Category: Education

  • Indus Towers Digital Van trains 136,525 in seven states

    Indus Towers, one of the world’s largest telecom infrastructure companies, said its Digital Transformation Van (DTV) has provided digital literacy training to 136,525 people from underserved communities across seven states as the country marks 10 years of its Digital India initiative.

    The mobile Digital Transformation Van, part of Indus Towers’ flagship Corporate Social Responsibility program ‘Saksham’, has reached rural and urban slum communities in Delhi, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, the company said in a statement.

    Launched in 2018 as the DigiShiksha initiative, the Digital Transformation Van program empowers youth, women, senior citizens and farmers with digital literacy, IT skills, cybersecurity awareness and financial education, aligning with the government’s Digital India Mission, according to the announcement.

    “Indus Towers’ DTV is a commitment to inclusive growth and a belief that technology can be a powerful equalizer,” said Neeti Wahi, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Indus Towers. “It is heartening to see over half of our beneficiaries are women.”

    The solar-powered Digital Transformation Van provides free doorstep digital education and public services through a 21-seater mobile classroom equipped with high-speed internet, modern computers, printers and e-learning tools, the company said.

    The Digital Transformation Van initiative is implemented by NIIT Foundation, with expert trainers conducting community awareness sessions on digital safety, environmental conservation and waste management for school children aged 12 and above, women, farmers and senior citizens, according to the statement.

    The Digital Transformation Van program represents Indus Towers’ approach to reaching communities where digital infrastructure and literacy gaps are most pronounced, customizing offerings based on local needs rather than relying on static training centers, the company said.

    Indus Towers operates 256,074 telecom towers across all 22 telecom circles in India, making it one of the country’s largest tower infrastructure providers, according to company information.

  • Bharti Airtel Foundation launches multi-year scholarship program at Indian School of Business

    Bharti Airtel Foundation launches multi-year scholarship program at Indian School of Business

    The Bharti Airtel Foundation has established a multi-year scholarship initiative with the Indian School of Business (ISB), offering financial support to students in the institution’s Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders, the foundation announced.

    The program will provide five students from each cohort with full or partial waivers covering tuition, accommodation and meal expenses through a need-cum-merit based selection process, the foundation said in a statement.

    The scholarship recipients, designated as “Bharti Scholars,” will be chosen based on both financial need and academic merit, according to the announcement.

    “Education is the cornerstone of progress and empowerment,” said Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co-Chairman of the Bharti Airtel Foundation and Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises. “When talent meets opportunity, extraordinary things happen.”

    The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of Mittal, Madan Pillutla, Dean of ISB, and DNV Kumara Guru, Senior Director of Advancement, Alumni Engagement and External Relations at ISB.

    The foundation has supported over 2,000 scholars since its inception, with 44% of recipients being female students, according to the statement. The initiative focuses on creating higher education opportunities for children from underserved communities.

    ISB said the partnership advances its commitment to ensuring financial constraints do not limit access to management education for qualified candidates.
    The Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders is designed for early-career professionals seeking business education.

  • Automated Driving Test Tracks: Maruti Suzuki signs MoA in Tamil Nadu

    Automated Driving Test Tracks: Maruti Suzuki signs MoA in Tamil Nadu

    Maruti Suzuki India has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, to establish 10 Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) across the state, reinforcing its commitment to road safety.

    The initiative, formalized in a ceremony attended by Transport and Electricity Minister S S Sivasankar and Home Secretary Dheeraj Kumar, aims to revolutionize driving license testing with cutting-edge technology.

    The ADTTs, to be set up in Marthandam, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore (Central), Madurai (North), Tuticorin, Krishnagiri, Dindigul, Tiruvannamalai, Sivagangai, and Trichy (West), were strategically chosen based on high license issuance volumes and connectivity to nearby cities.

    These tracks will leverage video analytics, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and Harnessing Automobiles for Safety (HAMS) technologies to ensure a transparent, standardized, and objective testing process with zero human intervention, aligning with Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

    Maruti Suzuki’s road safety initiatives span the 5Es: Education, Evaluation, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Care.

    “Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to road safety is commendable,” said Minister S S Sivasankar. “This collaboration to establish automated driving test tracks will promote disciplined driving and elevate road safety standards across Tamil Nadu.”

    Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki, added, “Automated driving test tracks ensure a rigorous and transparent assessment of driver skills. This initiative is a significant step toward safer roads in Tamil Nadu.”

    Maruti Suzuki’s road safety initiatives span the 5Es: Education, Evaluation, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Care.

    The company has already established 45 ADTTs nationwide, including 17 in Uttar Pradesh, 14 in Delhi, 7 in Bihar, 4 in Uttarakhand, 2 in Haryana, and 1 in Jammu & Kashmir. With a recent MoA for 21 ADTTs in Rajasthan and the new Tamil Nadu project, the total will reach 76 ADTTs across India.

    Additionally, Maruti Suzuki operates 8 Institutes of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTRs) and 23 Road Safety Knowledge Centres (RSKCs) to enhance driver education. Its Integrated Traffic Safety Management System (ITMS) supports real-time monitoring, while First Responder training strengthens emergency care.

    The MoA was signed by R Gajalakshmi, Transport and Road Safety Commissioner, and Tarun Agarwal, Senior Vice President, CSR, Maruti Suzuki, marking a milestone in the company’s mission to foster safer roads through innovation and collaboration.

  • Bright Futures: New Classrooms Transform Rural Karnataka

    Bright Futures: New Classrooms Transform Rural Karnataka

    In Kolkunte village, 13-year-old Priya beams as she enters her new classroom—bright, airy, and sturdy. Thanks to a partnership between Aahwahan Foundation and Huawei India, modern learning spaces are rising in remote Karnataka villages like Kolkunte (Davanagere), Hirekeruru (Haveri), and Thuraganuru (Mandya), where old schools lacked basic facilities.

    These spacious, well-ventilated classrooms are more than buildings—they’re hope for kids like Priya and 15-year-old Anil, who no longer worries about leaking roofs. “School feels like a place to grow now,” Anil says.

    “We’re building spaces where kids can dream big,” says Aahwahan’s CEO Braja Kishore Pradhan statement. The initiative bridges the urban-rural education gap, creating inclusive environments for underserved communities.

    “Every child deserves a chance to learn,” says Satish Hampali of Huawei India. “We’re proud to support rural students and build a brighter future.”

    With plans to reach more villages, Aahwahan and Huawei India are transforming lives, one classroom at a time. For Priya, it’s simple: “This place makes me believe I can be anything.”

  • Underprivileged kids in Gurugram’s Bhawani Enclave to get schooling via foundation project

    Underprivileged kids in Gurugram’s Bhawani Enclave to get schooling via foundation project

    The project, located in Bhawani Enclave near Basai village, will provide non-formal education to 150 children aged 6 to 14 years from migrant worker families who are currently not enrolled in schools.

    Whiteland Foundation announced on Monday it has adopted a school for underprivileged children in Gurugram in collaboration with BG Foundation, marking its first major initiative in the child education sector.
    The project, located in Bhawani Enclave near Basai village, will provide non-formal education to 150 children aged 6 to 14 years from migrant worker families who are currently not enrolled in schools, the foundations said in a joint statement.

    It was inaugurated by Whiteland Foundation trustees Priyanka Sardana and Karishma Kaul Babbar.

    “Education is the birthright of every child,” said Kaul Babbar. “Our adoption of this school and commitment to providing quality education will have a transformational impact on society.”

    The long-term initiative spanning 3-5 years aims to integrate the children into the formal schooling system. It will also feature a computer centre to teach basic computing skills.

    Teachers from the local community will conduct baseline assessments of students’ educational levels and start with building rapport and interest before formal lessons based on structured modules.

    BG Foundation currently operates two schools accommodating 150 students and focuses on education, skill development and disaster management for disadvantaged children and youth.

  • Former President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates Dhanuka Group’s school

    Former President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates Dhanuka Group’s school

    The higher secondary school, which will provide classes from nursery to 11th, has a capacity to accomodate up to 1000 students.

    Former President Ram Nath Kovind today inauguraged a school constructed by agrochemical makeer Dhanuka Group here at Salasar town — that houses the famous Balaji temple — in Churu district of Rajasthan.

