The first school under Maruti Suzuki’s CSR initiative in rural Gujarat at Sitapur (Ahmedabad district), is ready to admit students from this academic session with building and other infra at place. However, due to prevailing pandemic and school closures, the school will start virtually in June. The school will begin the online classes for the primary wing initially followed by a senior secondary school in a phased manner.
Maruti Suzuki India has chosen Podar Education Network (PEN), as the academic partner and the school will be a franchisee school of PEN and is called as Maruti Suzuki Podar Learn School. The foundation stone of the school was laid in 2019. The school will be affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education.
Spread over 7.5 acres, Maruti Suzuki PLS has been set up in Sitapur, a village close to the Maruti Suzuki India’s factory at Hansalpur in Ahmedabad district. However, the school is not reserved for company employees and is open to all students of the local community. The school is set up and fully equipped to accommodate students from pre-primary to fifth standard. Currently, there are 13 teachers, and 117 students enrolled at Maruti Suzuki PLS. The school was expected to start operations in April 2021, but due to deteriorating Covid-19 pandemic conditions, it has been delayed. The school is now working towards digitalising its operations and will begin online classes in early June 2021.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Panda, Principal, Maruti Suzuki Podar Learn School said, “I have been closely associated with Podar Education Network since 2016 and have first-hand experience of their unwavering dedication to not only deliver quality education but make it accessible for all. The Podar Learn School model is very innovative. This collaboration has enabled us to bring modern infrastructure technology, best curriculum and standardised high quality education to Sitapur which I am sure will immensely benefit the students.”
Harsh Podar, Director, Podar Education Network said, “It’s extremely encouraging when India’s largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, partners with Podar Learn School to invest in quality and affordable education to positively impact local communities in rural India. In light of the new National Education Policy, the PLS model, which is the best education franchise in India, will further widen the reach of good quality education into the interiors of the country. It’s a good opportunity for various companies and corporations whose CSR efforts are focused on enhancing local communities’ access to education and learning. Partnering with Podar Learn School is a progressive step in the right direction.”