Hikal, a trusted partner to global life sciences companies, has further demonstrated its commitment to rural education and sustainable development with a transformative initiative at the historic Zilla Parishad Marathi School in Zirad, Alibaug, which has been standing for 130 years. In collaboration with Utkarsh Global Foundation, this effort forms a key part of Hikal’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, Srijan, which aims to create lasting value in communities near its operational sites.
As part of this initiative, Hikal has revitalized the school’s learning environment by providing 70 new wooden benches to replace outdated furniture, installing eight 43-inch LED smart TVs to enhance digital and interactive learning, and adding a projector with a screen to support skill-building activities for students. A multifunction printer has also been provided to streamline administrative tasks. To further improve hygiene, a new shaded handwash area was constructed, ensuring that students can maintain cleanliness and comfort regardless of weather conditions. These upgrades are designed to make the learning environment more engaging and secure, foster regular attendance, and support improved academic performance.
“At Hikal, we’ve always believed that true success goes beyond financial growth. The real value comes when progress is shared, and the communities around us advance alongside our business. This belief has been our guiding principle for decades and remains at the heart of our CSR philosophy,” said Jai Hiremath, Executive Chairman of Hikal Limited. “This school, like many others in rural India, holds great potential with bright students and dedicated teachers, but often faces limitations due to inadequate infrastructure. Today, we’ve taken a small yet significant step to help unlock that potential, reflecting our ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive growth and creating a more equitable future.”
Sameer Hiremath, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Hikal Limited, added, “Education is the foundation of progress. Building on the strong legacy laid by our leadership, we are dedicated to leaving a lasting impact in the communities where we operate. Our efforts in Zirad are a step toward bridging educational gaps by creating safe, inclusive, and digitally-enabled learning spaces. We believe this will empower the next generation to dream big, thrive, and build a more resilient and prosperous future.”
This initiative exemplifies Hikal’s continuous focus on sustainability and community development. Through its Srijan programme, the company actively partners with NGOs to improve areas such as secondary education, skill development, healthcare, sanitation, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of national heritage, art, and culture.