    Shrimati Triveni Devi Dhanuka Higher Secondary Adarsh Vidya Mandir has been built by Dhanuka Group as a part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

    The higher secondary school, which will provide classes from nursery to 11th, has a capacity to accommodate students up to 1000. Currently, 580 students (320 boy and 260 girl students) are enrolled.

    Constructed over 7586 square meter of land, the school has a staff strength of 37, with 27 of them being teaching staff. It has a facility of air conditioned computer lab with 20 computers and a conference cum hall with multimedia facility.

    Addressing the gathering, Kovind said: “Education has an invaluable contribution in our life and better resources are necessary for this. If the ‘temple of education’ starts in small cities and villages, then it would help in shaping the future of children, their families, society and the country.”

    The inauguration of Adarsh Vidya Mandir by Chiranjilal Dhanuka Charitable Trust in Salasar Dham will make not only make children efficient but a good human being also, he said.

    Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kailash Chowdhary said establishment of this school is a matter of pride in Salasar Dham. “The Dhanuka family has given a temple of education here, which will shape the future of our India,” he said.

    On the occasion, Dhanuka Group Chairman R G Aggarwal said Salasar Dham is renowned for its famous Lord Balaji temple. It is a place where faith is reinforced, and prayers are offered for the fulfilment of wishes.

     “Adarsh Vidya Mandir, inspired by the principles of Vidya Bharti, aims to create a holistic educational experience that instills a deep sense of patriotism, love for Indian cultural heritage, and clear goals. It endeavors to foster balanced spiritual development, molding the future intelligentsia of our great nation and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to its growth,” he added.

    The group has two more schools in same district. One school named Durgaprasad Dhanuka Kanya Adarsh Vidyalaya Mandir is located in neighboring Ratangarh town of same district. This all-girl school has a capacity for 700 students, with 614 girl students benefiting from charitable education. It has a staff strength of 33 personnel, with 29 of them being teachers.

    Located at Hrishikul road in same Ratagarh town of district Churu, the third school ‘Chiranjilal Dhanuka Uchha Madhyamik Adarsh Vidya Mandir has 811 students (all boys) studying from nursery to 12th class. This school has a capacity to accomodate up to 1000 students at a time.

     Besides these charitable schools, Dhanuka Group has been at the forefront of philanthropic activities in other areas of ecology, environment and humanity too.

  • NSDL ties up with SBI Foundation to empower 375 persons with disabilities

    NSDL ties up with SBI Foundation to empower 375 persons with disabilities

    About 375 Persons with disabilities (PwDs) will be trained across Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru in BFSI and IT job roles under the project SAMEIP.

    National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and its subsidiary NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML) today announced its collaboration with SBI Foundation to execute Project SAMEIP to empower persons with disabilities.

     An agreement in this regard was signed between NSDL, NDML and SBI Foundation, an official statement said.

     Project SAMEIP (SBI Foundation and Microsoft India Employability Initiative for Persons with Disabilities) is a joint program by SBI Foundation and Microsoft India executed by the American India Foundation Trust (AIFT).

     About 375 Persons with disabilities (PwDs) will be trained across Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru in BFSI and IT job roles under the project SAMEIP.

     Further, the trained PwDs shall be provided with employment support and post placement support for retention in the employment.

     Project SAMEIP will be aligned with NSDL’s flagship program Artha SAMARTH, a special skill development and employability program.

  • Lotus Petal Foundation calls scholarship applications for underprivileged girl child

    Lotus Petal Foundation calls scholarship applications for underprivileged girl child

    Scholarship will be given 50 meritorious girls for undergraduate studies in medicine, engineering, nursing and pharmacy.

    Lotus Petal Foundation has invited applications for the Winnie Sun Scholarship Program under which financial aid will be provided to 50 meritorious girls for undergraduate studies in medicine, engineering, nursing and pharmacy.

    The deadline for application is January 15 and interested candidates can apply on www.lotuspetalfoundation.org.

    Gurugram-based NGO Lotus Petal Foundation said in a statement that it offers financial aid through a joint scholarship program with Concentrix Daksh Services Pvt Ltd.

    The aid is given to deserving female candidates from households having a combined family income of less than than 5 lakh per annum.

