UDAIPUR (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, successfully concluded its transformative Shiksha Sambal Summer Camp 2025, impacting the lives of over 1,500 students from nearly 72 government schools from underserved rural hinterland of Rajasthan. This initiative, part of Hindustan Zinc’s Siksha Sambhal program, an education-focused CSR program and organised in partnership with Vidya Bhawan Society, combines academics, skill development, sports, and culture, offering rural students a platform for all-round growth and learning. Over the years, Rajasthan has witnessed a remarkable improvement in Class 10 pass percentages, rising from 45% in 2007 to 93.6% in 2025. Shiksha Sambal, which has been operational since 2008 has significantly contributed to this progress by bridging learning gaps and reducing dropout rates thereby uplifting the lives of over 2 lakh children annually in underserved rural areas.
The purpose of the camps is to support first-generation learners who are likely to opt out of pursuing studies and a fulfilling career, owing to financial and social constraints. The Shiksha Sambal Summer Camp 2025 reached students across various locations, including Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, and Agucha in Rajasthan. Overall, the camp successfully impacted students, providing essential academic and personality development support during a crucial time in their educational journeys.
The closing ceremony at Kumbha Sabhagar, Pratap Gaurav Kendra, showcased student projects, performances and exhibitions. The event was graced by Anupam Nidhi, Head CSR – Vedanta & Hindustan Zinc; and other dignitaries from Vidya Bhawan Society and community stakeholders.
Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc lauded the initiative and said, “At Hindustan Zinc, we see education as a long-term investment in the nation’s future. Shiksha Sambal is not just about bridging learning gaps – it’s about building confidence, character, and curiosity among students who often lack access to resources. These camps reflect our belief that every child, regardless of geography, deserves quality education and exposure.”
Of the total participants, over 300 students attended the residential camp at Vidya Bhawan school, Udaipur, while nearly 1,200 others took part in non-residential camps held at Agucha, Chittorgarh, Dariba, Debari, Zawar and Kayad. Manasvi, a student from the residential camp in Udaipur, shared, “This camp gave us the kind of learning and environment we rarely experience back home. Studying together, doing group activities and learning from new teachers made us more confident and focused.”
The initiative was facilitated by dedicated project teachers and more than 90 volunteers from institutions such as Gargi College, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune, and Delhi University, who mentored the students across a wide array of sessions. Hindustan Zinc employees as well showed enthusiastic participation in volunteering to guide the children across the operational areas of the company. Asha, a Class X student from Bhilwara district, said, “Earlier, I used to struggle with science, but now I feel more confident. I want to become an engineer and someday help younger students from my village learn the way I got support through Shiksha Sambal.”
Hindustan Zinc’s Shiksha Sambal Program is integral to the broader commitment to uplift underprivileged children through education in rural Rajasthan. The company recently signed an MoU with Department of Education, Rajasthan committing an investment of ₹36 crores over the next five years to enhance educational development in the state. Also, the company bagged 6 awards under the Shiksha Vibhushan category at the 28th Bhamashah Awards, the most prestigious recognition from the State Government of Rajasthan that honours outstanding contributions to educational development and social impact. Over the years, the company has significantly transformed the educational landscape of the state with other initiatives such as Unchi Udaan, which supports aspiring IIT candidates from low-income backgrounds, and Jeevan Tarang, which empowers children with disabilities in hearing and speaking.
Beyond education, Hindustan Zinc has been a strong force in promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women and farmers, healthcare access, water conservation, and sanitation, impacting over 23 lakh lives across more than 2,300 villages. Ranked among India’s top 10 socially responsible corporates, Hindustan Zinc’s initiatives reflect its commitment to building a resilient, self-sufficient Rajasthan that champions inclusivity, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
(India CSR)
