Nestled along the banks of the sacred Sarayu River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya stands as a city steeped in history, mythology, and cultural significance. Recognised for its diverse heritage, Ayodhya has been a focal point for various communities. The recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir marks a significant chapter in Ayodhya’s evolution, turning the city into a potential global religious tourism hub.
Over the years, Ayodhya has been at the centre of social, political, and legal discussions, primarily due to the Ayodhya dispute. The resolution of this dispute has opened the door for the construction of the Ram Mandir, a development that carries immense cultural importance while also holding the potential to position Ayodhya on the global religious tourism map.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir is expected to draw visitors not only from diverse religious backgrounds but also from those with a keen interest in history and architecture. The temple, as an architectural marvel, boasts intricate designs that speak to India’s rich artistic traditions. As Ayodhya steps into this new phase of its existence, the city is poised to attract a broad spectrum of tourists seeking to explore its cultural heritage beyond religious affiliations.
This makes it imperative to focus on its development, making it a deserving destination for CSR initiatives.
In FY2021-22, Ayodhya emerged as the twelfth largest recipient of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds in Uttar Pradesh, underscoring a commitment to community development and welfare. The district successfully garnered Rs. 20.45 Crores through various CSR initiatives from 27 companies in the last financial year. These funds were strategically allocated to address key societal concerns, with the top three areas of focus being education, health, and gender equality. Notably, Rs. 13.85 Crores were dedicated to educational initiatives, Rs. 4.47 Crores to healthcare programs, and Rs. 1.18 Crores to initiatives promoting gender equality.
Let us look at the top companies conducting CSR initiatives in Ayodhya.
ITC
On the occasion of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, the ITC Mission Sunhera Kal, ITC’s social investment programme team, has strengthened its initiatives with the Ayodhya Nagar Nigam by initiating the Swachh ‘Teerth’ campaign, which involves multi-dimensional interventions.
Over 1,000 dustbins made of recycled plastic have been given to local vendors, who have taken a ‘shapath’ to ensure that the bins are used effectively. Over 200 Plastic Collection Boxes made of recycled plastic with a capacity of 290 litres have also been installed at different places. Over 200 volunteers have been trained who will be monitoring the collection of waste.
ITC has been associated with Ayodhya Nagar Nigam, and has been working with the Urban Local Body as a part of the MoU with the Government of Uttar Pradesh. In the coming months, installation of composters and bio-gas units are planned with the support of Ayodhya Nagar Nigam.
Bisleri
Bisleri Greener Promise, the sustainability initiative of Bisleri International Pvt Ltd, is excited to announce a significant step towards fostering sustainable living in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. In collaboration with the local authorities, Bisleri will be placing approximately 200+ bins for plastic recycling across a 5-kilometer stretch around the iconic Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Commenting on the initiative from the pristine land of Ayodhya, Mr. K Ganesh, Senior General Manager, Corporate Affairs & CSR, Bisleri International Pvt Ltd said, “The aim of this collaboration is to create awareness around responsible plastic disposal and promote community engagement. We shall complement the efforts of Ayodhya Municipal Corporation in preserving the serene environment of this religious site. We will also be providing transport infrastructure to ensure plastic waste is sent directly for recycling”.
There will also be few large bins strategically placed closer to the Ram Mandir for efficient waste disposal from the devotees. This ensures that the area surrounding the sacred site also remains clear and aligns with the vision of a cleaner, sustainable Ayodhya.
A dedicated team of trained workers will be actively managing the waste at these locations, ensuring the proper segregation and disposal of plastic waste. Their presence will also help to reinforce awareness among the devotees and therefore increase the effectiveness of the initiative.
The brand will also deploy approximately 20 trucks at the location, tasked with transporting the collected waste to recycling units.
The plastic recycling initiative aligns with Bisleri Greener Promise’s commitment to fostering environmental sustainability. By actively engaging with local communities, the organization aims to create awareness about the importance of recycling and responsible waste disposal.
Lodha Group
Lodha Ventures Foundation (LVF), the charity arm of the Abhinandan Lodha Group, has launched a special educational programme for school students in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Crafted with an aim to augment early developmental learning skills among school-going children, the pilot programme has been launched for the students of Composite School in Ayodhya’s Tihura Majha.
The programme titled ‘Smart Class’ will benefit more than 400 students from Grades 1 to 9.
The inauguration of the ‘Smart Class’ took place on March 03, 2023 (Friday) and was attended by several dignitaries including the Joint Commissioner, the District Magistrate and the District Education Officer apart from officials from the CSR foundation.
“At LVF, we believe in enriching communities. Imparting good education to young children is the best way to uplift society and ensure a brighter future. The objective of this initiative is to increase the learning levels of students studying in rural government schools. This ‘Smart Class’ is the first of many more such projects the Lodha Ventures Foundation aims to undertake in Uttar Pradesh,” said Ramnandanam Pandey on behalf of the Lodha Ventures Foundation.