    A scholarship amount of up to Rs. 65,000 per annum (covering course fees, living costs, and travel) will be given to the student who has secured admission in any government or private college recognized by central or state board in India.

      Last year, out of 1200 applications received from across India, 25 candidates were identified from 10 states. These students have secured admissions in prestigious colleges like IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, NIT Delhi, NIT Srinagar, Jorhat Medical College, Assam and more.

      “Three in every 4 children drop out of school in India between the age group of 6 to 14, due to the high cost of private education and the necessity to support their families. The Winnie Sun Scholarship is a need-based scholarship for such deserving girls from low-income families,” shared Saloni Bhardwaj, Co-founder & CTO, Lotus Petal Foundation.

      This year, 50 meritorious girls from across India will receive the scholarship, she said.

      The students applying for scholarships must have completed their grade 10th and 12th exam with minimum 70 percent marks or appeared in grade 12th from a recognized state or central board. Minimum Min 60 per cent marks in Grade 10th and 12th for reserved category students (SC/ST/OBC).

  • Piramal Foundation invites applications for Gandhi Fellowship

    Piramal Foundation invites applications for Gandhi Fellowship

    The last date of application is 31st March 2023. Interested applicants can log onto www.gandhifellowship.com and apply.

    Piramal Foundation has announced the call for applications for Gandhi Fellowship. Gandhi Fellowship, an initiative of the Piramal Foundation, is a 2-year program for the youth to work at the grassroots of India and acquire in-depth experience across areas of Public Health, Education, Climate Change and Digitization.

      The Fellowship endeavours to mould self-motivated youth across the country into becoming leaders of tomorrow by providing them with an opportunity to make a difference on the ground.

      This deep-dive Fellowship identifies youth based on their existing skills and competencies, customised according to the aspirational path identified, enabling Fellows to realise their aspirations on the firm foundation of on-ground and grass root public realities.

      These young people are also equipped with the necessary soft skills to successfully cope with and navigate every situation in the 21st century. They play critical roles in bringing about sustainable change.

      Interested applicants can log onto www.gandhifellowship.com and apply. The last date of application is 31st March 2023. For queries, please write to register@gandhifellowship.org

      Aditya Natraj, the CEO of Piramal Foundation, shared his thoughts on the Gandhi Fellowship – “We started ten years ago when there was no other fellowship in the country to get involved in building self and building the nation. Recruiters want to recruit Gandhi Fellows because they are ethical, grounded, know how to influence government, know how to get things and know how to lead people. So, that’s the brand we want to build for the country.”

      India has the highest youth population in the world in the age group of 15-29 years, comprising 27.2 percent of the nation’s population (as per the Report of Technical Group on Population Projections, 2020, constituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare). Leveraging this vast youth power is a crucial way of realising Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India as a developed nation by 2047.

  • Religare joins hands with AWWA to develop Asha Schools

    Religare joins hands with AWWA to develop Asha Schools

    REL will develop the Asha School in Delhi as a model school before moving on to the schools at other locations.

    Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) to support the latter in managing their schools for specially-abled children.

      REL will develop the Asha School in Delhi as a model school before moving on to the schools at other locations. Currently, AWWA operates six Asha Schools across the country.

      Under the MOU, REL will support and facilitate a world-class learning experience for AWWA’s Asha Schools students.

      REL will be adopting a module-based approach to activate its association with AWWA. Each module will cover a specific intervention area, including the development of the curriculum, infrastructure and the faculty’s capabilities, medical and nutritional assistance to the students, augmentation of the transportation facilities, vocational guidance and placement/internship assistance.

      REL Executive Chairperson Rashmi Saluja said, “REL visualises a world with equal opportunities for all. It has been our constant endeavour to equip India’s citizens with facilities for growth. AWWA has been doing a fabulous job mentoring and nurturing specially-abled children, enabling them to exceed their potential. We are proud to be able to contribute to their endeavours.”

      The ultimate goal is to make the students of Asha Schools Atmanirbhar and enable them to lead independent lives. Our partnership will enable more specially-abled children to shine in society, she added.

      AWWA has established Asha Schools as a ‘Temple of Learning’ for specially-abled children. These schools aim to empower children to make them productive members of society and enable them to live with dignity. REL’s contribution will further equip the schools with world-class technology and facilities for effective learning.