ONGC:COMPASSION IN ACTION

Sikhamoni Nath receiving top-notch dialysis care at Siu-Ka-Pha Hospital, with state-of-the-art facilities.

“ The hospital has a 42-bed ICU with medical and surgical facilities. In ENT, we have all the high-end services for audiological evaluation.

considerable challenges. However, with the establishment of the Siu-Ka-Pha Hospital, the situation has significantly improved for them.

Nath said, “I once had to rush my wife for dialysis at around 12 am. Although the dialysis section was closed then they didn’t hesitate to open it and treat her.”

The staff of the Siu-Ka-Pha Multispeciality Hospital has earned accolades from other patients for their friendly and on-time service. One patient, Jayanta Dutta even stated that their efficiency nullifies the need for an attendant with patients.

Dr Dipankar Das, MD, Consultant-Medicine shared, “I belong from Sivasagar district. We have always felt the lack of a good hospital here, let alone a multispecialty unit. People depended on neighbouring Dibrugarh or had to travel as far as Guwahati for better healthcare.”

He also shares how they are now getting patients from neighbouring districts and even from the neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

Dr. Das shared remarkable cases treated at the hospital, including a BPL cardholder from Geleki village with diabetic ketoacidosis and severe septic shock. “He was rushed to the ventilator. But we are happy that he recovered well when he was discharged,” he mentioned. Another case involved a young boy, unconscious from a mid-brain stroke and severe ARDS, in a coma for three weeks. “But after a month of treatment in the hospital, he returned well recovered.”

Constructed in three stages at a cost of Rs. 313 Crores, the hospital is expected to serve over 100,000 patients each year. Equipped with the latest technology, modern infrastructure, and advanced facilities, it aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services to Assam and other Northeast Indian regions. Its state-of-the-art offerings include advanced diagnostic tools, Mammograms, helical multislice CT scans, 1.5 Tesla MRI, gold-standard modular Operation Theatres (OTs), a critical care unit catering to both adults and children, physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities, as well as pathology and microbiological labs.

Dr Keshavanand Konwar, Consultant ENT- Head, Neck and Skull Base Surgery shares, “We have been doing a lot of special cases regarding skull-based surgeries. Neurosurgery has also been introduced, in addition to orthopaedic and trauma surgeries. The hospital has a 42-bed ICU with medical and surgical facilities. In ENT, we have all the high-end services for audiological evaluation.”

The Outpatient Department (OPD) and Inpatient Department (IPD) charges are much lesser than the market rates and further additional discounts would be extended to BPL card-holding families.

Dr Gautam Das, CEO shares,” The unfavourable socio-economic conditions of the tea garden workers, including malnutrition, high prevalence of communicable diseases, poor living standards, a growing population, and inadequate health facilities are the biggest concerns of this segment of the population here. We aim to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all.”

ONGC as an organisation couldn’t be happier seeing the impact.

ONGC’s ALS ambulances are reshaping emergency medical services across Assam

When Pinku Moni Saikia slipped and fell from the under-construction Jorhat Medical College and Hospital ( JMCH), he suffered grievous injuries, including brain damage. After a night in a local hospital’s ICU, doctors advised that he be transferred to Guwahati for advanced treatment, 330 kilometres away. Shifting such a critically injured patient would have been highly risky, but for the advanced life-support (ALS) ambulance available at the hospital.

Recalling the frightening incident, Saikia says, “I was climbing down a bamboo ladder at about 9:30 pm on June 8 when it broke, and I crashed to the ground. When I regained consciousness, I was told that I had been shifted to the Guwahati hospital the morning after the accident, and this had been possible only because the hospital administration offered the new ALS ambulance. It had saved my life.”

Saikia is now back on his feet and working. “Jorhat does not have multi-specialty health facilities. But the presence of an advanced life support vehicle at least ensures that patients can be shifted to better hospitals securely,” he says with a sense of relief.

Critical care on wheels: ONGC’s ALS ambulance on the go!

This was one of the nine ambulances procured by ONGC as part of its CSR activity, now stationed at different hospitals in Assam.

As its name suggests, the ALS ambulance is a fully equipped critical care unit fitted with all the life-support systems found in a hospital ICU, like ventilators and defibrillators.

