Hazira, Gujarat, May 18, 2025: ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) today marked a significant milestone in its community development initiatives with the inauguration of the newly developed Navchetan International School in Junagam, Hazira. The English medium school, constructed as part of AM/NS India’s CSR initiative “Padhega Bharat,” was inaugurated by Shri Mukesh Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Forest and Environment, Climate Change, Water Resources & Water Supply, Government of Gujarat, in the presence of Shri Sandip Desai, Hon’ble MLA, Choriyasi, Surat, Mr. Santosh Mundhada, Executive Director & Deputy CTO, AM/NS India, Dr. Vikas Yadvendu, Head CSR, AM/NS India and other dignitaries from the government and AM/NS India. This project is in line with a commitment to the local community.
Navchetan International School was originally established in 2016 by the Navchetan Vikas Mandal of Junagam village. Recognizing the community’s need for quality English medium education, AM/NS India stepped in to support the trust by developing the school’s infrastructure. The newly developed facility will accommodate classes right from nursery to the 12th standard and will be affiliated with the Gujarat State Education Board (GSEB). The school currently has a strength of 596 students, comprising 366 boys and 230 girls.
AM/NS India’s support included the construction of a new school building, a project initiated in 2023 and completed in March 2025. The infrastructure boasts 12 rooms, including 8 classrooms, a principal and administration office, a staff room, a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, drinking water facilities, separate sanitation blocks for boys and girls, a developed playing area, and a welcoming main entrance gate.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Mukesh Patel said, “The inauguration of Navchetan International School is a testament to the strong partnership between industry and the community. Education is the bedrock of progress, and AM/NS India’s commitment to providing quality English medium education to the children of Hazira is truly commendable. This initiative will undoubtedly empower the future generations and contribute to the overall development of the region.”
Shri Sandip Desai echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations for community upliftment. He said, “The development of educational infrastructure like Navchetan International School plays a vital role in shaping the future of our children. I appreciate AM/NS India’s proactive approach towards fulfilling their social responsibility and contributing to the educational landscape of the region.”
Mr. Santosh Mundhada highlighted AM/NS India’s long-term vision, saying, “The development of Navchetan International School under our ‘Padhega Bharat’ initiative underscores our deep commitment to rural upliftment through education. We believe that investing in education is investing in the future, and we are proud to provide these students with a conducive learning environment that will help them achieve their full potential. This school is an important milestone in our journey of all-round community development in and around Hazira.”
Further demonstrating its commitment to the region, Shri Mukesh Patel also inaugurated a Smart Anganwadi in Rajgari village, Hazira, the new building of which has been constructed by AM/NS India. These centres aim to create engaging learning environments, focusing on play-based activities and technology-aided learning to promote holistic development in children.
Additionally, the Hon’ble MLA visited the Placement-linked Hazira Digital Skill Development Centre (HSDC), run by AM/NS India, and interacted with the new batch of trainees, highlighting the company’s multi-faceted approach to community empowerment.
The development of Navchetan International School and the support for the Smart Anganwadi and Placement-linked HSDC exemplify AM/NS India’s dedication to creating a positive and sustainable impact on the communities it operates in, ultimately contributing to building brighter futures for all.
