NBCC: BUILDING HOPE, HEALTH, HAPPINESS
Be it battling covid in Ladakh, helping women entrepreneurs in Visakhapatnam or encouraging research in Delhi’s Hindu college, NBCC’s CSR initiatives lend assistance to a spectrum of communities
NBCC (India) Limited is redefining the landscape of corporate social responsibility with initiatives that go beyond infrastructure, creating genuine and sustainable impact in communities. With a focus on education, healthcare, skill development, and environmental sustainability, the navratna company’s CSR programmes are crafted to uplift and empower, particularly in the underserved regions of India.
At the heart of NBCC’s CSR approach is collaboration. Working alongside local communities, NBCC tailors each project to the specific needs of the area, ensuring lasting benefits that go far beyond the completion of a building or structure. Whether constructing schools, hospitals, or sanitation facilities, NBCC providing individuals with the tools and resources needed to thrive. It is also committed to improve access to essential services such as clean water, and promoting green and eco-friendly construction methods. The company’s CSR strategy emphasises inclusivity, ensuring that no community is left behind in the path toward progress.
In early 2020, as the world grappled with the Covid pandemic, Ladakh, a remote region nestled in the Himalayas, faced its own unique challenges. Although geographically isolated, Ladakh was not spared from the impact of the virus. The people of Ladakh soon realised they had to brace themselves for a tough battle.
Dr Tashi Thinlas, Director of Health Services for Ladakh, recalls the early days vividly: “Our first cases appeared in March and April 2020, with just one or two, initially. But by October that year, the first wave reached its peak, and with it came immense challenges.”
A critical issue was the shortage of oxygen. Ladakh’s only oxygen plant had a capacity of 500 litres, which was far from what was needed. “We had to rely on private vendors for oxygen cylinders, and transporting them across Ladakh’s tough terrain was a logistical nightmare,” says Dr Tashi. Vehicles had to be hired, labour arranged, and every delay strained an already overwhelmed healthcare system.
But there was remarkable resilience as well. Every available space, whether vacant rooms or existing wards, was repurposed into covid wards, isolation units, and ICUs. Collaborations with private hospitals such as Mahabodhi Hospital also helped. The crisis was far from over, however.
That’s when NBCC stepped in, providing crucial support. It played a vital role in both Leh and Kargil districts. Two vaccine vans and 46 ice lined refrigerators (ILRs) were provided. These resources helped manage the overwhelming demand for vaccines and oxygen, particularly in rural areas where the vaccine vans were lifesavers.
Dr Tashi reflects on that time with deep gratitude and says, “Their support allowed us to continue our fight and reach those in far-flung areas. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
For Dr Farana Iqbal, the District Immunisation Officer of Leh, the pandemic brought new challenges as Ladakh transitioned into its new status as a Union Territory. “Once the pandemic hit, we had to act fast. Many cases were reported in Leh, and our teams worked tirelessly,” she shares. The introduction of vaccines brought hope, and soon the entire population of Leh was vaccinated.
Vaccine vans and cold storage equipment such as ILRs and deep freezers allowed the region to maintain the cold chain for vaccines. “Their support made it possible for us to safely deliver vaccines to every household,” Dr Farana notes.
Remembering the early days of uncertainty that brought panic, she gives credit to the medical staff, both senior and junior, who helped navigate the challenge. “Within a month, we had established a covid lab in Chuchot. Now, our immunisation system is online, and we are prepared for whatever comes next.”
In Kargil, Dr Kacho Liaqut Ali Khan, Chief Medical Officer, remembers the pandemic’s havoc. “Covid created a global crisis. We faced numerous difficulties with lockdowns, quarantine zones, and restrictions,” he recalls. The government’s mass vaccination drive was critical, but NBCC’s support ensured its success with the vaccine vans and ILRs.
The NBCC Vaccine Van is on its way to immunise children!
Children eagerly awaiting their vaccine drops, thanks to NBCC’s efforts
For Kacho Mohammad Sajjad, a resident of Gongma in Kargil, the arrival of vaccines at his doorstep was life-changing. “In the past, we had to travel to the district hospital for vaccinations. Now, vaccines are delivered to each health centre, making things much easier for us.”