Surajit Bora, an ICU technician at the JMCH and an ALS ambulance staffer, explains: “Standard ambulances come with basic life support gear, just enough to transport patients to hospitals. They are not equipped to administer advanced care in the event of an emergency on the way to a hospital. But the ALS is different.”

Jorhat Medical College and Hospital ( JMCH) is the fourth medical facility in the state, serving the people of Jorhat and its neighbouring districts since 2009. The hospital has over 22 departments but lacks super-speciality facilities, so patients requiring such facilities must be shifted to Guwahati.

“We are very grateful to ONGC for this ambulance, which has filled a critical gap in our hospital. Since we are lacking in providing some advanced treatments, we must shift some cardiothoracic and neurosurgery patients to Guwahati. That is no longer a challenge, thanks to the ALS Ambulance,” says Prof (Dr) Ratna Kanta Talukdar, Principal-cum-Chief Superintendent of JMCH.

Moving around in its bright, reflective exterior, the ALS ambulance spreads a sense of assurance among people in Jorhat and beyond. The ONGC has donated such ambulances to eight other medical colleges and hospitals in Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Silchar, Tezpur, Barpeta, Lakhimpur, Diphu, and Tinsukia with a budget of Rs. 4.38 crore, which includes a four-year annual maintenance contract.

Amidst mustard fields and the echoes of Hip-hip hurray, the ONGC Community School has emerged as a beacon of transformation, breathing life into the once-desolate town of Laharpur, Uttar Pradesh, empowering a whole generation of youth for a brighter future and helping the town regain its lost glory as a learning hub.

In the tiny village of Koraia Jangal, seven kilometres from Laharpur in the Sitapur District of Uttar Pradesh, a wonderful transformation is unfolding led by the English-medium ONGC Community School, an enduring symbol of hope for hundreds of underprivileged children.

This English-medium CBSE school, catering primarily to children of underprivileged families, opened in February 2014 thanks to the efforts of Jitin Prasada, a minister in the state government. The school has brought visible change among children primarily from underprivileged families.

“In the early months of the school, students used to defecate in the open. Now, they’ve embraced hygenic habits. This of course is just one of the many changes, bringing glory to our school and community. The students enjoy their studies and their results show as much,” said Danish Khan, the principal of a school with 1,468 students and an 80-member staff, including 52 teachers.

“The ONGC community school is playing a vital role in our lives,” says Muskan Naaz, an intermediate student who aspires to become an MBBS graduate and

Smiling faces at Laharpur’s ONGC Community School, where dreams blossom and futures are built

Young coders in Varanasi: ONGC’s initiative transforms underprivileged youth with advanced computer education

“ The ONGC community school boasts a computer lab with 50 computers, offering courses in Python, C++, coding, HTML, and more.

then a civil servant. Muskan, along with her four siblings, Sanorwar Naaz (14), Saima Naaz (14), Saba Naaz (10), and Ansra Naaz (7), are studying at the ONGC community school with a subsidised fee as low as Rs 500 per student.

Ashish Kumar Singhania, Managing Director of Shanti Devi Memorial Charity Trust, working with ONGC on the school project, says, “Our aim is increasing female student enrollment and participating in social initiatives. We’ve conducted street plays on Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, targeting single-use plastic and food wastage, in 32 villages.

Becoming the school’s first student in 2014, Suneet Kumar, guided by his father Sunil Kumar—a polio survivor emphasizing education—secured admission following ONGC’s announcement of a community school in Laharpur. Now, seeing his sons converse in English with officials, Sunil feels immense pride. Suneet, with a 93% high school score, aspires to clear NEET and be the first doctor from Mevaramnagar’s scheduled caste community,” shares Suneet, aged 16.

Shashank Shukla, 17, head boy and a standout student, thanks ONGC for the opportunity to dream beyond his humble beginnings as a ‘gareeb ka bachcha,’ the son of a van driver. With plans to pursue political science honours and civil services to aid underprivileged children, Shashank has already excelled, scoring 90% in pre-boards and winning 10 medals in athletics. His sister Utkarshika, 14, not only shares his academic ambition with an 86% high school score but also excels in sports, being the top female medalist at the inter-district school games, with aspirations to become a doctor.

