GENTLE CARE AND DEDICATION

(Above) Learning and growing: BEML supports foundational education for a brighter future in Kolar Gold Fields

BEML’s commitment to education in the area goes back a long way; it has been catering to the underserved community of KGF through its BEML Composite PU College since 1979. Since the constituency of Kolar is reserved for scheduled castes, a large population of the area belongs to the SC/ ST category. “We provide extra classes for students who feel they are lagging behind. We also have a well-equipped science lab that is open to all the students of the area and not just our school students, and a library to help students excel in studies,” says Sudha J, Principal.

BEML Composite PU College boasts of an impressive alumni as well. One of its former students, Margaret HJ, is a successful agripreneur based in Kolar. Her venture, Issayu Foods, produces a variety of unpolished millets and is working towards value-added products such as millet flakes, vermicelli, cookies and noodles. “BEML Composite PU College has played an important role in my success. The college gave me opportunities to grow, think and take risks,” says Margaret.

BEML has also been supporting government ITIs in KGF and has donated machines and other equipment as well.

In 2021, BEML introduced a dual system of training (DST) scheme, under which students receive six months of on-the-job training at BEML. The opportunity gives them industrial exposure and sharpens their skills, which in turn make them employable. Around 120 students have benefitted from DST so far.

In financial year 2023-24, BEML Education Society spent more than Rs 472 lakh on providing education to the population of KGF.

BEML has been steadfast in its resolve to eradicate tuberculosis (TB). A significant 17.7% decrease in tuberculosis incidence has been observed between 2015 and 2023 as a result of several important interventions.

BEML’s Medical Centre in BEML Nagar, KGF, has been contributing to India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). Since nutrition is crucial to the course of treatment in TB, the centre provides nutritional supplements to patients. With the aim to eliminate TB by 2025, the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan runs a programme called Nikshay Mitra, that supports TB patients in India. BEML Limited is a Nikshay Mitra and has adopted TB patients in KGF and Bangarpet Taluks. It has been providing nutritional support through TB food kits every three months to 81 patients in KGF, and 70 patients in Bangarpet. The food kit consists of raw rice (3 kg), toor dal (1.5 kg), sunflower oil (250 ml), and jaggery (1 kg).

(Right) Frontiers of Change: BEML’s medical team leads the fight against TB, supporting India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme

(Above) As part of the ‘Mass Campaign to Eliminate TB,’ BEML is strengthening patient care through nutrition, treatment, and awareness drives

Thirty-six-year-old Yellama benefitted from the programme. The Bangarpetbased farmer with three kids was afflicted by TB in 2024. Regular DOTS therapy at the centre meant she beat the disease and recovered completely.

“At BEML Medical Centre, we are trying to create awareness, help TB patients with their treatment, and aid they recovery with guidance and nutritional requirements,” says TB Project In-charge Dr Paranthanabhan.

The team of doctors also conducts awareness camps on hand hygiene in nearby villages and schools. “One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of TB is by practicing good hand hygiene. Our team visits the villages here, and demonstrates a step-by-step process of washing hands,” says Dr Sachudanand, BEML Medical Centre, KGF.

The enthusiastic team of doctors also stage street plays for the community to learn about the medical condition in an engaging manner. The community activities are followed by distribution of free medicines.

In Government HPS, Golahalli village in Kolar district, BEML has made two toilets. Nagamma, headmaster, says, “There was just one toilet for 50 students and all the faculty so two toilets for us is a big help. It helps us to maintain hygiene and be healthy.”

BEML has successfully developed a 451-hectare B R Ambedkar Environmental Park. Rich in flora and fauna, BEML has worked towards preserving the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

It has also undertaken the task of desilting the Haranikunte Lake in Kyasamballa Hobli, KGF, which is spread over 25 acres.

At the government primary school in Basavanapura at Belawadi, Mysuru, the air crackles with energy as children recite Kannada rhymes, their sharp voices filling the space. The school may lack expansive grounds or towering trees, but its 75 students bring a vibrancy that makes up for it.

For years, however, these children faced a big challenge — the absence of proper toilets; the inconvenience often meant missing school. With BEML’s intervention, newly built, hygienic facilities have transformed not just sanitation but the overall school experience.

Empowering education: BEML provides essential resources, from clean water to books, at a government school near T Narasipur.

Tanushree, Gagan, and Subhash, all fourth-graders, can’t hide their excitement. “Now, school feels more comfortable,” says Tanushree with a grin. Gagan adds, “It makes us feel like our school is special.” Assistant Head Master Vijay M C believes there is more to it than just infrastructure. “It’s a lesson in kindness,” he says. “The children now see that even companies that build giant machines can contribute in simple, meaningful ways.”

A similar transformation is unfolding in Tadimalangi, a quiet village near T Narasipur, where BEML has equipped a government higher primary school with an RO water unit, computers, a printer, almirahs, chairs, sports racks, and library books.

With eyes beaming, Rakshitha, a fifth-grader, clutches a pair of shuttlecocks and says, “Now we play every day!”.

Head Master Raja Setty couldn’t be happier. “These additions go beyond just resources,” he says, “They ignite ambition.”

