CSR initiative light up community volleyball courts in Assam

Assam, India: Signify, the world leader in lighting, has partnered with Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) to light up 20 community volleyball courts in the rural districts of Assam in India. This project aims to support the growth and adoption of volleyball amongst rural communities in the state. The Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) is a prominent grassroots volleyball league founded by Abhijit Bhattacharya, former captain of the Indian Volleyball team.

Founded in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, BVL has successfully nurtured and inspired youth in the state to discover and play volleyball as a professional sport. It has since become one of the biggest community grassroots volleyball leagues in the world, with over 5,000 children from across Assam, having the opportunity to play volleyball. Through its emphasis on community and youth development, the league has become an agent of positive change in the region.

In 2022, BVL witnessed an unprecedented surge in participation, with more than 350 rural village teams embracing the sport. However, beyond the daytime matches, the absence of proper lighting in the grounds cast a shadow over the aspirations of these young athletes. Recognizing the immense potential amongst the youth in these communities, Signify took the initiative to enhance the sporting infrastructure by providing proper lighting to 20 grassroots centers in the state, under its Khel Jyoti CSR program.

With the advanced lighting solutions installed by the company, the young players can now practice under professional illumination levels mandated for national-level volleyball, reflecting Signify’s dedication towards nurturing future sportsmen in the country. By illuminating these grounds, the project seeks to empower more than 5,000 players athletes with the resources they need to grow and excel in their sport, fostering a passion for volleyball, and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle within these communities.

Commenting on the project, Natasha Wadhwa, Head – CSR, Signify Innovations India Limited said, ” Sports has the potential to unite, inspire, and create lasting change. Our collaboration with the Brahmaputra Volleyball League reflects our commitment towards promoting grassroots sports and offering better opportunities to the talented youth of Assam. We believe that by illuminating the community volleyball fields, we are not just lighting up the grounds, but also igniting the dreams and aspirations of thousands of young athletes, fostering a brighter future for them.”

Abhijit Bhattacharya, the visionary behind BVL, expressed his gratitude for Signify’s unwavering commitment to promoting sports in rural areas. He stated, “This partnership with Signify has been a game-changer for the communities and the youth we are working with. The installation of proper lighting at the grassroots centers not only enhances safety and extends playing hours but also inspires young talent to pursue volleyball passionately. By improving the infrastructure for volleyball in rural areas, we hope to witness the rise of future volleyball champions and the growth of this beloved sport across Assam.”

By supporting the growth of grassroots volleyball through this lighting project, Signify reinforces its vision to unlock the extraordinary potential of light to create brighter lives and a better world. The company firmly believes that access to superior sporting infrastructure can be transformative, empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contributing to the overall social and economic development of the region. The company has reinforced its commitment to the league by lighting up 10 additional courts this year as well.