Sign in Subscribe
Electric vehicles

Virtusa Foundation Unveils Initiatives to Enhance Education and Climate Resilience in Bengaluru's Rural Regions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Virtusa Foundation, the CSR arm of Virtusa Corporation, has launched key initiatives at Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli, Bengaluru, aimed at creating lasting community impact. The initiatives include the inauguration of a 16-room residential facility for teachers and the flagging off of two electric buses charged by electricity generated using solar energy. Located in a remote forest-fringe region, these initiatives amplify support for the tribal and underserved communities that the Ramakrishna Mission has been tirelessly supporting for over four decades. The newly built teachers' quarters and electric buses aim to enhance climate resilience, improve education outcomes, and reduce operating costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Virtusa Foundation has invested in a 16-room residential facility for teachers, featuring a multipurpose hall, four pantry areas, and a common washroom, to retain teachers in remote places like Shivanahalli.
  • The facility has a capacity for up to 34 teachers and offers stability and comfort that encourages longer tenures, ensuring consistent guidance, stronger relationships, and improved learning outcomes for students.
  • Two new Tata Ultra 9m EV buses, charged by electricity generated from solar energy, were flagged off to provide daily transportation for 120 students from scattered villages across forested terrain.
  • Each bus is equipped with fast-charging capabilities to ensure uninterrupted daily operations and multiple protection features to prioritize student safety.
  • The buses will also bring students from 10 government schools in the Bannerghatta region to the campus for 'MaaDoo', a hands-on STEM learning initiative.
  • This initiative makes Ramakrishna Mission, Shivanahalli the first school in India to operate Tata Motors' electric buses charged by electricity generated using solar energy.
  • The effort also supports Virtusa's sustainability targets of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and 100 percent renewable energy use by 2030.
  • The ceremony was attended by senior leaders from Virtusa, including Amit Bajoria, Chief Financial Officer, and Shirsendu Deb, Senior Vice President & Global Finance Controller.
  • The Virtusa Foundation has a deep-rooted commitment to its three pillars of impact: Education, Environment, and Empowerment (3Es).

Statistics:

  • The 16-room residential facility for teachers covers an area of 7,000 sq. ft.
  • The facility has a capacity for up to 34 teachers.
  • Each Tata Ultra 9m EV bus has a seating capacity for 120 students.
  • The buses are equipped with fast-charging capabilities, enabling them to operate for extended periods without interruption.
  • The effort aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and 100 percent renewable energy use by 2030.

Sources:

  • India Education Diary. "Virtusa Foundation Unveils Initiatives to Enhance Education and Climate Resilience in Bengaluru's Rural Regions." July 3, 2023.

Read more