POWERGRID’S COMMITMENT TO LIFE AND LIVES

KAU Ladies’ Hostel: POWERGRID’s CSR-backed hostel at KAU provides safe, modern housing, empowering women in agriculture

With secure, well-equipped accommodations, these students are not just finding a place to stay — they are discovering the power of confidence, camaraderie, and self-reliance. In a country where sending daughters away for education still raises concerns, the hostel provides reassurance to families that higher education is not just safe but transformative.

Beyond individual benefits, the impact ripples outward. Research has shown that educated women in agriculture are more likely to champion sustainable farming, engage in responsible resource management, and promote economic stability in their communities. By supporting their academic journey, this initiative sows the seeds for a more inclusive and progressive future for Indian agriculture.

Inaugurated and handed over to KAU in February 2021, the three-storeyed hostel, constructed at a cost of Rs 4.45 crore, represents a strategic investment in educational equity. With KAU’s student population comprising 80% women, providing safe and high-quality accommodation was imperative.

“POWERGRID’s support has allowed us to address the unique needs of our students,” says Dr. Ranjith Kumar, director of students’ welfare at KAU. The hostel features 42 well-furnished rooms, a dedicated dining area, modern study spaces, and state-of-the-art washrooms — ensuring not just comfort but an environment conducive to learning.

However, infrastructure alone does not define impact. By providing a secure and purpose-built space, POWERGRID enables young women — many living away from home for the first time — to focus on academics and personal growth.

“This hostel is more than just accommodation—it is a community,” says Prof. Misha Davis, assistant professor and assistant warden. Undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students from different backgrounds share this space, forging cross-cultural bonds that enhance learning and social skills.

The diverse mix of students creates an environment of collaboration, innovation, and resilience — essential qualities for those stepping into the ever-evolving agricultural sector, which faces challenges like climate change, resource constraints, and shifting market demands. The hostel, by fostering dialogue and exchange, prepares students to tackle real-world agricultural challenges with a broader perspective.

For many students, the impact of the hostel is deeply personal. Anjana, an 18-year-old first-year student in cooperative management, recalls her apprehension about leaving home. “I was nervous about moving to a new place, but within a week, the hostel felt like a ‘nest’ — a safe, welcoming space,” she says.

Vishram Sadan stands tall—a home away from home for healing families

For Mayooka, a postgraduate student in cooperative banking and management, the hostel has transformed her academic routine. “Being closer to the library and having a well-lit study hall allows me to focus better. It has made a huge difference to my learning experience,” she explains.

Parvathi, an MBA student in agri-business management, highlights how the hostel put her family’s concerns to rest. “Initially, my parents were worried about the living conditions in a government institution. But once I settled in, they saw how comfortable and well-managed the place is,” she says with a smile.

By nurturing independence, collaboration, and innovation, this initiative ensures that future generations of women farmers, researchers, and policymakers are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to shape India’s agricultural landscape.

The warm aroma of fresh rotis and tempered dal blends effortlessly with the gentle steam rising from perfectly cooked idlis. Soft conversations fill the air as families prepare meals in the shared kitchen, exchanging stories, offering support, and beginning the day with a sense of hope.

Inside the 270-bed facility, shared spaces foster support as families navigate their healing journey together

It is a familiar morning at POWERGRID’s Vishram Sadan, an oasis of relief for families accompanying loved ones undergoing treatment at NIMHANS, Bengaluru. More than just a shelter, it is a sanctuary — one where attendants find comfort, dignity, and the emotional strength to navigate the challenges of long-term medical care.

For Divya Nikhat and her sister Zikriya, today is a day of gratitude. Their father, who suffered a severe brain haemorrhage and stroke, is finally being discharged after six months of intensive care. As they pack their bags, Divya reflects on their journey: “This place gave us everything we needed—clean dormitories, a kitchen to prepare meals that felt like home, and, most importantly, the reassurance of being close to our father. Vishram Sadan made this difficult time a little easier.”

Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, emphasises the critical role of Vishram Sadan in ensuring holistic patient care. “We treat over 2,500 outpatients daily, many of whom travel from distant towns and villages. They often need to stay for additional investigations and treatment, but finding safe and affordable accommodation in Bengaluru is a challenge. That’s where Vishram Sadan makes a difference.”

Since its inauguration, nearly 3,000 people have benefited from this facility.

At Vishram Sadan, Vishnu’s mother prepares a warm meal, wrapping up their journey of care and recovery

“Patients heal better when surrounded by their loved ones,” Dr. Murthy adds. “Being close to their families eases their anxiety and fosters a stronger emotional connection, which is crucial for recovery.”

For Praveen Kumar, whose father was diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis, Vishram Sadan was nothing short of a lifesaver. “We came from Shimoga and couldn’t afford the high accommodation costs in Bengaluru. Vishram Sadan was a blessing — it’s affordable, clean, and just a short walk from the ICU.”

Samina, whose sister underwent major surgery at NIMHANS, echoes a similar sentiment. “Before finding this place, we were commuting long distances every day, adding to an already stressful situation. Now, we have a private room just steps from the hospital, where we can rest and support my sister’s recovery. It has been a huge relief.”

Vishram Sadan is not just a dormitory—it is an extension of patient care at NIMHANS. Dr. Shashidhara H.N., Resident Medical Officer, underscores its importance: “The healing process isn’t just about medical treatment. Families play a vital role in post-hospital care, and Vishram Sadan allows them to be present, to learn about the patient’s condition, and to prepare for long-term recovery at home.”

He recalls a particularly moving case — a young man who had been in a catatonic state for four years. His mother, staying at Vishram Sadan, never gave up on him. “She cared for him tirelessly, speaking to him every day. After weeks of dedicated care, he finally spoke his first word in years: ‘amma’. Moments like these remind us of the profound impact that family presence has on healing.”

