By: Shelby Washington
Siliguri is a lively city in West Bengal, India cradled by the Himalayas. Celebrated for its vibrant cultural tapestry and bustling markets, it is one of the most rapidly developing cities in eastern India. Due to its major growth, there is a pressing need to build more schools to ensure every child has the proper education to allow them to grow and flourish.
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) India and Siliguri Terai Lions Charitable Trust partnered with Norisys Technology Private Limited, a premium electrical switchgear manufacturing company, to build the Sulochana Mansi Jajodia Terai Lions Public School. PDG Chowdhury, who worked closely on this project says, “We established this project in an area where the surrounding people are very poor and lack access to educational facilities. Everyone deserves to have the resources to live up to their potential, so our aim was to deliver quality education and shape their future with the help of the Lions platform.”
This initiative will transform countless lives and inspire future generations in the community. The initial goal is to enroll about 1,000 to 1,500 students, with hopes to expand in the future. Area Leader Nirmal Gidra says, “We are planning to create a well-furnished and well-equipped school, aiming to be one of the best in the area. We want to provide an exceptional, holistic education at a reasonable price, making sure middle-class and lower middle-class students have access to high-quality learning opportunities.”
The Sulochana Mansi Jajodia Terai Lions Public School Project was a collaborative effort between Norysis Technology, Lion Sunita Chowdhury, LCIF India, Siliguri Terai Lions Charitable Trust and Sulochana Mansi Jajodia. Norisys Technology will provide INR 40 million (US$478,991) to LCIF India in support of the project, as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spend and Lion Sunita Chowdhury will provide US$100,000. “It is an honour to be associated with Lions Clubs. LCIF is doing exemplary social work to help people, particularly the underprivileged. We chose LCIF as our partner because we believe it is an honest organization committed to genuine, selfless work. LCIF combines heart and mind in its efforts, making the work deeply impactful”, says Sulochana Mansi Jajodia.
Over time this collaborative project will show how impactful partnerships between nonprofit organizations and corporations are in addressing significant humanitarian needs. Area Leader Gidra says, “CSR partnerships are very meaningful because they give us the funds to start beneficial projects we could not accomplish on our own and they motivate other donors and Lions to contribute to projects that will strengthen communities.”
Learn more about our CSR program and how LCIF India works with some of India’s leading corporations and foundations to meet the most pressing humanitarian needs.