Bharat Forge CSR launches ‘Forge the Future’ STEM Labs in Nagaland schools, empowering students with science and technology skills for a brighter future.
PUNE: Bharat Forge, in partnership with Learning Links Foundation, proudly launched the “Forge the Future” STEM Labs at two government high schools in Dimapur, Nagaland: Government High School, Thahekhu, and Government High School, Tenyiphe 1 on April 25, 2025. This initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the region, providing students with cutting-edge tools and hands-on learning opportunities to foster innovation and creativity.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was a vibrant celebration attended by prominent dignitaries, school principals, teachers, students, and members of the local community. The function was graced by Razousie Vese, Director of School Education, Nagaland, and Amit B. Kalyani, Director at Bharat Forge Ltd. Other notable attendees included Dr. Leena Deshpande, Associate Vice President of HR & CSR at Bharat Forge; D Panda, Additional Director at the Directorate of School Education; David Sema, District Education Officer, Dimapur; Miss Jevika Kiba, Senior District Education Officer, Dimapur; Dr. Nyanthung Kikon, State Nodal Officer for Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, and E.P. Kharbhih, CEO of Bharat Forge Ltd. and Miss Urmila Joshi, Vice President of Learning Links Foundation.
Despite these inconsistencies, the event was a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from education and industry, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing STEM education. During the ceremony, students showcased their innovative projects, demonstrating the potential of the STEM Labs to inspire creativity and practical problem-solving. It highlighted Bharat Forge’s vision of empowering young minds to become future-ready innovators.
Purpose and Objective
The “Forge the Future” STEM Lab initiative is rooted in the belief that no child should be held back by a lack of resources or opportunities. The program aims to empower students by providing hands-on, practical learning experiences that go beyond traditional textbook-based education. By equipping students with access to advanced technology and tools, the initiative seeks to inspire creativity, imagination, and innovation, preparing them for careers in STEM fields.
“This initiative is not just an investment in education; it’s an investment in the future of Nagaland,” said Dr. Leena Deshpande, AVP, HR & CSR, Bharat Forge.
Key Features of the STEM Labs
The STEM Labs are designed to provide an immersive learning environment with the following features:
- Hands-on Skill Development: Students engage in practical activities using DIY electronics and robotics kits.
- Access to Advanced Tools: Labs are equipped with 3D printers, telescopes, laptops, and essential accessories.
- Structured Lab Sessions: Regular sessions ensure the practical application of STEM concepts.
- Special Workshops: Interactive sessions on engineering, technology, and innovation encourage exploration.
- Encouragement of Curiosity: The labs foster an environment that nurtures young minds’ inquisitiveness.
Equipment Available
Each STEM Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art resources to support student learning, including:
- DIY electronics and robotics kits
- 3D printers
- Telescopes
- Laptops
- Essential tools and accessories
| Equipment | Purpose |
| DIY Electronics/Robotics Kits | Enable hands-on learning in electronics and robotics |
| 3D Printers | Facilitate design and prototyping projects |
| Telescopes | Support astronomy and scientific exploration |
| Laptops | Provide access to digital tools and programming |
| Essential Tools and Accessories | Support various STEM experiments and projects |
Integration into the Education System
To ensure the program’s success, the STEM Labs are seamlessly integrated into the school curriculum. Dedicated lab sessions are scheduled at regular intervals, allowing students to engage with STEM concepts consistently. Additionally, specialized training programs are conducted to enhance students’ technical and problem-solving skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges.
Impact and Future Vision
The “Forge the Future” STEM Labs are expected to have a transformative impact on education in Nagaland. A total of 586 students will directly benefit from the labs, with 461 students from Government High School, Thahekhu, and 125 from Government High School, Tenyiphe 1. An additional 1,285 students are expected to gain indirect benefits through shared resources and knowledge dissemination. Bharat Forge’s initiative aligns with its broader vision of fostering a generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and future leaders who will drive technological advancements and contribute to India’s industrial and scientific progress. By bridging the skill gap, the program provides students with opportunities to excel in STEM fields, positioning them as key contributors to the nation’s growth.
Student Innovations
During the inauguration, students captivated attendees with their innovative projects, showcasing the potential of the STEM Labs to inspire creativity. These demonstrations highlighted the practical application of STEM concepts, from robotics to scientific experiments, underscoring the labs’ role in nurturing talent and innovation.
Collaborative Efforts
The success of the “Forge the Future” STEM Labs is a result of the collaborative efforts between Bharat Forge and Learning Links Foundation, with support from the Nagaland Department of School Education. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing education and empowering young minds in underserved regions.
(India CSR)