Driving through Ladakh’s rugged terrain, vaccine van driver Mohammad Shair realises the responsibility he shoulders. “It’s not just vaccines I transport for people – it is hope,” he says proudly. “Driving in such conditions isn’t easy, but knowing I’m helping my community makes it all worth it.”
Did you know that while India boasts of 6.3 crore micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), only 20% are owned or led by women? These enterprises collectively employ over 11 crore people, yet only 24% of these workers are women.
And this is when studies consistently reveal that organisations run by women tend to have higher female workforce participation and show improved efficiency and productivity. These compelling findings were highlighted by Professor M Chandrasekhar, Director of the Indian Institute of Management, Visakhapatnam (IIMV).
To address this gender disparity, IIMV-FIELD, the startup incubator of IIM Visakhapatnam, has launched Naaripreneur For Her Programme (NFHP). This pioneering initiative seeks to harness the entrepreneurial potential of women across India. NFHP is working to strengthen women’s participation in business and workforce.
NBCC has extended its support to NFHP through sponsorship, which has enabled successful implementation of the incubation programme meant for women-led startups. The initiative aims to transform innovative ideas into successful enterprises by offering mentoring, tools, resources, and financial assistance.
NBCC supports womenled businesses in Visakhapatnam, empowering them to break barriers and lead successful startups
“IIMV is committed to inspire, guide, and encourage entrepreneurial leaders,” says Professor M Chandrasekhar. “We are grateful to NBCC for partnering with us in this mission. Their leadership in the form of Shri K P Mahadevaswamy, CMD, NBCC (India) Ltd., Functional Directors and the CSR Team has been instrumental in bringing this programme to life.”
The NFHP programme is a national one, with 27 women-led startups from 14 states selected from 180 applicants. “Each startup will receive an initial grant of Rs 40,000, with successful ventures eligible for seed funding of up to Rs 3 lakh,” Professor Chandrasekhar explains.
Guhesh Ramanathan, CEO of IIMV-FIELD, elaborates on the incubation centre. “Although it focuses on startups from around the country, there is a heightened priority on developing the startup culture in this region, i.e., Vishakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh.” During the incubation period, this cohort trained for about six months and will extend post-incubation support for another six months.
One of the selected entrepreneurs, Shruti Sahani, founder and CEO of DigiWok Media, shares her transformative journey. Shruti’s passion for writing and storytelling nudged her to launch her digital marketing agency in Visakhapatnam in 2020. “But the monthly client retainership model didn’t let her observe the hidden realities. NBCC-sponsored IIMV-FIELD’s NFHP opened my eyes to gaps in my business strategy,” she says.
NBCC helps launch startup incubation for women entrepreneurs, enabling success in diverse fields
Women entrepreneurs crafting traditional wooden blocks with NBCC’s support
NBCC’s support to women entrepreneurs, like Shruti Sahani and Shilpanjani Dantu, has empowered them to innovate and thrive in their businesses
Another success story is that of Shilpanjani Dantu, founder of Gulab Tribe, a social enterprise specialising in Etikoppaka toys — a 400-year-old GI-tagged and One District One Product (ODOP) certified craft from Andhra Pradesh. “I started Gulab Tribe when, in 2018, soon after my daughter’s birth, I realised there was a lack of safe, sustainable toys for children,” she recalls. “I started to learn more about this handicraft and got involved with the artisans as a design intervention to refine our products, ensuring they appeal to global markets.”
Shilpanjani highlights the unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design as a cornerstone of her business. The Gulab Tribe now offers over 40 SKUs in toys and about 20 SKUs in gifting. “Besides being visually attractive, our toys are safe for children. Thanks to the natural dyes and the wood with medicinal properties,” she explains.
NFHP offered Shilpajani solutions to overcome fundamental hurdles such as an understanding of pricing. And funding gave her the confidence and courage to experiment with innovative designs.
