9th jan 2025 ; Meghalaya’s Garo Hills witnessed a transformative step toward sustainability as Tata Communications, a leading global communications technology player, spearheaded a hands-on Climate Resilient Village Programme as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in the villages of Buripara Akilang and Mandal Nokat in West Garo Hills District. Over two impactful days, as a first of its kind initiative, titled ‘Beyond the Boardroom’ senior leaders from Tata Communications along with other volunteers joined forces to improve access to clean energy and health solutions, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainable development and community upliftment.
Beyond the Boardroom offered leaders a complete overview of the expanse of the CSR work done, in the region and an opportunity to experience the local way of life. Leaders were able to gain valuable insights and perspectives while making a meaningful impact.
Empowering Villages with Solar Energy
In Buripara Akilang, West Garo Hills, Tata Communications’ volunteers, assessed household energy needs and installed solar panels, linked them to batteries and household electrical grids. Each household was equipped with six lights and a table fan, while critical village access points received four solar streetlights to enhance safety and mobility. For families accustomed to early sunsets and darkness, the solar electrification marked a monumental shift, illuminating homes and hearts. The initiative brought sustainable energy solutions to life, offering a beacon of hope to the community.
In Mandal Nokat, West Garo Hills, Tata Communications introduced villagers to clean cookstoves as a sustainable alternative to the traditional chulhas. Volunteers dismantled one traditional chulha in each household, replacing it with a clean cookstove with a sturdy base. These smart cookstoves significantly reduce smoke emissions, improving respiratory health and reducing firewood consumption — promoting a more sustainable way of living.
This has resulted in:
- A 50% reduction in firewood consumption
- Saving households approximately 10 hours per week previously spent on firewood collection.
Till date, Tata Communications along with its CSR partners, Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) and Northeast Society For Agroecology Support (NESFAS) has supported the solar electrification of 607 households (3000+ beneficiaries) and 13 primary healthcare centres (10,000+ beneficiaries) in the Garo Hills region. Additionally, 15,850 households have transitioned to smart cookstoves, positively impacting nearly 62,000 lives.
Satri Ch. Sangma, a beneficiary adds, “We are very grateful to Tata Communications leadership team for giving us light. Our village now feels like a city, actually, even better because other villages often face power cuts, but our solar lights are always on. I am able to work late into the night at home. These solar lights are everything for me, allowing me to work without worry. Thank you so much”.
“At Tata Communications we are focused on embedding sustainable practices across all aspects of our business, striving to make a meaningful impact on the economy, society and environment. Our community outreach in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya has particularly been very special, as it’s hard to imagine a life without any electricity in today’s digital world. We are confident that this initiative to drive clean energy and healthcare amongst the natives will help improve their lives and create a more inclusive and sustainable future for everyone.” said, Mukul Kumar, Vice President (EOHS & Sustainability), Tata Communications.
With an ongoing focus on clean energy, health, and education, these efforts are closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Such initiatives reaffirm Tata Communications vision of creating a long-lasting, positive impact on communities through sustainable approaches.
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