The ONGC community school boasts a computer lab with 50 computers, offering courses in Python, C++, coding, HTML, and more starting from sixth grade. Its library houses over 6,000 books catering to all grade levels, while specialized chemistry, physics, and biology labs enable practical application of theoretical knowledge. Additionally, the school emphasizes extracurriculars like drama and theatre, supported by a dedicated hall and stage.

The ONGC community school not only educates local students but also aids in job creation, enhancing self-reliance among the youth. Ashna Javed and Tuba Javed, for example, commute 25 km to teach; Ashna takes care of kindergarten, while Tuba, alongside Pranjali Shukla, instructs senior students in computer science. “This establishment stands as a beacon of inspiration for both private and public schools, making Laharpur proud,” Pranjali explains.

Underprivileged children in Varanasi are rescripting their destinies thanks to ONGC’s education initiative, which has spawned a number of innovative learning centres that break barriers and extend essential support to help them unlock their potential. For these children, this is a story of hope, empowerment, and positive change in the face of daunting odds.

“I used to waste time, abuse, fight and do everything I wasn’t proud of. But now I am proud of who I have become. I can read in English fluently and solve math problems. I also know the Gayatri Mantra. I want to go back to school now. I hope my mother will see me doing well,” Rohit Prajapati says in earnest.

(Facing page) Bright minds illuminate Varanasi’s classroom, where education blossoms in the learning centres

He had to drop out of school during class seven after his mother passed away in 2021. Life hasn’t been easy since. His father, who drives an auto, struggles to make ends meet with three daughters and three sons to take care of.

“I felt angry at my situation and would get into quarrels and while away my time playing carom, kabaddi, etc. But all that changed when I started attending Trikut Seva Sansthan. All my brothers and sisters also come here. I have 14 friends here,” he chuckles.

Since their launch in May 2022, the 30 learning centres in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, have been transforming the lives of over 1,500 students like Rohit. In partnership with Trikuta Sewa Sansthan, an NGO devoted to social service, several Madhav Shiksha Sanskar Kendra learning centres have been set up to help underprivileged students. Many of these students had to drop out of school due to their circumstances. These centres aim to provide them with assistance and support to continue their education.

The centres are established in four blocks, namely Sewapuri, Pindra, Badagaon, and Cholapur, in the Varanasi district. They directly benefit the marginalised community and children. The classes are held in the morning and evening. The project aims to provide non-formal education to these children, which will help them excel in their formal school education and build their confidence for the future.

If there is somebody who is as happy as ONGC, it is the parents of the children benefiting from Trikut Seva Sansthan. For instance, Seema Devi, whose husband works as an auto driver in Mumbai, couldn’t devote enough time to her son due to her responsibilities towards her in-laws and household chores.

However, since her son started going to Trikut Seva Sansthan, he has performed remarkably well. He enjoys going to the institute so much that he is there the whole day, before and after school hours. The children are enjoying the comprehensive educational experience provided by Trikut Seva Sansthan.

Children are taught more than just their syllabus, including life skills, and positive behaviour. Regular counselling is also provided, which is especially helpful in cases like that of Rohit Prajapati’s.

“We aim to give an all-round upbringing to these children who might have fallen back in school, dropped out or struggled with other challenges that

(Right) Sadbhavana Mission: ONGC ignites J&K youth with transformative skill development

come with limited resources. ONGC clearly has its heart in the right place,” says Hridesh Pandey of Trikut Seva Sansthan.

Like Puja Prajapati, whose father runs a power loom, says, “After I began coming to the ONGC centre, the kind of love and encouragement I got was immense. This, in turn, only pushed me to outdo myself. My parents are so happy with my sincerity. I want to be a doctor when I grow up, and my dream looks achievable,” she says with grit.

Vocational Education for youth and Rehabilitation at Drug De-Addiction Centre at Baramulla are writing a new story of hope in the valley

As the snow melts so do their thawed hearts, or so it seems. For the young daughters of Zafar (name changed), it was not easy to deal with their father’s volatile behaviour. His drug addiction had clearly got the better of him.

