Vinayak M Bhide is Head of HR, Admin, IA, Legal & Company Secretary at Ador India Welding Ltd.
India’s progress as a nation rests on the strength of its classrooms. Schools are not only centres of learning but also the very foundations on which aspirations are built and futures are shaped. Yet, despite the Government’s sustained efforts, public education continues to face deep-rooted challenges—both in the quality of learning imparted and the infrastructure available to children.
The reality is sobering. Nearly one in three Class V students in India still cannot read a Class II textbook (ASER 2023). Equally concerning are the conditions in which schools operate: 30 per cent of government schools function without electricity, while almost 70 per cent remain disconnected from the internet—leaving children at a disadvantage in a rapidly digitalising world.
For girls, the hurdles are even steeper. Inadequate sanitation facilities remain a silent but powerful barrier to education. A Times of India (2017) study revealed that 23 girls in Udaipur dropped out of school solely because toilets were unavailable—a stark reminder that basic amenities are not luxuries but essentials for inclusion and dignity.
We have made education a central pillar of its CSR strategy. We view education not as charity, but as a shared responsibility—one that calls for sustained investment in both infrastructure and learning outcomes. From equipping schools with smart classrooms, electricity, and internet access, to improving sanitation facilities that keep girls in school, we work closely with educators, communities, and local authorities to remove the barriers that stand between children and their right to learn.
These are not just numbers. They represent millions of children whose potential risks are being lost to circumstances beyond their control. Government schools, which educate nearly 65 per cent of India’s children (DISE data), form the backbone of our national education system. Yet with constrained budgets and resources, their ability to thrive often depends on partnerships that extend beyond the public sector.
It is here that private organisations can play a transformative role—approaching education not as an act of charity, but as a shared responsibility to secure India’s future. By bridging critical gaps in infrastructure, learning outcomes, and gender equity, they can help ensure that every child, regardless of background, can learn, dream, and achieve.
Strengthening Schools, Strengthening Communities
Recognising this, we have made education a central pillar of its CSR strategy. We view education not as charity, but as a shared responsibility—one that calls for sustained investment in both infrastructure and learning outcomes. From equipping schools with smart classrooms, electricity, and internet access, to improving sanitation facilities that keep girls in school, we work closely with educators, communities, and local authorities to remove the barriers that stand between children and their right to learn.
The approach goes beyond building facilities; it focuses on nurturing an environment where students are inspired to stay in school, explore their potential, and dream of a future beyond limitations. By investing in the backbone of India’s education system, we are helping create not only better classrooms, but stronger communities and, ultimately, a stronger nation.
The Birth of a School: Birgaon, 1982
When Ador set up its factory on the outskirts of Raipur-Birgaon in 1962, the industrial landscape of the region began to change. Over the next two decades, more companies followed, and Birgaon started to emerge as an upcoming industrial hub. Yet, amidst this progress, one essential pillar of growth lagged behind—education. For the local community, quality schooling opportunities were scarce, limiting the aspirations of an entire generation.
Recognising this gap early—long before CSR became part of corporate vocabulary—we at Ador (then Advani Oerlikon) chose to invest in something more enduring than machines or factories: the future of children. In 1981, the foundation stone was laid for a co-educational school that would serve not just the needs of the moment, but generations to come.
A year later, in 1982, the school was formally handed over to the government in a ceremony graced by the then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Arjun Singh, and the district collector at the time, Shri Ajit Jogi. That moment marked the beginning of a legacy—one where industry and community came together to build a lasting institution of learning.
Over the years, we have consistently invested in thoughtful upgrades that touch students’ everyday lives. We refurbished benches to ensure comfort, installed energy-efficient lighting and fans to brighten and cool classrooms. We replaced traditional blackboards with green boards. These are simple yet meaningful changes that make learning more engaging. We secured access to safe drinking water, replaced the unreliable tap system, and installed a water filter and cooler—a small but significant change that transformed students’ daily experience.
