MUMBAI (India CSR): Demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can support India’s education and inclusive development agenda, Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company Limited (SUD Life) has reported significant improvements in academic outcomes and rural livelihoods in Jharkhand through its flagship Project Jeevandhara and Project Dharti.
Implemented in partnership with the Gumla District Administration and EdTech platform Filo, Project Jeevandhara has introduced 24×7 digital learning, AI-powered academic support and one-to-one live tutoring across 112 government schools in Gumla district, an Aspirational District identified by NITI Aayog. The initiative aims to bridge the rural-urban education gap by providing quality learning opportunities to students from underserved communities in rural and urban areas.
The intervention has delivered notable academic gains. The Gumla district has moved from 20th rank to securing rank 1st in class 10 (JAC Board) results through the support of 24 x 7 online classes initiative under SUD Life’s CSR in collaboration with District Administration. In Class 12 Science, the district climbed from 21st to 2nd rank in Jharkhand, with the pass percentage rising sharply from 50.2% in 2024 to 91% in 2026. Students also completed over 19,300 online learning sessions during the year, reflecting strong adoption of digital education.
“Education is the most reliable multiplier a country has, and insurance and social development ultimately serve the same purpose, which is to secure the future of families. Gumla has shown what becomes possible when a district administration, a technology partner and a corporate align around a single measurable outcome. A district that stood 20th now stands first, and that result belongs to the students and teachers of Gumla. Our commitment is to sustain this model and take it to more Aspirational Districts in the years ahead,” said Abhay Tewari, MD & CEO, SUD Life.
SUD Life has further strengthened school infrastructure by constructing new school building, establishing smart classrooms, improving sanitation, drinking water facilities and aimed to provide, solar installations and rainwater harvesting systems. Under Project Dharti, the Company has developed irrigation infrastructure benefiting farmers in six villages in Dumri block, enabling a shift towards multi-crop cultivation and improved incomes.
“Education is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development. We remain committed to expanding access to quality education and creating long-term social impact through partnerships with government and local communities,” said Rakesh Kumar, Managing Trustee, SUD Life Foundation.
The initiative highlights the growing role of outcome-driven CSR in supporting India’s Aspirational Districts and advancing equitable access to education and sustainable livelihoods.
Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life), founded in 2009, is a powerful collaboration between two of India’s leading public sector banks, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, and Daiichi Life, Japan’s second-largest life insurer. Built on a strong foundation of trust and expertise, SUD Life serves over 15.2 million customers with Assets Under Management (AUM) of ₹37,575 Crores (as of 31st March 2026) through a strong network of over 20,000 distribution points, offering innovative and customer-centric solutions. SUD Life stayed ahead of the curve by enhancing its digital capabilities and customer service standards, achieving an individual Claim Settlement Ratio of 99.01% (as of 31st March 2026), a powerful testament to the company’s operational excellence and customer-first approach. Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life) has established its IFSC Insurance Office (IIO) in Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT City). This strategic expansion will enable SUD Life to offer foreign currency-denominated life insurance solutions to Resident Indian/Non-Resident Indian/Person of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) customers.