Shruti learned about the importance of a strong business development team and a sales funnel from her mentor. “I have already started to see results. I restructured my pricing model and expanded my team to seven employees now. Revised pricing helped me to retain my clients, justifying the value of work. I am also able to secure more international clients.”
Polumuru Nageshwar Rao has been crafting Etikoppaka toys for 35 years. Yet, the association with the Gulab Tribe as the master artisan has been life-changing. “Shilpa madam introduced contemporary designs, which boosted our visibility and demand,” he says.
S Chinnayachari, who runs Yamini Wooden Toys, is an indirect beneficiary of the NBCC-funded NFHP. “Before coalescing the Gulab Tribe, we focused mainly on traditional items such as idols and décor pieces. Now, we primarily produce toys with natural dyes. Thanks to Shilpa madam’s guidance, we’ve scaled our production and can fulfil bulk orders of up to 5,000 pieces. In this unit, all the artisans and workers are women, and their number has grown to 180 today, giving them a steady income and ever-upgrading artistic skills,” he shares.
NBCC bridges the gap in research at Hindu College by providing advanced scientific equipment, fostering groundbreaking discoveries
Guhesh Ramanathan of IIMV-FIELD is optimistic about scaling up the initiative. “NBCC’s continued support could be a game-changer, particularly if it patronises tribal-made products as corporate gifts. It can generate awareness and further demand,” he hopes.
For Shruti, the mentorship and funding have made her a bold, prudent and visionary entrepreneur. “Thanks to NFHP, I’m confident about scaling DigiWok Media, creating more jobs in tier-2 cities, and delivering top-notch services globally,” she shares.
Shilpanjani, too, has ambitious plans. “Etikoppaka toys have tremendous potential, but scaling handcrafted products’ production while maintaining quality is challenging.” She dreams of making Gulab Tribe into a Rs 100-crore enterprise that sustains artisans and preserves the craft.
NBCC’s support to Hindu College, Delhi University, under its CSR initiative has seamlessly bridged the gap between ambition and resources, particularly in the realm of research and innovation. With the help of advanced scientific instruments and infrastructure, NBCC has enabled ground breaking advancements while fostering an ecosystem of education and empowerment.
The gratitude in the Principal Anju Srivastava’s voice shows how much this support means to the college and students. “The capital asset support given by NBCC, including sophisticated instruments such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), UV-visible spectrophotometry, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR), has been a huge support for us. These are instruments we would not have been able to procure on our own. They’ve broadened the scope of research across disciplines such as biotechnology, botany, zoology, physics, and technology,” she said.
NBCC’s investment in state-of-the-art instruments is not just about equipment but also about enabling scholars to push the boundaries of their fields. Ashish, a PhD scholar, shared his insights into the transformative impact of the DSC. “It has enabled us to identify harmful bio-molecules and conduct experiments on materials such as polymers and metals. We have also successfully analysed materials such as PMMA and titanium dioxide, which hold potential for creating better energy-efficient solutions.”
Similarly, research scholar Priyanka highlighted the real-world relevance of UV-visible spectrophotometry. “This instrument is crucial for analysing organic compounds and is instrumental in treating dye waste from the textile industry, allowing us to degrade harmful dyes before they contaminate water resources. The implications for environmental sustainability are significant, and this is just the beginning.”
At Hindu College, NBCC’s support enhances research with cutting-edge instruments, empowering students and scholars to innovate
Ankit, another researcher, spoke of the complementary use of spectroscopy techniques in various industries. “Infrared spectroscopy, alongside UV and NMR, has helped us detect functional groups and characterise organic compounds. This has vast applications in pharmaceuticals, forensic sciences, and even food safety. It’s remarkable how such precision tools enable us to address real-world challenges.”
NBCC’s support extends to hosting workshops, conferences, and outreach programmes at Hindu College. “These initiatives have created a selfsufficient ecosystem,” Principal Srivastava notes.
