Inspiring a sustainable future for India's next generation

Metal cutting expert Sandvik Coromant officially inaugurated the second Green Model School of its kind. Zilla Parishad School, located in Malegaon Village, Mulshi Taluka in the Pune District, has been transformed into an educational space that champions sustainability at its core. Sandvik Coromant has worked with the school to provide valuable resources to support local children, transforming the school building into a connected, greener space.

Located in the village, the school currently supports eight students studying Marathi Medium from Aganwadi to fourth standard. Previously, students studying beyond the fourth grade needed to undertake a difficult journey to reach another school, travelling around six kilometres by foot across difficult terrain. The school also lacked many modern facilities, such as digital connectivity and access to a library, and frequent electricity shortages adversely affecting the learning experience.

Working with partner organisation, Think Sharp Foundation, Sandvik Coromant India has supported several improvements to the facility. In addition to extensive repairs to the buildings, Sandvik Coromant has also installed better sanitation facilities, with a repaired toilet block and water supply. The team has also installed solar panels to provide a sustainable, eco-friendly source of electricity. Doing so has enabled the creation of a solar powered “digital classroom”, complete with a smart television for interactive learning. A library has also been installed in the school, providing students with valuable resources.

To make the daily commute safer for students travelling to the neighbouring school for higher studies, Sandvik Coromant has also donated a bicycle to each pupil to support safer, more effective transport. Bicycles were distributed at the inauguration event, which marks the beginning of the new academic year.

“Supporting the local community is of huge importance to us,” said Kiran Acharya MD and CFO of Sandvik Coromant India. “We recognize that supporting the next generation will make society a better, greener, happier place. The team has worked hard to help completely transform the school, which we’re proud to now call the Green Model School.

P Surendra Kumar, Production Unit Director at Sandvik Coromant India, said: “Primary education as very important for building foundation in students, that helps them in further education. Students should be able to learn in a space that nurtures their aspirations and gives them hope for the future.”

The Event was witnessed by students, parents, teachers, sarpanch, villagers of Malegao Village and representative from Sandvik Coromant including Mr Kiran Acharya, P Surendra Kumar, Sonali Muley, Obhijeet Chakraborty and CSR specialist Roshni Acharya, as well as the team of Think sharp foundation.

“Being able to help shape the future is a great privilege and we hope that, by learning about the sustainability and digital initiatives put in place throughout the facility, children will be inspired to take such practices into their own future,” concluded Acharya. “The inauguration ceremony has been a moving, heartwarming day and we look forward to seeing students use the school, and their bicycles, for years to come.”