UMARGAON, GUJARAT (India CSR): As India continues to focus on inclusive growth, purpose-led partnerships like are paving the way for a meaningful change. India’s leading spices company Badshah Masala Pvt Ltd joined hands with Ennoble Social Innovation Foundation to completely overhaul the infrastructure of Jivan Shikshan Prathmik School, Dehari, and Oriental Anganwadi, Gandhiwada—both located in the Umargam block of Valsad district. The revamped school and Anganwadi centre were officially inaugurated today after undergoing comprehensive transformations.
Empowering Local Education
The school and the Anganwadi that serve the children of Badshah Masala’s factory employees and surrounding communities, underwent a 360-degree transformation aiming to address critical infrastructural gaps and provide nurturing and future-ready learning environment for over 200 children. This milestone was made possible through a strategic CSR partnership between Badshah and Ennoble, built on shared values of local empowerment, education, and sustainable development.
Addressing Educational Challenges in Gujarat
Despite high enrolment rates, rural areas in Gujarat have faced challenges in learning outcomes. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), only 53% of Class V students could read Class II text, and merely 13.3% of Class VIII students could read Class I text. The infrastructural and educational enhancements at Jivan Shikshan Prathmik School and Oriental Anganwadi directly address these issues, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Holistic Interventions
At Jivan Shikshan Prathmik School, Dehari, the transformation touched every facet of the student’s school-going experience. The ambience was uplifted with comprehensive repairs, fresh paint, new windows, roof and ramp improvements, and vibrant wall art that inspired learning. Essential infrastructure such as boys’ toilet, hand wash stations, and sewer line were renovated for improved hygiene and accessibility.
Enriched Learning Experience
Classrooms were made brighter and more comfortable with electrical upgrades, and the new green boards, lockers, and furniture enhanced the learning environment for the students. Every student also received uniforms, sweaters, and shoes. Both indoor and outdoor play areas were upgraded with safe, engaging equipment. New facilities such as a VR goggle station, Brain Gym, Mini STEAM lab, library, and teaching-learning materials were introduced to promote 21st-century skills and self-learning.
Early Childhood Focus
At Oriental Anganwadi, Gandhiwada, the focus was on creating a nurturing space for early childhood care and development. The building was plastered and painted, with cheerful wall art adding warmth and character. A fully renovated toilet block, new kitchen space, purified drinking water, and improved electrification ensured a safe and hygienic setting for young learners.
Green Safe Innovations
Digital and inclusive tools like a smart TV, WiFi-enabled content delivery, braille kits, board games, and anthropometry equipment were introduced to promote holistic development. A vegetable garden, waste segregation system, and safety tools such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers brought in green school principles and disaster-readiness.
Corporate Commitment Statement
Badshah Masala Pvt Ltd Chief Operating Officer Mr. Amit Bakde stated: “This project is deeply personal to us, as it directly supports the children of our own employees and the local community. We believe that education is the most meaningful legacy a company can contribute to. Working with Ennoble allowed us to ensure this investment would have lasting impact, both socially and structurally.”
Innovation-Led CSR Transformation
Chirag Bhandari, CEO, Ennoble Social Innovation Foundation, shared: “We’re proud to have partnered with Badshah Masala in not just upgrading infrastructure, but in reimagining the learning experience for children in Umargam. These joyful, well-equipped spaces are a result of truly community-rooted CSR. This partnership proves that when intention meets innovation, transformation becomes both impactful and sustainable.”
(India CSR)
