Samruddha Bharat, the CSR initiative of Bharat Realty, is making a remarkable difference in rural education by transforming underdeveloped schools into well-equipped learning spaces. Across India, millions of children struggle with inadequate school infrastructure, hindering their access to quality education. Bharat Realty has stepped in with its expertise, ensuring that these children receive the environment they deserve to learn and grow.
In this exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mrs. Chaitali Barot, Managing Partner at Bharat Realty, shares the inspiration behind Samruddha Bharat and how the initiative is creating real change. She discusses the challenges faced while restoring schools in Karjat and Vadodara, the positive impact on students and teachers, and Bharat Realty’s vision for expanding the initiative further. Mrs. Barot also highlights the importance of community involvement and how businesses can contribute to strengthening India’s education system.
Scroll down for the insightful conversation that sheds light on how corporate responsibility can go beyond financial contributions, leading to lasting social impact:
Q. What motivated Bharat Realty to launch Samruddha Bharat, and how does it align with your company’s values and vision for social responsibility?
A. Bharat Realty has launched the Samruddha Bharat CSR Foundation to respond to the urgent need for improved educational infrastructure in rural areas, aiming to repair and refurbish dilapidated schools. This initiative is a testament to the company’s commitment to social responsibility by providing access to top quality educational amenities, aligning with their values of community development, and long-term positive impact on them.
Q. You’ve mentioned that education is a deeply personal cause for you. Could you share a specific moment or experience that solidified your commitment to bridging the education gap in rural India?
A. While on a leisurely outing in Karjat, I came across a school which was dilapidated. Students and Administration were having issues with scheduling of the classes to accommodate all the pupils. There was no space for the students to conduct social functions. A common experience that often deepens commitment is seeing children in rural schools studying in tough conditions, with outdated or damaged resources, which directly impacts their learning potential. Witnessing their determination to learn despite these obstacles drove a strong desire within me to contribute in creating a positive change to bridge the education gap & ensuring every child in India has access to quality education, regardless of their background.
Q. With the restoration of two schools in Karjat and Vadodara, what specific changes were made, and how have these improvements positively impacted students, teachers, and the community?
A. In Karjat, we renovated the entire 1,000 sq. ft. assembly hall, providing a dedicated space for student recreational activities and school events. In Vadodara, we repaired 4 to 5 classrooms, updating the flooring, walls, and painting. These improvements brought a significant positive change to the school infrastructure, creating a refreshing and inspiring environment for both the students and staff.
Q. What were some key challenges you faced in restoring these schools, and how did Samruddha Bharat navigate these obstacles to ensure success?
A. While restoring the Karjat school, we faced challenges in securing local contractor work. Despite support from the local gram panchayat, we were met with critique by the opposition due to political biases. Some local authorities even confiscated materials like tiles, sand, and bricks, which we had procured for the reconstruction. However, we collaborated with local authorities and were able to overcome these hurdles and complete our restoration project smoothl
Q. While improving school infrastructure is critical, how does Samruddha Bharat go beyond construction to foster a truly engaging and inspiring learning environment for children?
A. Beyond reconstructing schools, we also conduct surprise audits to verify that the maintenance standards are met. We have undertaken schools in Mumbai and surrounding areas, providing essential repairs and supplies, such as whiteboards, fans, wall paintings & washroom refurbishments, etc. The provision of these amenities improves the learning environment for the students, which creates a better environment for the students to learn and grow.
Q. How does Bharat Realty plan to sustain and expand this initiative to ensure long-term benefits for rural schools and students?
A. We have an excellent expansion plan and will be identifying over 100 schools in the financial year of 2025-26. Once these schools have been shortlisted, we will restore them as required.
Q. How do you engage local communities, parents, and teachers in this initiative, and why is their involvement crucial for the success of Samruddha Bharat?
A. We involve local authorities and school managements to work in coalition and help us with our restoration initiatives. We work together to resolve these challenges together, thus ensuring smooth operations.
Q. Can you share how your existing partners have contributed to enhancing Samruddha Bharat’s efforts? Are you open to new collaborations, and if so, what kind of partnerships would be most valuable?
A. As of now we operate with our assigned budgets as a part of the corporate arm of BHARAT REALTY PVT LTD. If at all we require budgets beyond our limitations we would definitely partner with other associates to achieve our goals and objectives.
Q. What message would you like to convey to other corporate leaders about the role businesses can play in strengthening India’s education system and empowering future generations? How do you plan to continue contributing to India's socio-economic development, and what are your long-term goals and objectives for scaling your initiatives?
A. I would like to impress upon other corporate leaders that businesses have an important role to play in strengthening India’s education system by investing in improving infrastructure, providing resources and opportunities for underserved communities. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) should not just be about profit but about fostering sustainable development that empowers future generations. By improving educational environments, we can unlock the full potential of young minds and help build a more equitable society.
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