As part of its CSR activities, Komatsu India Private Limited has sponsored
two After-School Study Centres for rural tribal children in Sitheri Panchayat,
Pappireddipatti Block, Dharmapuri district. Sevalaya is the implementation
partner of the project worth more than ₹7 lakhs. The two centres in Arasanatham
and Kalasapadi villages were inaugurated on 8 Feb 2025 by dignitaries from
Komatsu India in the presence of village representatives. S Dilli Babu and
N Nethaji, senior officials from the HR & GA Department, Komatsu India
graced the occasion as Chief Guests.
While Sitheri Hills has around 62 villages, these two underdeveloped villages,
with a population of around 2,000 in total were identified for this project.
Nearly 70 school-going children are already enrolled in the two centres.
Designed in collaboration with IIT- Madras’ Vidya Shakti initiative,
these free centres for school-going underprivileged students are equipped
with smart-boards, audio-visual equipment and books. They offer daily
lessons with special focus on Mathematics and Science, regular mentoring
and a conducive learning environment. Sevalaya runs 28 other After-School
Study Centres across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
Speaking on the occasion, Dilli Babu said that Komatsu, a 100+ year old
organisation has always supported development projects as a way of giving
back to society. He added that since the organisation wanted to focus on
areas beyond Chennai , in remote parts of Tamil Nadu, they chose Sitheri
Hills. He said he was aware of the need for education projects at Sitheri
Hills since first generation school-goers face difficulties. He further
encouraged children and parents to make use of these free facilities.
Nethaji in his speech shared that he was a native of Dharmapuri and
expressed happiness that the project came to fruition through Sevalaya.
Rajini, Panchayat Ward Member, Kalasapadi village, shared that the people
were very happy with these developmental activities and promised to make
good use of the facilities. The villagers also requested Komatsu India to
continue supporting villages around the area and take up many more such
developmental initiatives.
Earlier Ashok Kumar L, AVP, Operations, Sevalaya welcomed the gathering and
spoke about Sevalaya’s activities spanning school education, children’s and
old age homes, healthcare and rural development. Mathan Kumar M, Project
Coordinator, Sevalaya delivered the Vote of Thanks. Mementos were presented
to the Chief Guests.
