23rd November 2024: On the occasion of Children’s Day, Delhivery, India’s largest fully integrated logistics service provider, in partnership with the Samarpann, has launched a transformative initiative to uplift educational infrastructure in three government schools across remote villages in Rajasthan. The schools now benefit from sustainable solar power and clean drinking water systems, significantly improving the learning environment for over 80 students. This effort marks a meaningful step toward enhancing educational access and fostering healthier, brighter futures for these children.
For students in rural areas, quality education is often hindered by the lack of essential infrastructure, including reliable electricity and safe drinking water. Delhivery and Samarpann’s new project aims to bridge these gaps by installing 3-kWh solar power systems in each school. These systems provide a stable energy source for lighting, classroom equipment, and other essential facilities, eliminating the dependence on polluting and expensive diesel generators. This move aligns with India’s climate goals while ensuring uninterrupted learning experiences.
Suraj Saharan, Co-founder and Chief People’s Officer, Delhivery, says: “We understand the importance of school education, and contributing to the Indian education machinery forms a key part of our CSR policy. Last year, we partnered with Avanti Fellows to prepare 25 academically bright girls from low-income backgrounds, for competitive entrance exams in engineering and medicine, over two years. Through our partnership with Samarpann, we have tried to enhance the classroom experience by providing electricity through solar-powered plants and preventing health disorders by installing drinking water purification plants. In the current engagement, we did this across 3 government schools in Kota District in Rajasthan. We are also grateful to the state authorities for their guidance and assistance in this project.”
Dr Ruma Bhargava, Founder and Head of Samarpann, added: “Health and education are inseparable. Providing clean school water is vital for children’s development and academic success. This project serves as a model for sustainable development that we hope can be replicated in other underserved regions.”
Access to clean drinking water is a transformative aspect of this initiative, addressing waterborne illnesses that often cause absenteeism in rural schools. With the installation of water purification systems, students can now stay healthy and focused, boosting both their academic performance and overall well-being. Simultaneously, the project promotes environmental sustainability by reducing energy costs through solar power, fostering a future-oriented approach to rural development.
Beyond immediate benefits, the initiative is sparking a broader impact within communities. By instilling environmental awareness and sustainable practices among students, Delhivery is shaping a generation that values sustainability. As India advances toward sustainable growth, this project highlights the pivotal role of corporate contributions in tackling social challenges, demonstrating how businesses can drive meaningful change by addressing climate action and ensuring equity.