June 20, 2025 - Under the Shiksha Sambal programme organised by Hindustan Zinc for rural talents, more than 1,500 students took part in a month-long summer camp and benefitted by joining in the academic, skill development, sports and cultural activities. More than 300 students participated in the residential camp at Vidya Bhavan in Udaipur and 1,200 students participated in non-residential camps at Agucha, Chittorgarh, Dariba, Debari, Jawar and Kayad.

These camps were organised by Hindustan Zinc in collaboration with Vidya Bhavan Society.

Along with the project teachers, more than 90 volunteers from Gargi College, IISER Mohali, IISER Pune and various colleges of Delhi University were involved in the various activities conducted at the camp. Resource persons of Vidya Bhavan and employees of Hindustan Zinc as also related experts were present in the camp.

The students got an opportunity to participate in several activities along with studying Science, Maths and English. In the closing ceremony, the students gave an exhibition and presentation of various things they had learned throughout the month and shared their experiences with the guests. The closing ceremony was held in Kumbha Sabhagar Pratap Gaurav Kendra in the presence of chief guest Anupam Nidhi, CSR head of Vedanta and Rajendra Bhatt of Vidya Bhavan Society along with other dignitaries and parents of the participating students.

Launched by Hindustan Zinc to uplift students in 72 government schools across six rural districts of Rajasthan, the aim of this camp was to advance the children through studies, skills, sports and culture. The Shiksha Sambal initiative has significantly improved academic results. From a pass rate of just 45% in 2007, results have surged to 93.6% in 2025. The initiative has played a key role in improving learning outcomes and reducing dropout rates.

Arun Mishra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, praised the initiative saying, "Hindustan Zinc considers education as a major investment in the country's future. The aim of Shiksha Sambal is not just to fill the gap in education but also to instill confidence, good behaviour and eagerness to learn in children who often do not have the means. This camp ensures good education and experience to every child."

Camp participant Asha of Grade 10 from Bhilwara district, shared, "Earlier I had difficulty in Science but now I feel more confident. I want to become an engineer and one day help young children in my village the way Shiksha Sambal helped me."

The students who stayed away from home for a month shared their experiences and said they did not want to leave the camp. They said they understood the group work done here and even the one-and-a-half-hour class of one subject is not enough here.

The Shiksha Sambal coffee table book and video were also released during the closing ceremony. Various cultural presentations and competitions based on World Environment Day - like poster making, essay writing, art and craft activities - were also presented.

Hindustan Zinc's Shiksha Sambal programme is part of a larger effort to advance children in rural Rajasthan through education. The company has also recently signed an MoU with the Education Department of Rajasthan under which Rs 36 crore will be spent for the development of education in the next five years. The company has also received six awards for commendable contribution in the field of education in the 28th Bhamashah Awards.

Along with Shiksha Sambal, Hindustan Zinc is also running Uchi Udaan which helps poor children prepare for IIT, Jeevan Tarang which empowers children with hearing and speech impairment. The company is also committed to providing employment training to rural women and farmers, healthcare, water conservation and sanitation.

Hindustan Zinc is one of the top 10 socially responsible companies in the country committed to building a self-reliant Rajasthan that takes everyone along, brings innovation and takes care of the environment.