Holding a copy of a Kannada folktale to her chest, booklover and student Suma says, “Before, we had only a few books. Now, we have so many stories to choose from.”.

In Koorgalli, where BEML’s presence runs deep, the company recently organised a general health checkup camp near Rama Mandir, ensuring accessible healthcare for all. The narrow lanes buzzed with activity as doctors examined elderly residents, working adults, and young children, offering diagnoses, prescriptions, and reassurance.

But it was the women of the village who turned up in large numbers. For many, this was a rare opportunity to prioritise their health. “We always take our children to the doctor, but we ignore our own problems,” says Nagamma, a 52-year-old homemaker. “If we have to pay, we just bear the pain and move on. But today, we don’t have to.”

Leading the medical team was Dr Milcha Maria, who examined people with patience and care. She met Shivamma, a mother of four, who had been feeling weak and dizzy for months. “She has low iron levels,” Dr Maria explained, prescribing supplements and simple dietary changes. “Many women suffer from this, but they don’t realise it’s something we can easily manage.”

Elderly villagers like Ananda, a retired labourer struggling with persistent joint pain, also found relief in the camp. “I never thought I’d get to see a doctor without travelling far,” he says, adjusting his worn-out shawl. “Now I know what I need to do to feel better.”

Volunteers conducted short sessions on nutrition, hygiene, and the importance of regular checkups. Children giggled as they learned proper handwashing, while elderly women took careful notes on managing diabetes with simple home remedies.

Planting for the future: BEML’s Mysuru Complex nurtures biodiversity and environmental awareness

At its Mysuru Complex, BEML’s commitment extends beyond schools and healthcare. Over the years, the company has nurtured a tradition — each distinguished guest plants a sapling, adding to what is now a flourishing grove of over 600 indigenous trees, including guava and jackfruit.

These trees are more than just greenery; they stand as a testament to BEML’s long-term vision — one that balances industrial growth with environmental responsibility.

This initiative isn’t just ceremonial; it’s practical. Students from nearby schools often visit the grove, learning about biodiversity, native species, and climate change. “I used to think planting trees was just for shade,” says Pranav, a curious sixth-grader. “Now I know they give us oxygen, fruits, and even help birds find homes.”

BEML’s story in Mysuru goes beyond building infrastructure, providing resources, or offering healthcare. It’s about shaping a future where education is accessible, health is a priority, and sustainability a shared responsibility.

As the sun sets over the Mysuru Complex, the sound of children’s laughter fills the air — a reminder that change doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s in the small, meaningful steps that create a lasting impact. Because in the end, building machines is only part of the illustrious and big BEML story. Building futures — that’s what truly matters.

The sun is peculiarly harsh for a February in Bengaluru, but the bylanes of Reddypalya, a quaint locality in Jyothinagar, are bustling with activity. After all, BEML Hospital is back with its medical camp, an activity that takes place regularly in the area, where the majority of people are from the lower-middle class demographic.

Fifty-year-old Haseena Bano is happy she won’t have to go far for ECG. “I have been having mild chest pain and I came out of the house to go to the hospital and saw this camp. My ECG here will save me time and money,” she says, accompanied by her sister Shahana, who is getting an eye checkup at the camp.

Dignity and comfort: BEML’s intervention provides a class apart infrastructure at the government primary school in Basavanapura, Mysuru

It was in 1988 that BEML set up BEML Hospital in New Tippasandra for its employees. To serve area residents other than its employees, BEML has started conducting medical camps. “Every three months, we conduct a general health camp in the vicinity: blood pressure is monitored, eye and dental checkups are done, as well as counselling for a healthy diet, and free distribution of medicines, and ECG and cardiac screening,” says Dr Shanthi, Head, BEML Hospital, adding, “So many times, we have been able to detect early signs of heart conditions, diabetes, and kidney issues.”

BEML Medical Centre also organised health awareness and screening camp for women in collaboration with RV Aster Hospital, wherein 450 women underwent health checkups and breast cancer screenings.

Sujit Kumar Bhuniya, general manager, human resources, BEML, says, “CSR is a continuous activity at BEML. While healthcare and education lie at its core, BEML is also contributing to skill development, community development, eradication of hunger and malnutrition, afforestation, adoption of villages and commitment to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.”

BEML has constructed 12 new toilets in eight government schools in Bengaluru. As part of the Swachh Bharat Annual Action Plan, all its employees have taken a pledge to devote 100 hours in a year as “shramdaan” (voluntary labour) to ensure cleanliness of the work area and surroundings.

In BEML’s Bengaluru complex, segregation of dry waste and wet waste is done with diligence. Also known as the Rail Coach Division and established in 1948, the complex houses a biogas plant that converts leftover food waste into energy, which is in turn used to cook food in the workers’ canteen.

With a 5,000 sq m catchment area, the complex is effectively collecting rainwater to be harvested.

Within the BEML township in New Tippasandra lies a barren patch of land that is being developed into a beautiful park. Around 100 saplings have been planted, which will serve as a recreational facility for the residents, who are already using it for fitness activities such as jogging and walking.

Clearly CSR is more than just a mandate at BEML.

Swinging towards a better future: BEML’s support creates a more comfortable and special learning environment