From a caring husband and a doting father to an angry, abusive and violent individual, Zafar’s his addiction had changed him not just as a husband and father, but also as a human being. And if that wasn’t bad enough, his addiction also influenced his young son who got into drugs.But thankfully, hope knocked on their doors when their heard about ONGC supported Drug De Addiction (DDC) centre in Baramulla.

A part of ONGC’s CSR project supported under their multi-year CSR grant for the FY 2021-2022, the project has been changing lives of many addicts in the valley.

(Below) Crafting skills, shaping futures: Students showcase ONGC’s impact assessment journey

The Kashmir valley is notably recognised as one of the areas significantly impacted by substance abuse. A host of factors like unemployment, the history of conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, peer pressure, unmet aspirations, parental expectations placed on children, poverty, and corruption are some of the major reasons for the rising drug problem in the region. Data presented in Parliament by the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment indicates an alarming figure, with nearly 10 lakh individuals in Jammu and Kashmir affected by the drug menace.

The De Addiction Centre, then is not just a need but a necessity which is helping several like Zafar and his family. What also strikes one about the centre is the care at every step. Take for example the simple fact that the centre is aware of the stigma that comes with addiction. “We maintain

Inspiring growth: Girls empowered through skill development initiatives shine brightly

complete confidentiality of these patients and only the main coordinator knows who they are & not even the faculty. We do this to ensure that they assimilate as normally as they can without feeling judged,” shares the head counsellor, DDC.

Working towards their dreams

According to Mercy Corps, around 48% of young individuals between 18 and 30 in the Kashmir Valley are without employment. A survey by Chatham House (UK) indicates that 96% of respondents in the Kashmir Valley view unemployment as one of the major challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir.

The ONGC- army led mission Sadbhavana (Chinar 9 Jawan Club) initiated skilling project hence finds complete relevance in the valley Coherence. The diverse skill development project covering retail, hospitality, art and culture, Kojo printing, basic coding, fashion designing, and web designing offers significant potential for positive change. Additionally, it has also been equipping youth with digital literacy through basic coding skills opens opportunities in the IT sector, while fashion and web designing training fosters entrepreneurship and showcases Kashmiri aesthetics globally.

The positive impact can be clearly seen. Take for example Uzma Bano, a resident of Ladoora, Rafiabad, who found solace amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through the Chinar 9 Jawan Club’s online Fashion Designing (FD) course, which she joined in May 2021. The flexibility of online learning provided Uzma with opportunities to explore new horizons and expand her knowledge from the comfort of her home. Uzma’s transformative journey exemplifies the power of skill development initiatives to empower individuals, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.

Three years on, the lives of many students continue to change for the better. Like a student studying in the retail course at Chinar Yuva says, “The course has helped me start my own business and get the confidence to be an entrepreneur. It helped clear all my doubts.”

Thanks to the kind of changes coming in the lives of these students, the

(Top) Classroom dynamics at SDI Ahmedabad: Students immersed in engaging learning

“ Since 2014, and approximate 3878 patients have recovered and they have treated a total of 9727 patients since the Centre has opened.

numbers are increasing. Like a faculty Members for Chinar Yuva training programs shares, “Students come here for our courses, like their experiences and then bring more friends. They also feel safe here and have role models amongst the faculty and alumni. The mindset on campus is very positive.” The changes are great for the youth as well as the region.

Like the Army representative at Chinar Yuva club puts it, “Our aim is to get locals to integrate more into mainstream society and occupations.” The changes are more than visible.

An assessment study by Deloitte revealed that 100% students trained at Chinar Yuva club unanimously rated their experience as “Exceeds expectations.” They highlighted the boost in confidence, access to free learning, newfound independence, and the reputable faculty and placement organizations as the key positive aspects of their overall experience.

At the De addiction Centre, 100% of the patients interacted with , stated that the DDC has changed their lives. The Centre has a target of 1300 patients a year. Since 2014, and approximate 3878 patients have recovered and they have treated a total of 9727 patients since the Centre has opened.

In Ahmedabad, a city buzzing with the promise of a brighter future, a transformative scene is unfolding at the Skill Development Institute (SDI). Here, young men and women from underprivileged backgrounds are on a journey toward a better life, equipped not with mere hopes, but with tangible skills and opportunities.

