believe that where we can we should give people a hand up and not a hand out and i am proud to say that we have done such great work with CSSG, and i would welcome the chance to work with them again.
Manish Mehrotra
Executive Chef for Pan Asian Cuisine for Old World Hospitality and Head Chef at Indian Accent
CSSG is a wonderful initiative. It’s my honour and privilege to be associated with it. CSSG is encouraging underprivileged talent in different creative sectors and I wish them success in all their future endeavours. We shall always support the group in the best possible way.
Ana Maria Labin
International renowned Soprano
As a result of working with CSSG my mind to how charity CAN work in India. CSSG allows amazing young people get chances and opportunities, ones that many of us in the western world take for granted. Through art in its many facets, inviting artists from different countries, different ethnicity, the thriving CSSG initiative combines the power of performance and culture to bring awareness and fundraising to where it matters; in health, acceptance and education. The future is in the hands of our next generation: with a good start, they can make the difference. And CSSG is at its roots!
Seema Chandra
Food Editor, NDTV Convergence
I have had the opportunity to be associated with CSSG before as a participant and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. CSSG manages to get the best people in their respective fields on one platform and ensures engagement that pushes the boundaries of creativity. I look forward to guiding CSSG towards achieving an impactful influence on society
Peter D’Ascoli
Creative Director at D’Ascoli & Company
Training and education give life direction and allows an individual to provide for themselves, their loved ones, and society at large. Ultimately, having a vocation helps give meaning to life. CSSG exists to deliver training to underprivileged youths, and I count it an honor and a privilege to support their good works.
Andrew Maxwell
Managing Director and Principal -Tante Marie Culinary Academy
“Tante Marie Culinary Academy, a leader in preparing people for careers in food, is proud to support this fabulous mission in helping those who face challenges along the way achieve their dreams
CSSG’s work providing aid to underprivileged adults through skills training and mentorship is aligned perfectly with Tante Marie’s aim to provide inspirational, skills based training to those looking for a career in culinary arts, with an emphasis on classical skills taught in a hands-on environment. ”
Peter Csizmadia – Honigh
International Wine Consultant
“Learning a trade gives you technical skills and equips you with vocational discipline. Having a mentor can be a true inspiration. CSSG combines these ingredients in their approach to giving underprivileged Indian kids a life-changing opportunity and that is why I was proud to support their fund-raising efforts”
Jatin Mallick and Julia Carmen Desa
Chef Proprietors Tres
“CSSG enables individuals and groups working together, to create and invest in projects that benefit the public. Anand Kapoor’s dedication to give our community a creative platform through CSSG is invaluable. The efforts put in by CSSG in organizing various initiatives like “Getting Michelin chef’s to India”……are very impressive with unsurpassed efficiency and excellence. CSSG is an organisation that is very responsive to the needs of the community. As a service organisation they have been very prompt in responding to the needs of the individuals by working very closely and also developing a skill set, which will enable them to overcome the challenges required in today’s competitive times. We at TRES would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to CSSG for getting us involved in their initiatives and giving us a chance to give back to the society”
Shaloo Sharma
Head – Pallavanjali India
“Creative Services Support Group has showcased that it is one Non Profit Organisation that makes good of its Statement of encouraging a new vision on the role of the creative sectors; the role they play in regenerating cities, the value of arts, and global opportunities among them with an emphasis on India.”
Laurie Gear
Chef Patron, Artichoke Restaurant, Amersham – UK
“We were first approached by Anand Kapoor and the CSSG Group back in 2012 to come to India and cook as a guest chef as part of a fundraising event hosting by one of India prestigious and highly respected Hotel groups. Having done our preliminary research prior to leaving we already had a strong understanding of the goals Anand and the CSSG had – it was not until our arrival in India that the true gravity of their task became apparent. Our small part in which we played was a piece in a much large jigsaw – is soon became apparent that months and months of planning had gone into this fantastic event and it was humbling to witness an experience the total loving support that surrounded us during our visit. This event has now gained great momentum since we first joined it at the beginning on our last visit in 2013 we were privileged to cook alongside some of the world’s greatest chefs and experience first-hand the impact that Anand and the CSSG were achieving. Their energies and imagination seem to hold no boundaries with the ultimate goal to great opportunities for the under privilege youth of India. Over the years we have been requested to support many charitable organisations and our reasons for choosing the CSSG group were that they really do have the personal touch and the ability to really make a difference. We can finally conclude that Anand and is lovely wife Aditi and his organisation have truly created a solid foundation for future charitable works that can really impact on people’s lives of the most positive nature”
Hemant Sagar
Designer and Founder of Lecoanet Hemant
“I have known about CSSG since its inception when I was just a supporter at their first fund raiser. My interests were tweaked post this first event and I reached out to find out more. Since then I have gained a better knowledge of their work and efforts towards changing mind sets and how they deal with poverty through creative sectors. The work they are doing is truly life changing for the young men and women they help.Their ethos falls very much in line with Lecoanet Hemant’s ethos as an organization and it is with much kudos to them that they are making changes. We are a strong advocate of using the creative sectors as a tool to help underprivileged young men and woman. As a result when I was asked to join their advisory board I welcomed the opportunity to advise them, when need be, on taking this strong and powerful initiative forward.”
