The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MAY 15, 2025
Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, Runaya, a pioneering manufacturing company, has successfully completed the renovation of key educational infrastructure across rural Jharsuguda in Western Odisha. As part of its flagship social initiative, Project Laadli, the effort marks a significant step in transforming learning environments for underserved communities.
The renovation project spanned four schools — Dalki Primary School, Banjari Upper Primary School, Kurebaga Upper Primary School, and Purna High School — introducing critical upgrades that collectively benefit over 351 students and staff and positively impact more than 3,560 lives across the region. The transformed campuses now feature newly revitalized classrooms and learning spaces that are brighter and more conducive to education; upgraded sanitation facilities with a focus on hygiene, safety, and gender inclusivity; enhanced kitchen infrastructure to support the government’s mid-day meal scheme; a fully equipped and accessible library to promote reading and self-learning; and inclusive design improvements such as ramps and signage to support students with special needs.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of senior district officials, community leaders, school faculty, and representatives from Runaya, underlining the importance of collaboration between the private sector and local governance. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, each school has formed a Student Committee under the guidance of the Headmaster and Sarpanch to oversee the maintenance and responsible use of the new facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Jagannath Prasad Routray, CEO of Recycling Business at Runaya, stated that the completion of this project signifies a deeper investment in community-led educational development. He emphasized that every child, especially girls, deserves a safe, inspiring learning environment, and that access to basic educational infrastructure should not be viewed as a privilege, but as a fundamental right. According to him, small but focused efforts like these help build a future-ready generation.
Echoing this sentiment, Anil Kumar Patel, Block Education Officer of Jharsuguda, praised Runaya’s initiative as a strong example of how corporate social responsibility can drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. He highlighted that the improved facilities are not only enhancing the quality of education but also empowering communities, boosting attendance, and promoting better hygiene practices. He called on more enterprises to partner in the shared mission of Odisha’s inclusive development.
This initiative is part of Runaya’s broader commitment to India’s national goals around education, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. By addressing infrastructure gaps and creating nurturing, safe spaces for students to thrive, Runaya continues to demonstrate how private sector leadership can actively shape empowered and resilient rural communities.