This shift from economic hardship to empowerment is driven by the ONGC’s commitment to skill development and employment. At the heart of this initiative is the ONGC’s vision of a future where every young person, regardless of their background, can achieve their potential.

The students at SDI, like Tuhin Mondal from West Bengal, are the primary beneficiaries of this initiative. Tuhin, a 21-year-old welder, moved to Ahmedabad to learn advanced techniques in welding. “In my hometown, I used basic tools and techniques. Here, I’ve learned so much more,” he says,

(Below) Practical skills in action: Students gaining hands-on experience

reflecting on his journey. “I secured a job at Belrise Industries with a decent salary, and my family no longer worries about my future.” His story is emblematic of many others who, through SDI, are transforming their lives and the economic fabric of their communities.

The majority of students at SDI have completed their graduation or diploma courses and come from financially marginalized backgrounds across Gujarat and other states like Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Kerala. These young individuals, aged between 18 and 28, often face significant challenges such as limited access to resources and inadequate support systems.

SDI, Ahmedabad addresses these obstacles by offering free education and providing employment opportunities. Dr. Chandan Chatterjee, the Executive Director of SDI, emphasizes the institute’s role in bridging skill gaps and enhancing employability. “Our mission is to empower these young individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce,” he states. “We aim to provide not just technical skills, but also soft skills that improve their adaptability and confidence.”

Shri Manish Patil, Director (Human Resources) and Additional Charge Director (Finance), ONGC

“OUR EFFORTS ARE MADE TOWARDS ENGAGEMENT WITH MARGINALISED SECTIONS”

With his focus on people and communities, Shri Manish Patil, Director (Human Resources) has been steering ONGC’s CSR initiatives with aplomb

What does CSR mean at ONGC?

The essential philosophy of CSR at ONGC has been to work with communities in the geography of our operations and beyond. Our CSR interventions run pan India across themes of healthcare, education, environment sustainability, socio-economic, skill, and rural development. Our efforts are made towards engagement with marginalised sections, especially women empowerment with special focus in tribal and backward regions.

Your school in Sitapur has been showing excellent progress. What was the vision behind it?

Set up in 2014, the ONGC Community School has 1200 students and has consistently shown good results in 10th & 12th CBSE boards. Many students have also qualified for engineering and medical graduation courses. The school was established with following objectives: •A Co-ed, English medium, CBSE school • Impart quality education at affordable fees. • Work towards rural education, upliftment and encouragement of girl child education. • Provide holistic education to the underprivileged. • Transform the lives of children and the community around the school.

Please tell us about your work in Assam

ONGC supports three Super 30 centers in Assam where meritorious students from under privileged sections receive free residential coaching to enable them to secure admission in Engineering and Medical colleges.

Nine ALS (Advanced Life Support) Ambulances equipped with specialised medical tools, along with medical experts on board have proven to be a major catalyst towards saving the lives of thousands of patients in Assam.

Our flagship project, the Siu-Ka-Pha Multispeciality Hospital at Sivasagar , which began with 67 beds in 2019, now has 350 beds and has so far benefitted 85,000 people. Built at a cost of Rs. 483.19 crore to address local healthcare concerns, it is equipped with world class facilities and is registered with Atal Amrit and Ayushman Bharat Yojnas of Government of India.

Please tell us about your work in Varanasi.

ONGC supported establishment of 30 Learning Centres in Varanasi. These learning centres, known as Madhav Shiksha Sanskar Kendras, provide non formal educational support to 1500 dropout, underprivileged students.

What are your future plans for CSR?

ONGC is focussed on supporting education and healthcare initiatives across the country. To name a few: We are developing shelter homes (Raeen Basera) in government hospitals for relatives of poor patients. We are also extending support to set up Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas (permanent) in J& K. We are setting up of Burn Ward in Government Hospitals in Karaikal (Tamilnadu), Silchar and Jorhat (Assam). Another inspiring program in education, is to extend our Super 30 program in each of our operational areas for underprivileged talented students. With The Akshay Patra Foundation, ONGC has set up a community kitchen in Surat with plans to extend to Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh). We have also set up Smart Classes across 20 districts with a total financial outlay of over a hundred crore. ONGC will continue its sustained efforts for societal development through CSR.