Today, the Advani Oerlikon Government Higher Secondary School educates and shapes the lives of nearly 2,500 students every year. It has grown into not only the largest but also one of the most sought-after public schools in Chhattisgarh. For thousands of families in Birgaon, it symbolises more than access to education; it represents opportunity, dignity, and hope.
More than four decades later, the school remains a testament to the partnership between Ador and the Birgaon community—a reminder that true progress is measured not only in industrial output but in the empowerment of people.
Nurturing Through Infrastructure and Care
Since its inception, the school has been more than just a place of learning—it has been a space where children are encouraged to grow with dignity and confidence. Ador’s commitment has always gone beyond simply building classrooms; it has been about creating an environment where every child feels valued.
Over the years, we have consistently invested in thoughtful upgrades that touch students’ everyday lives. We refurbished benches to ensure comfort, installed energy-efficient lighting and fans to brighten and cool classrooms. We replaced traditional blackboards with green boards. These are simple yet meaningful changes that make 
learning more engaging. We secured access to safe drinking water, replaced the unreliable tap system, and installed a water filter and cooler—a small but significant change that transformed students’ daily experience.
One of the most impactful transformations was the renovation of the dining area. No longer do children eat under leaking roofs or in uncomfortable conditions. Instead, they enjoy their mid-day meals in a clean, safe, and welcoming space, restoring a sense of dignity to an essential part of their school day.
What began with small interventions has grown into a culture of care, where every improvement, however modest, builds a stronger foundation for learning and a brighter future for the children of Birgaon.
We do not just fix walls; we strengthen dreams. When children sit in clean, bright classrooms or enjoy meals with dignity, it fuels learning in ways syllabi alone cannot.
Recognising the growing importance of digital literacy, we later established a computer laboratory with donated systems, bridging a critical gap in access. Nationally, only 34 per cent of government secondary schools have functional computers (UDISE+ data)⁴, yet Birgaon’s students were given the rare opportunity to develop essential digital skills. Initiatives like this do more than fill a gap—they ignite curiosity and set children firmly on the path to lifelong success.
Laboratories of Learning: Science and Computers
As the world evolved, so did our support for the school. Once the basics of comfort and care were secured, we turned our attention to equipping students for the future. About a decade ago, we revitalised the science laboratory, introducing modern equipment that allowed children to move beyond the pages of textbooks and discover the joy of learning through hands-on experiments. What was once theory became experience, and curiosity blossomed into confidence.
Recognising the growing importance of digital literacy, we later established a computer laboratory with donated systems, bridging a critical gap in access. Nationally, only 34 per cent of government secondary schools have functional computers (UDISE+ data), yet Birgaon’s students were given the rare opportunity to develop essential digital skills.
Initiatives like this do more than fill a gap—they ignite curiosity and set children firmly on the path to lifelong success.
“Before our computer lab was set up, I had never seen a computer up close, but today, I use it comfortably. It has been a great enabler in helping me prepare for competitive exams,” shares Shivani Yadav, a Class XII student.
Financial Support: Sustaining Excellence Beyond Facilities
School buildings and infrastructure provide the foundation, but it is people who breathe life into education. At Birgaon, many teaching and non-teaching staff who play vital roles in shaping young lives do not fall under the official government payroll.
To ensure these dedicated individuals can continue their invaluable work without financial uncertainty, we provide regular support towards their salaries. This stability not only sustains the day-to-day functioning of the school but also nurtures a culture where every child’s education is cared for holistically.
Dignity for Girls: Toilets and Safe Spaces
In rural India, the absence of safe sanitation facilities often means the end of education for adolescent girls. UNICEF estimates that over 20 per cent of rural girls drop out of school 
after puberty because of inadequate toilets.
To address this challenge, we constructed a separate girls’ 
washroom, creating a safe and dignified space that encourages them to continue their studies with confidence. Recognising that the well-being of educators directly impacts the classroom, we renovated the female teachers’ staff room and the principal’s office. As The Times of India reported in 2024, poor facilities discourage teachers and hinder school performance.
