The only integrated zinc producer in India and the largest in the world, Hindustan Zinc, reaffirmed its dedication to fostering the next generation via inclusive learning opportunities, skill development, and holistic education. Over the past five years, the company’s flagship education programmes—Nand Ghar, Shiksha Sambal, Unchi Udaan, and Jeevan Tarang—have impacted the lives of over 10 lakh children by expanding access to high-quality education, encouraging academic excellence, and empowering children with disabilities throughout its operational regions.

One of the pillars of Hindustan Zinc’s social impact concept has traditionally been education. The organisation strengthens core learning in science, maths and English by supporting over 35,000 students in 140 schools through its Shiksha Sambal initiative. In order to improve understanding and performance, 30,984 lessons have been held. This has helped the school achieve an outstanding 95% overall pass rate on the Class 10 board exams, with 23 out of 66 schools receiving a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, the organisation has built 26 model schools, rebuilt 10 schools to promote better learning environments, and set up four STEM laboratories in Udaipur and Pantnagar to spark scientific interest.

Arun Misra, CEO and full-time director of Hindustan Zinc, spoke at the event and stated, “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream without limits.” Our educational programmes at Hindustan Zinc go beyond the classroom; they are designed to foster self-assurance, curiosity, and competence. As we approach Children’s Day and Education Day, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the development of young brains who will use their knowledge, skills, and inclusivity to build India’s future.

Beyond the classroom, Hindustan Zinc’s Unchi Udaan initiative keeps opening doors for gifted youngsters from tribal and rural areas to attend India’s top universities for further education. All participants passed in first division, and 150 students have so far been accepted into esteemed government and engineering universities, including IITs. With an average annual payout of Rs 10 lakh and the highest ever reaching ₹21 lakh, 32 students have notably been placed in prestigious organisations, demonstrating the programme’s emphasis on excellence and mentoring.

Launched in 2017, Hindustan Zinc’s Jeevan Tarang project continues to promote empowerment and inclusivity for children with special needs. More than 2,600 disabled children have benefited from this program’s activities, which include workshops on mental health and cleanliness, awareness sessions in Indian Sign Language, and pre-vocational training aimed at promoting self-reliance and self-assurance. Children of all abilities have equal access to school and opportunities because of the company’s inclusive programmes in Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Udaipur.

Nand Ghars, a flagship project of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, are modernised Anganwadis that were created in collaboration with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and are based on four main pillars: women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and nutrition. In addition to providing women with skill-building opportunities, each facility has solar energy, safe drinking water, digital learning resources, and healthcare connections. Nearly 3.7 lakh women and children are benefited by the nearly 2000 Nand Ghars that are promoting early childhood development, healthier moms, and empowered rural women within Hindustan Zinc’s operational territories.

Another essential component of youth development is sports, which promote confidence, discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness. In keeping with its goal of using sports to foster holistic development, Hindustan Zinc founded the Zinc Football Academy, a first-of-its-kind residential school in Zawar, Rajasthan. The programme is a significant step towards developing football talent at the local level. In order to support Rajasthan’s increasing sporting prowess, the academy has taught more than 3250 young athletes so far, many of whom have gone on to represent their district, state, and country.

As part of its broader commitment to community transformation, Hindustan Zinc has maintained a focus on youth development and education. The organisation keeps bringing about significant, quantifiable change by combining programmes that include early learning, higher education, and inclusiveness. This ensures that every child, regardless of background or aptitude, has the resources they need to reach their full potential.