Prithviraj, the supervisor at Vishram Sadan, describes his role with pride. “We have 55 dormitories and 12 private rooms, all kept spotlessly clean. Every family that stays here is treated with respect. It’s not just a room; it’s a space where they can recharge, eat, and find comfort while caring for their loved ones.”

As Divya and Zikriya prepare to leave, they look back with gratitude at the place that provided them strength, comfort, and resilience. “This wasn’t just a shelter — it was our home in a time of uncertainty. It gave us a sense of stability when we needed it most. Vishram Sadan is not just a building; it’s a sanctuary for those who need it the most.”

Uttar Pradesh C.M Yogi Adityanath at the inauguration of the SGPGI-POWERGRID Tele-ICU Service, a pioneering initiative bringing expert critical care to remote hospitals

On October 22, 2023, a transformative chapter in Uttar Pradesh’s healthcare story unfolded with the inauguration of the SGPGI-POWERGRID Tele- ICU Service. The SGPGI Tele-ICU, setup under POWERGRID’s CSR initiative represents a major leap in critical care delivery, particularly for remote and under-resourced medical institutions. Built on a hub-and-spoke model, the facility at SGPGI in Lucknow serves as the central hub, extending its expertise to six government medical colleges in Agra, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Kanpur, Meerut, and Prayagraj. In places where intensivists and advanced ICU resources remain scarce, this initiative ensures that critically ill patients receive expert attention without the need for long-distance transfers.

Inside the command centre at SGPGI, Lucknow, a team of seasoned intensivists monitors the condition of patients hundreds of kilometers away. High-definition cameras provide real-time visuals of ICU patients, while advanced data-sharing tools transmit information about their vitals. The doctors at SGPGI are not just observing; they are actively engaged, working closely with on-ground ICU teams at these regional hospitals.

Through live video consultations, SGPGI specialists review patient progress, analyse diagnostic tests, and offer immediate recommendations. Whether it’s adjusting ventilator settings, interpreting CT scans, or managing complex infections, their expertise is just a call away. For medical staff at the spoke centres, this is a game-changer. No longer do they feel alone in tackling critical cases. Instead, they have an entire team of SGPGI experts guiding them at every step.

Beyond improving patient outcomes, the Tele-ICU project is reshaping the way ICU doctors and nurses are trained. With every consultation, local medical teams gain invaluable knowledge from SGPGI experts, learning to manage complex conditions with greater confidence.

In many of these government hospitals, doctors often work with limited guidance when handling critical cases. Now, they have access to real-time mentorship, where each interaction becomes an opportunity to learn. Over time, this system builds self-sufficiency, allowing local doctors to refine their clinical judgement and execute treatments with precision.

This has a ripple effect on the larger healthcare ecosystem. Strengthening ICU capabilities in regional hospitals means fewer patients need to be transferred to overburdened city hospitals. This, in turn, helps major healthcare centres focus on high-priority cases while ensuring that quality care is accessible across the state.

POWERGRID’s involvement in this initiative extends far beyond funding. While its CSR grant provided the foundation for building the sophisticated telemedicine infrastructure, the real impact lies in its collaborative approach. Working alongside SGPGI, Cloud Physicians, and CSPL Lucknow, the project was designed to be scalable and sustainable, ensuring that the benefits of advanced healthcare reach even the most remote regions.

Inside the SGPGI command center, intensivists closely monitor ICU patients, offering real-time guidance on complex cases

With ongoing technological advancements, the Tele-ICU model holds immense potential. Future enhancements, such as AI-driven diagnostic tools and machine learning algorithms, could further refine ICU workflows, allowing real-time alerts for deteriorating patients and improving decisionmaking efficiency.

The true success of this initiative lies in the lives it has saved. Take the case of a 16-year-old boy from Prayagraj, who was rushed to the government medical college after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that led to respiratory paralysis. His condition rapidly worsened, and soon, he was dependent on a ventilator. Then came further complications — sepsis, septic shock, and ventilator-associated pneumonia—making it nearly impossible for him to recover.

But with the Tele-ICU team at SGPGI monitoring him round the clock, a specialised care plan was put into action. Over the next 45 days, intensivists guided the local medical team in infection management, ventilator weaning, and rehabilitation strategies. Slowly, his lungs regained strength, and after weeks of battling for his life, he was successfully weaned off the ventilator. Today, he is on his way to a full recovery.

Then there is the case of a 38-year-old woman from Gorakhpur, who suffered multiple fractures and a severe brain injury in a road accident. The trauma had left her in a coma, with a dangerously low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, indicating severe neurological damage. Initial surgeries to stabilise her fractures were successful, but she later slipped into septic shock, requiring prolonged ventilatory support.

With the Tele-ICU team stepping in, her recovery followed a structured, protocol-driven approach, addressing infections, ensuring optimal oxygenation, and gradually rebuilding her strength. It took 120 days in the ICU, but against all odds, she was eventually moved to the general ward and later discharged. Her case stands as a testament to the power of expert-guided critical care, delivered remotely yet effectively.

The SGPGI-POWERGRID Tele-ICU Service has already transformed the landscape of critical care in Uttar Pradesh. But its true impact will be seen in the years to come. As more hospitals integrate into the system, the reach of highquality intensive care will extend further, touching the lives of thousands more.

With continued investment, technological upgrades, and dedicated collaboration, this model has the potential to redefine India’s approach to critical care delivery. It is a promise that no patient should suffer due to a lack of access to specialised treatment. Through the power of innovation, expertise, and compassion, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope and progress in India’s healthcare journey.

The SGPGI-POWERGRID Tele-ICU team, working together to enhance critical care access across Uttar Pradesh