MEGHALAYA (India CSR): The serene villages of Buripara Akilang and Mandal Nokat in the West Garo Hills District have witnessed a transformative journey toward sustainability, thanks to Tata Communications’ Climate Resilient Village Programme. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the program introduced clean energy and improved health solutions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable community development.
The initiative, titled “Beyond the Boardroom”, brought together senior leaders and volunteers from Tata Communications who worked alongside local communities to assess challenges and implement impactful solutions.
Empowering Villages with Solar Energy
One of the standout efforts took place in Buripara Akilang, where Tata Communications’ volunteers installed solar panels to power homes and critical public spaces. Here’s what the solar electrification entailed:
- Household Upgrades: Each home received six solar-powered lights and a table fan to improve daily living.
- Street Safety: Critical village paths were equipped with four solar streetlights, enhancing nighttime visibility and mobility.
This initiative has illuminated homes and brought newfound hope to families who previously spent evenings in darkness due to early sunsets.
Satri Ch. Sangma, a beneficiary, expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“We are very grateful to Tata Communications for giving us light. Our village feels like a city now, but even better—our solar lights never go out. I can work late into the night at home without worry.”
Transitioning to Clean Cookstoves
In Mandal Nokat, Tata Communications introduced clean cookstoves to replace traditional open-fire chulhas, which are known for their excessive smoke emissions. The volunteers actively participated by dismantling traditional chulhas and installing sturdy, low-smoke cookstoves in each household.
Key Benefits of Clean Cookstoves:
- 50% reduction in firewood consumption.
- Households save 10 hours per week previously spent gathering firewood.
- Improved respiratory health due to reduced indoor smoke.
These efforts reflect Tata Communications’ holistic approach to sustainability, addressing not only energy needs but also public health concerns.
Table: Impact of Tata Communications’ Clean Energy and Health Initiatives
| Initiative | Key Achievements |
|---|---|
| Solar Electrification | 607 households and 13 healthcare centers supported |
| Beneficiaries Reached | 3,000+ households and 10,000+ patients |
| Smart Cookstove Adoption | 15,850 households transitioned |
| Lives Impacted | Nearly 62,000 individuals benefited |
A Vision Rooted in Inclusion and Resilience
Speaking about the program, Mukul Kumar, Vice President (EOHS & Sustainability) at Tata Communications, highlighted the initiative’s broader purpose:
“At Tata Communications, we embed sustainable practices across all aspects of our business. Our outreach in the Garo Hills is particularly meaningful—it’s hard to imagine life without electricity in today’s digital world. We believe that driving clean energy and healthcare solutions among remote communities will foster a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
The company’s partnership with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) and Northeast Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS) has amplified its impact, making tangible improvements in the lives of Garo Hills residents.
A Model for Sustainable Progress
The initiative aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing Tata Communications’ commitment to long-term social impact. By focusing on clean energy, health, and education, the company is redefining CSR as a transformative force for change.
You might be wondering, “What’s next for these villages?” With continuous efforts and expanding programs, Tata Communications aims to create self-sustaining, resilient communities.
(India CSR)