Emmanuel Balayer
CEO Emmanuel Balayer Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd
“It gives me immense pleasure to support CSSG. Its goals and initiatives are very close to my heart. It is clear, having worked in the luxury sector for many years now, that there is a real shortage of talent that can be made up from the young men and woman CSSG supports. The need of the day is to break the poverty cycle and ensure that opportunities exist for them to be able to live a life of dignity and quite contentment. What is clear is that by helping even one young man and woman it acts as a butterfly effect and they go on to help several others as they grow. I am honoured to be part of the advisory group and help guide CSSG’s initiatives to make a better future for the underprivileged young men and woman of India. Together we can make a difference. I applaud CSSG’s efforts.”
Nira Kehar
Chef and Patron at Chez Nini
“I first met Anand last year and learnt about his efforts to create a community with CSSG. The honesty and the genuine emotion towards making a difference in someone’s life, and the creative direction that came along with that process, was too overwhelming to not be a part off!
CSSG really knows how to reach out in the most beautiful manner and makes you want to be a part of their community, to add value to a society in genuine need.
It didn’t take me long to get back to CSSG and request them to make me apart of this meaningful journey and soon enough I was fortunate to be introduced to Shiva, a humble boy, who wanted to work hard and find his place within the hospitality industry.
To learn about Shiva’s relentless dedication and passion towards his work at Chez Nini was the biggest honour I could receive by being a part of CSSG.
I wish CSSG all the best and look forward to making a difference again.”
Renu Modi
Owner and founder of Gallery Espace
“CSSG has my full support in all its endeavors. I was impressed by Anand”s passion and love for arts. May your vision to support arts in such a dynamic way take great heights!”
Dr Simone Bamford
MBBS(Hons) FRACGP – AUSTRALIA
From what I have seen of the work of CSSG, it is making a material difference to the lives of young underprivileged men and women in India, one individual at a time. I was lucky enough to be able to meet one of the recipients of CSSG’s assistance. The young man has been given the opportunity and support to be able to drastically change the course of his life, from one destined for poverty and a fight to survive on the streets, to starting on the road to a career in the hospitality industry. With this first step, he is now able to benefit from all of the opportunities that employment inherently brings – income, security, education and training, resulting in increased confidence and sense of self-worth, and a vision for his own successful future.This success story is just one among many to date, and we can only hope that the progress that CSSG is making will continue in such a positive direction.
Marcello Tully
Michelin Starred Chef
This charitable organisation is driven in its determination to help young underprivileged people gain the opportunity and an open door to learn a trade, become self-sufficient and to fulfill their ambitions.
Anjum Anand
Food writer and TV Chef
“I worked with CSSG on their very first event and was very impressed by the organisation. It was an ambitious plan that all came together beautifully, was lots of fun and most importantly, raised money to help underprivileged children gain apprenticeships in the culinary world. In a country where the poor rarely get any opportunities for advancement and often go without food, it is a great cause to pursue and one that CSSG are doing with true commitment and determination. I wish Anand and Aditi lots of success with it”
Nandita Das
Actor, Director and Social Activist
“I spoke at an event hosted by CSSG on the use of the creative sectors to aid underprivileged young men and woman. CSSG has a wonderful ethos that holds a lot of promise. To provide opportunities to underprivileged young men and woman post 18 carries a lot of responsibility and hardwork. Initiatives that help break the poverty cycle should be encouraged. The creative sectors holds great promise towards changing people’s lives. I wish CSSG all the best in its endeavours”
