Duliajan, November 26, 2024 — Oil India Limited (OIL) has officially launched Project ‘OIL Jigyasa’, an innovative, technology-driven initiative designed to promote sustainable education for underprivileged students as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. The project was inaugurated by OIL’s Resident Chief Executive (RCE), Rupjyoti Phukan, at the Duliajan Adarsha Balika Vidyapeeth in Duliajan.
The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including Bhairab Bhuyan, President of OIL India Rural Development Society (OIRDS); Debashis Bora, CGM (Field Administration) and Vice President of OIRDS; Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya, CGM (F&A); Shyamal Prasad Das, GM (PA); and Trina Chakrabarti, Regional Director (East) of CRY (Child Rights and You). In addition, senior OIL officials, teachers, students, parents, and members of the school management committee were present.
Project ‘OIL Jigyasa’ is an ambitious initiative aimed at bridging educational gaps and empowering rural students, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Under the aegis of OIRDS, the project seeks to democratize access to quality STEM education by introducing advanced learning solutions, including state-of-the-art tinkering labs, modern infrastructure, and specialized teacher training programs.
Key Features of Project ‘OIL Jigyasa’
The primary goal of ‘OIL Jigyasa’ is to foster curiosity, creativity, and innovation among rural schoolchildren. The initiative will introduce innovative STEM programs and hands-on learning experiences to schools in OIL’s operational areas. It is expected to significantly enhance the learning environment, encourage critical thinking, and promote skills such as computational thinking, design mindset, and adaptive learning.
In its first year (FY 24-25), the project will be rolled out in 24 rural government schools in Assam, with an initial investment of Rs 3 crore. Over time, the project will expand to cover OIL’s operational areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. The project will be implemented in collaboration with Child Rights and You (CRY), a prominent national NGO that focuses on child welfare and education.
Impact and Future Prospects
‘OIL Jigyasa’ is expected to have a transformative impact on school enrolment rates and improve students’ performance in critical subjects like Science and Mathematics. By integrating cutting-edge technology and providing access to high-quality educational resources, the project aims to instill a lifelong passion for learning and innovation in young minds.
Looking ahead, the project also plans to establish strategic partnerships with leading organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), International Union of Educational Foundations (IUEF), NASA’s International Asteroid Search Collaboration, and the International Astronautical Federation. These collaborations will enable students to engage in global knowledge exchange and participate in exciting space-related educational projects.
The ultimate objective of ‘OIL Jigyasa’ is to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to shape a sustainable and technologically advanced future. By promoting STEM education in underserved communities, OIL India is taking significant steps toward bridging the education divide and creating opportunities for rural youth to thrive in the modern world.
About OIRDS and CRY
The Oil India Rural Development Society (OIRDS) has been at the forefront of OIL India’s CSR initiatives, focusing on rural development, education, and community welfare. In partnership with CRY, which has been instrumental in advancing child rights and education across India, ‘OIL Jigyasa’ aims to create a long-lasting impact on the educational landscape of rural India.
Project ‘OIL Jigyasa’ is set to be a pioneering force in advancing sustainable education and empowering future generations of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators.
By Arpan Dutta(Duliajan)