NBCC’s commitment to fostering growth and progress reflects a deeprooted belief in societal responsibility. Shri K P Mahadevaswamy, CMD, NBCC (India) Ltd. reaffirms this vision, saying, “From healthcare to education and environmental care, our CSR efforts aim to empower individuals and drive sustainable change. The support provided to Hindu College reflects our vision of fostering progress.”
The story of NBCC’s intervention at Hindu College is not just one of infrastructure and tools, but also of aspirations nurtured, innovations inspired, and lives touched. The advanced equipment provided has become the backbone of transformative research, enabling breakthroughs in fields as diverse as health physics, material sciences, and environmental sustainability.
These contributions have empowered young minds to think beyond conventional boundaries, creating solutions that hold promise for a better tomorrow.
NBCC’s contributions extends to the healthcare sector as well. Dr Yogesh Kumar, a rehabilitation specialist at GTB Hospital in Delhi, explained how the Sugamya Sahayak scheme has benefited individuals with disabilities. The hospital provides artificial limbs, motorised tricycles, and other aids to individuals who face mobility challenges.
“These interventions bring hope and independence, enabling divyangjans (people with disabilities) to reclaim their lives. Individuals who once relied on wheelchairs are now able to walk, work, and dream again. Our motto is to transform disability into ability,” he says. These initiatives and more resonate with NBCC’s broader ethos of strengthening communities.
Under the leadership of Shri K P Mahadevaswamy, CMD, NBCC (India) Ltd. along with the dedicated efforts of Functional Directors and the CSR team, NBCC (India) Ltd. has made remarkable contributions to social development through its CSR initiatives. Their collective vision and commitment have driven impactful projects in education, healthcare, skill development, and environmental sustainability, uplifting communities across the nation. Their strategic direction ensures that NBCC’s CSR efforts align with national development goals, fostering inclusive growth and social empowerment.
NBCC ensures timely vaccine delivery to remote areas, safeguarding children’s health
Through its CSR initiatives, NBCC has made significant contributions to community development in underserved areas. Mr K P Mahadevaswamy, Chairman and MD, NBCC (India) Ltd, spoke on NBCC’s CSR strategy. Excerpts from the interview:
NBCC is guided by the CSR policies and regulations prescribed by the Government from time to time. Identification of specific needs of underserved regions through detailed stakeholder consultations, community engagement, and baseline surveys are routed through local government authorities. The company collaborates with local authorities, NGOs, and experts to assess critical gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and skill development. Based on these insights, we design and implements targeted CSR initiatives for sustainable impact.
NBCC has made a lasting impact through its initiatives in education and healthcare infrastructure. Notable examples include the renovation of government school buildings in remote areas of Varanasi; Government School, Garhwa, Jharkhand; and Bhatta Middle School, Purnia, Bihar. Also, NBCC has sponsored educational stipend for tribal girl students of Kalinga Institute of Social Science, Bhubaneshwar; girls come to study from various aspirational districts of Odisha. In healthcare, NBCC has developed community health centres in the remote area of Kiphire, Nagaland, and Kandhamal in Odisha. This has improved access to quality medical services for underserved communities.
NBCC integrates environmental sustainability into its CSR strategy by incorporating eco-friendly construction practices, energyefficient technologies, and green building principles. The company prioritises the use of sustainable materials, rainwater harvesting, solar energy systems, and waste management solutions in its projects. Additionally, NBCC adheres to stringent environmental impact assessments and follows best practices such as minimal land disruption, tree plantation drives, and pollution control measures.
NBCC’s vocational training programmes equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills for sustainable livelihoods. These programmes focus on trades such as construction, electrical work, plumbing, and IT skills, catering to the needs of local communities. By collaborating with training institutes and skill development missions, NBCC ensures highquality training and certification support. These initiatives not only enhance employability but also foster self-reliance.
NBCC engages with local communities and stakeholders at every stage of its CSR projects to foster trust and ensure community ownership. During implementation, NBCC maintains open communication, involves community members in decisionmaking, for long-term project sustainability. Post-completion, regular monitoring and mechanism are carried out to assess impact and make necessary improvements, ensuring the initiatives remain beneficial and well-integrated within the community.