“These may seem like small interventions, but to us, it is a showcase of respect and care towards teachers. In between classes, we can catch our breath in peace and go back to classes energised to give more to the children,” shares Achala Mishra, Hindi Teacher.
What truly sets this partnership apart is its longevity and consistency. For more than four decades, we stood alongside the Birgaon community, providing unwavering support that extends well beyond infrastructure. By enhancing the student experience year after year, we have helped young people lay the foundation for brighter futures and stronger communities.
Recognising Brilliance: Celebrating Student Success
Our support goes beyond brick and mortar; we also spotlight the aspirations and achievements of students. The Ador Meritorious Award was instituted to recognise and reward academic excellence, motivating children to dream bigger and aim higher.
In 2025, Kirti Yadav created history by securing the 9th rank in the Chhattisgarh State Higher Secondary Certificate Examination—the first top-10 entry for the school in 44 years. To honour this milestone, Kirti received a memento and a ₹50,000 scholarship, while teachers and staff were recognised with tokens of appreciation for their tireless efforts.
“Ador’s support has elevated our school in many ways—improving facilities, backing our staff, and encouraging students’ ambitions. Their partnership helps us create a nurturing space where every child can thrive,” reflects Principal Mukesh Sirmour.
This achievement is more than a single success story—it is a spark that inspires future generations, affirming that with the right support, children from Birgaon can reach for the highest levels of excellence.
Sustained Commitment: More Than CSR
What truly sets this partnership apart is its longevity and consistency. For more than four decades, we stood alongside the Birgaon community, providing unwavering support that extends well beyond infrastructure. By enhancing the student experience year after year, we have helped young people lay the foundation for brighter futures and stronger communities.
The Advani Oerlikon Government Higher Secondary School is more than a campus—it is living proof of what a committed public–private partnership can achieve. It embodies a shared vision of progress, where industry and community come together to create lasting impact.
Looking back from the foundation stone laid in 1982 to the milestones achieved today, what emerges is more than a timeline of projects. It is a shared journey of purpose and hope, where every step has been taken alongside students, teachers, and the community. As the school looks ahead towards stronger sports infrastructure, greater employability pathways, and modernised classrooms, one belief continues to guide us: when we nurture young minds, we are not just educating children, we are shaping the future of India.
Looking Beyond: Sports, Employability, and the Future
While much has been accomplished, the journey of education is never complete. True empowerment comes not only from textbooks but from preparing children to thrive in every sphere of life. Looking ahead, Ador is committed to strengthening its support in three critical areas:
Sports Infrastructure: Studies show that participation in sports reduces dropout rates and enhances motivation. Our focus is on building the right facilities and supporting trained staff so that every child experiences the joy, discipline, and confidence that sports bring.
Preparing for Life Beyond School: Equipping students with vocational training, career counselling, and exposure to online learning ensures they are not only academically prepared but also life-ready, capable of navigating the challenges of higher education, employment, and society.
Future-Ready Classrooms: Technology is rapidly transforming education. By upgrading classrooms to support digital learning, we aim to give children access to tools and opportunities that match the demands of a modern world.
Our responsibility does not end with classrooms. It extends to playgrounds, computer labs, and every child dreaming of a better tomorrow. We see ourselves as enablers of futures—not just of education.
Education as the Greatest Equaliser
Education is the bridge to dignity, equity, and progress. While public schools carry much of this responsibility, partnerships such as ours with the Advani Oerlikon Government Higher Secondary School demonstrate how private-sector support can bring about lasting change—through commitment that is both sustainable and deeply rooted.
Looking back from the foundation stone laid in 1982 to the milestones achieved today, what emerges is more than a timeline of projects. It is a shared journey of purpose and hope, where every step has been taken alongside students, teachers, and the community.
As the school looks ahead towards stronger sports infrastructure, greater employability pathways, and modernised classrooms, one belief continues to guide us: when we nurture young minds, we are not just educating children, we are shaping the future of India.