Mumbai: What once stood as a cramped and deteriorating school building in Akashnagar Camp of Narsingapura Village, Donimalai, has now been transformed into a vibrant space for learning, thanks to NMDC Limited’s latest community development project. Under its CSR initiative, the company has invested Rs 52.14 lakh to build new classrooms, lay a concrete approach road, and create a spacious play and assembly area, breathing new life into the Government Lower Primary School.
Since its construction in 1999, the school had struggled with severe infrastructure limitations. With only two classrooms to accommodate students from Classes 1 to 5, the learning environment was cramped and unsuitable for growing academic needs. The poor condition of the building also meant no dedicated space for play or recreation, dampening the school experience for its young learners, most of whom come from SC/ST and economically weaker families.
NMDC stepped in to change this narrative. The newly built three-classroom block is not only spacious but also designed to make daily learning more engaging. Alongside the classrooms, a proper concrete road has been laid, making school access safer and easier for children and parents alike, especially during the rains. A newly constructed 35-metre by 15-metre CC flooring in front of the building has opened up space for daily assemblies, sports, and recreation, providing children with much-needed room to play and gather.
Head Master of GLPS Shanthinagar Camp, who has seen the transformation up close, shared, "One year back, when I was transferred to this school, the condition was so distressing it caused me sleepless nights. Now, seeing the children enjoy their own playground, proper classrooms, and safe road access fills me with joy. NMDC has created a second home for our children, making me proud and honored to serve as the principal. I could never have imagined such a transformation in our remote village. We are deeply grateful to NMDC for their CSR initiative."
The improvements have already started to make a difference. School attendance is on the rise, and parents are showing renewed interest in sending their children to the local school, which now compares favourably to private institutions in nearby towns.
Sharing the mood in the village, Panchayat member Shiva Kumar said, "Having grown up in this village, I have never witnessed such profound generosity directed toward the development of our children’s future. NMDC has shown genuine care and concern, and we, as villagers, extend our heartfelt gratitude."
A mother of a second-standard student, Rahulamma, also voiced her appreciation: "Earlier, only children from affluent families had access to good schools in nearby towns. But now, thanks to NMDC’s CSR initiative, our children have equal opportunities and feel joyful attending school. It’s a moment of pride for all of us. We thank NMDC wholeheartedly for this noble effort."
Looking ahead, NMDC has plans to continue strengthening the school’s infrastructure. The roadmap includes building an office for the Head Master, adding kitchen facilities, constructing boundary walls, toilets, and other essential amenities to shape the school into a model institution for the area.
What began as a much-needed intervention has grown into a broader effort to uplift the community, promising better opportunities for children in Donimalai and setting a strong example of how focused corporate contributions can reshape futures.
BI Bureau
