Suman Nirmal Minda Foundation operates 18 Samarth-Jyoti Centres and three Suman Minda Schools across Uttarakhand, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka
By Rusen Kumar
NEW DELHI (India CSR): Dr. Suman Minda, Chairperson of Suman Nirmal Minda Foundation (SNMF), the philanthropic and CSR arm of Uno Minda Group, shared her vision for upcoming initiatives focused on education, youth empowerment, and community welfare in an exclusive interview with Rusen Kumar, Managing Editor of India CSR, the largest CSR Media company.
These initiatives include e-libraries, competitive coaching for underprivileged students, and innovative community-driven programs.
With these ambitious projects set to roll out from April, 2025, SNMF, will positively impact and add to their 2.8 lakhs of marginalised lives by proving access to education, healthcare, skilling and community development, continues to redefine CSR with impactful and scalable initiatives, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.
E-Libraries for Students Across Multiple Locations
Dr. Minda said that the Suman Nirmal Minda Foundation operates 18 Samarth-Jyoti Centres and three Suman Minda Schools across Uttarakhand, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka. “This year we are establishing e-libraries in several locations, including, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat depending on the need. These libraries will serve as dedicated spaces for students who lack a conducive study environment at home,” she added.
“Many students do not have a quiet place to study. These libraries will provide an academic atmosphere where students can focus. We will also offer computers, study materials, and even basic amenities for those who spend the entire day studying,” Dr. Suman Minda explained.
The foundation aims to start with 40 students per center, gradually expanding based on demand. The initiative will be implemented through careful surveys to identify the most deserving areas.
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Competitive Coaching for Underprivileged Students
Recognizing the financial constraints faced by bright students, Dr. Minda revealed plans to offer specialized coaching for competitive exams such as IIT-JEE and other entrance tests.
“We will select the top 50 students who have passed Class 12 but lack the financial means to continue their education. Our focus will be to ensure that they get the best guidance, making it possible for them to enter prestigious institutions,” she said.
The coaching will be need-based, and students will receive personalized mentorship to help them excel in their respective fields.
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Ek Muthi Ann Daan’ – A Community-Driven Hunger Alleviation Initiative
Dr. Suman Minda also shared an inspiring story about a woman in Goa who started a unique ‘Ek Muthi Ann Daan’ (Fistful of Grain Donation) initiative. The program encourages students to donate a handful of grains every day, which are then collected and distributed among the needy.
“Initially, I asked my staff if they could contribute even 250 grams of lentils, and I was amazed by their generosity. Some gave 500 grams, while others donated 1 kg. This initiative has already gathered over 250 kilograms of food, which we distribute to needy communities every month,” she shared.
Moved by this concept, the foundation has adopted the initiative, Sponsor a Child – an initiative under our employee volunteering program within its own ecosystem. Employees across the Uno Minda Group have started contributing to sponsor underprivileged children as volunteers for their education. This has encouraged individual social responsibility (ISR) under the broader umbrella of CSR.
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Education for Slum Children: A Step Towards Inclusive Learning
Understanding the struggles of slum children who often lack access to quality education, Dr. Minda has a plan to launch a project to provide quality-based education to children from marginalized communities.
“We have identified slum areas where children collect waste for a living. By setting up informal learning centers under trees or in open spaces, we can introduce structured education to them. This is just the beginning, and we aim to expand it gradually,” she emphasized.
The project will be piloted in three villages where local teachers will conduct regular classes to evaluate student engagement.
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From Waste to Wealth: A Sustainable Entrepreneurship Model
Dr. Suman Minda also shared an inspiring example of a young boy who turned plastic waste collection into a profitable business.
“He started by collecting discarded glass and plastic bottles, offering Rs. 10 per kg for waste. Over time, he noticed the environment around him improving and expanded his efforts by sourcing sugar and other supplies. Today, he runs a successful business, and this model can be replicated across multiple regions,” she explained.
Inspired by such grassroots innovations, Dr. Suman Minda is exploring ways to support sustainable rural entrepreneurship by integrating micro-financing and mentorship programs.
Recently, she started training Self-Help Group (SHG) members who are converting scraps collected by the Uno Minda Group into usable products. During my visit to one of the centers in Haryana, I witnessed this transformative work. Different articles are being made by SHG team members. This is one of the best and classic examples of a circular economy (waste to wealth).
Her ultimate goal is to create model villages where communities work collectively toward self-sufficiency and sustainable progress.
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About Rusen Kumar
Rusen Kumar is a distinguished journalist, author, and visionary knowledge entrepreneur specializing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in India. He is the founder and managing editor of India CSR Network, a leading platform dedicated to CSR and sustainability issues.
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