Sandvik Coromant, a leading metal cutting expert, has partnered with a school in Malegaon village, Mulshi Taluka in the Pune District, to create a “Green Model” education centre. The Zilla Parishad School has been transformed into a sustainable educational space, with Sandvik Coromant providing valuable resources to support local children and create a connected, greener environment.
The school currently supports eight students studying Marathi Medium from Aganwadi to fourth standard. Previously, students studying beyond the fourth grade had to undertake a difficult six-kilometre journey by foot across difficult terrain to reach another school. The school also lacked modern facilities, such as digital connectivity and access to a library, and frequent electricity shortages adversely affected the learning experience.
Sandvik Coromant India has worked with partner organization Think Sharp Foundation to support several improvements to the facility. The company has provided extensive repairs to the buildings, better sanitation facilities with a repaired toilet block and water supply, and solar panels to provide a sustainable, eco-friendly source of electricity. The solar panels have 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. The 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 is very important for building a foundation in students, which 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 inauguration ceremony was attended by students, parents, teachers, sarpanch, villagers of Malegao Village, and representatives from Sandvik Coromant, including 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.”
Sandvik Coromant’s partnership with the Malegaon school is part of its commitment to supporting local communities and promoting sustainability. The company has a history of supporting education and sustainable initiatives around the world.
