New Delhi: The State Bank of India has expanded its community-focused initiatives in Nagaland by donating a bus to the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Kohima and supporting students in rural schools through bicycles and infrastructure funding. The contributions were handed over during a programme at Niathu Resort in Chümoukedima, attended by senior SBI officials including Managing Director (Corporate Banking and Subsidiaries) Ashwini Kumar Tewari.

The bus donation marks a significant boost for NIMSR, which plays an important role in medical education and public health services in the state. NIMSR Director-cum-Dean, Dr. Soumya Chakraborty, welcomed the support and said it would serve community outreach and academic activities. “The bus has been a long-felt need of the institution for the last three years,” she said.

As part of its wider efforts to improve education in rural Nagaland, SBI also extended financial assistance of INR 5 lakh to Government Primary School in Zisunyu village under Tseminyu district. Established in 1934, the school is among the oldest in the state. The support was received by Kenyulo Tsela, a teacher at the school.

In addition, bicycles were distributed to 10 girl students of Government Middle School, Diezephe, in line with the Government of India’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative. The bicycles are intended to make daily travel to school safer and more convenient, encouraging regular attendance.

Speaking at the event, Tewari reaffirmed the bank’s ongoing commitment to social initiatives. He noted that SBI continues to work in areas such as education, health, youth development, skill building, employment and rural development. He also extended his best wishes to all the beneficiaries.

The programme concluded with the flagging off of the newly donated bus.

BI Bureau