In the village of Sahuda in Valsad district, Yashviben lives with her hardworking parents, who earn their living as farm labourers. Studying in Class 5th at a local residential school, she initially struggled with homesickness and adjusting to hostel life.
Her turning point came through the Umang Project, which introduced her to creative learning through Art & Craft, Life Skills, access to a library, and games. These engaging activities not only sparked her interest in studies but through life skills and library sessions, taught her emotional balance and confidence. Once prone to anger and self-doubt, she gradually learned to manage her emotions and express herself positively.
Implemented in ten schools around Hazira, Surat, Project Umang helps children build essential life skills — communication, decision-making, and emotional regulation — promoting holistic development.
Today, Yashvi’s journey reflects Umang’s mission: empowering children to grow into confident and capable individuals with bright futures.
Aarti is a bright and determined 10th-grade student at a school in Surat district, Gujarat. Despite her enthusiasm for learning, financial struggles at home and household responsibilities often made it difficult for her to focus on studies. As a result, she scored 61% in Class 9.
Her journey took a positive turn with Project Vidhya Sankalp, a CSR initiative by L&T at Hazira, designed to motivate and support students through question banks, expert guidance sessions, and felicitation of achievers. With renewed confidence and better time management, Aarti’s hard work paid off—she proudly achieved 83% in Class 10.
Her success reflects how consistent encouragement can transform potential into performance. Today, Project Vidhya Sankalp continues to inspire over 2,000 students across rural and urban schools in Olpad and Choryasi, nurturing hope and academic excellence in young minds.
Nehali, a young woman from Damka village in Olpad Block, Surat district, embarked on a remarkable journey of self-improvement and empowerment. Facing financial instability during the pandemic, Nehali sought a way to support her family and found hope at the CDC–Mora Centre, run by L&T.
Believing that clothing is a fundamental need with constant demand, she enrolled in one of the Skill Building Courses provided at the centre - a course aligned with NSQF standards and certified by NSDC and the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSD&E). The Self Employed Tailor (SET) course gave her recognition and confidence and opened various career opportunities for her in the apparel industry.
Within three months, Nehali mastered tailoring, created trendy jute bags, and earned over ₹15,000 in profit. Recognising her talent, L&T invited her as a faculty member, enabling her to empower other women. Nehali’s journey reflects resilience, gratitude, and the life-changing impact of L&T’s Project Aadhaar.
Purvi, a student of G.D. Sharda School in Surat, once had little interest in science. Traditional learning methods left her disengaged and struggling to connect with scientific concepts. The introduction of L&T’s STEM Learning Project changed everything. Through interactive kits, hands-on experiments, and guidance from trained educators, Purvi discovered the joy of learning by doing.
Encouraged by her teachers, she participated in the National STEM Tinkering Challenge, creating innovative models and showcasing her scientific understanding. Her confidence grew, and she began mentoring peers, inspiring them to explore science with curiosity and creativity.
Today, Purvi’s remarkable transformation stands as a testament to the power of quality education and corporate social responsibility. From a hesitant learner to a budding innovator, she exemplifies how L&T’s STEM initiative is nurturing young minds, bridging learning gaps, and igniting a lifelong passion for science and technology.
Addressing adolescent health and hygiene is essential to nurture confident, well-rounded individuals. With this vision, L&T launched the Niramaya Project under its CSR initiative at AMNHEC, Hazira. Implemented across 31 schools in Surat district, the program focuses on holistic adolescent development, including Menstrual Hygiene Management, life skills, and leadership training.
Through interactive sessions and games, students are trained as Peer Educators—“Niramaya Kishor Mitras”—to spread awareness and encourage healthy behaviours among their peers. One such peer educator, Ninave Hemesh Vinodbhai a student of Maharshi Astik Sarvajanik Vidyalaya, shares how the programme boosted his confidence and deepened his understanding of adolescent health. He particularly valued the life-saving CPR training and fun learning approach that made education engaging and impactful.
Today, 249 peer educators (130 girls and 119 boys) are transforming their communities, championing health, and inspiring others to take charge of their well-being.
Damka, a coastal village in Choryasi block of Surat District, long endured acute water scarcity due to its saline soil and water sources. Despite an adequate supply from the Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board (GWSSB), the absence of proper storage facilities forced villagers to ration water for barely half an hour every alternate day. This not only disrupted daily life but also affected agriculture and livestock, with women bearing the heaviest burden of fetching and storing water.
Recognising the issue, village Sarpanch Tulsibai Patel approached L&T for support under its CSR initiative. After detailed assessments and consultations with Gram and Taluka Panchayats, L&T constructed a 5 lakh-litre Underground Water Tank, ensuring consistent water supply for one hour daily to every household. A community-led Pani Samiti, including six women, now manages operations sustainably. The project has reduced waterborne diseases and eased the daily struggles of women—truly transforming lives. Through such interventions, L&T has built 18 similar tanks across coastal villages, reinforcing its commitment to SDG 6—Clean Water and Sanitation for All.
True empowerment begins when a woman dares to rise above her circumstances. Gudiya Devi, a 37-year-old woman from a village in Choryasi block of Surat district, stands as a shining example of courage and transformation. Originally from Bihar, Gudiya’s life took a tragic turn when her husband, working in the Hazira industrial area, suffered a brain hemorrhage. With no stable income, she moved to Gujarat with her children, determined to rebuild her family’s life.
Her turning point came when she learned about the Community Development Centre (CDC) established by Larsen & Toubro, Hazira under its CSR initiative. Encouraged by fellow women, she enrolled in free training courses in sewing and beauty culture. Within six months, Gudiya not only mastered these skills but also discovered her self-worth.
Starting from home, she later opened her own tailoring and beauty parlour, earning about ₹10,000 per month and securing her children’s future. “I never imagined I could stand on my own,” she says with pride. Gudiya’s story mirrors the transformative impact of L&T’s CSR efforts, which have empowered over 90 women in Mora to turn challenges into opportunities—proving that when women rise, communities thrive.
In today’s digital world, computer literacy is a bridge to empowerment, especially for young people seeking a sustainable livelihood. Vibha, a 26-year-old from a village in Choryasi block of Surat district, stands as a powerful example of determination and resilience. Living with a physical disability, Vibha faced multiple barriers while searching for employment after her graduation in 2016. Yet, her spirit remained unshaken. She believed that learning computer skills could open new opportunities and give her the independence she longed for.
Her turning point came when she enrolled in “Project Computer Shakti”, a CSR initiative by Larsen & Toubro, Hazira, offering CDAC government-certified computer courses at nominal fees. Through three months of intensive learning in Tally and Advanced Excel, Vibha gained not just digital skills but confidence in her abilities.
Today, she works as a computer operator at a local departmental store, earning ₹11,000 per month. With one hand she scans barcodes, and with the other, she types her future—strong, steady, and independent. Vibha’s journey is an inspiring reminder that true empowerment lies in opportunity. Through Project Computer Shakti, L&T continues to transform challenges into possibilities, helping individuals like Vibha turn resilience into remarkable success.
