Leadership on the Ground - From Classrooms to Communities: Leadership in Action

The visit by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Founder Chairman & MD of Cosmo First Limited and Founder Chairman, Cosmo Foundation, accompanied by Mr. A. K. Jain, Director - Corporate Affairs, Cosmo First Limited & CSR Committee Member and our mentor and well wisher Ms. Anubha Tapuriah, reflected Cosmo Foundation’s approach of staying closely connected with the communities and interventions it serves. Across schools, community interactions and agricultural initiatives, the leadership team engaged directly with students, educators, parents, local leaders and farmers to understand progress, recognise grassroots efforts and identify opportunities to strengthen impact.

Building Strong Foundations for Every Child

At Koliyad Shrestha Primary School, Village Koliyad, the delegation visited the Cosmo Gyan Vihar Kendra and interacted with the school principal and Cosmo Foundation's Balmitras. The visit offered an opportunity to observe the Foundation's activity-based approach to foundational education, particularly for marginalised and migrant children. The delegation observed how Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), activity-based learning, migrant-child inclusion, and early engagement through Balvatika are being integrated into the learning process. By creating an engaging and supportive environment, the programme is helping children build confidence in their early learning journey and transition more effectively into mainstream education.

Building Digital Skills for Every Child

At Shreeji Krupa Sarvajanik Vidyalaya, Village Koliyad, the delegation reviewed Cosmo Foundation's Digital Literacy Programme and observed students applying their learning through practical digital tasks. Students demonstrated their capabilities across AI tools, Google Flow, Canva, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office applications, showcasing how digital learning is moving beyond basic computer familiarity towards practical, creative and future-oriented skills. The interaction highlighted the growing confidence of rural students in using technology as a tool for learning, creativity, problem-solving and future opportunities.

Building Sustainable Schools

During the visit, the delegation reviewed the sustainable infrastructure created by Cosmo Foundation, including waste-management dustbins, separate toilets for boys and girls, rainwater harvesting and solar power installations. The infrastructure is creating impact beyond basic facilities—better sanitation is supporting higher enrolment and lower absenteeism among girls, while solar power is reducing electricity costs and enabling savings to be redirected towards education. Rainwater harvesting is supporting agriculture-based vocational training, water conservation and groundwater recharge, strengthening both learning and local resource sustainability.

From Grassroots to Growth: Stories of Transformation

The interactive Open House and community dialogue began with the felicitation of delegates by the President of Kelavni Vidhyamandal, Village Koliyad. The session brought together a diverse group of School Management Committee members, school teachers, Cosmo teachers, parents, community members, students, former students, and participants of Cosmo Foundation’s women empowerment programmes. Former students and women beneficiaries openly shared their journeys and the ways Cosmo Foundation’s interventions had influenced their lives. Current students shared how Cosmo Foundation’s educational interventions are strengthening their foundational learning, digital skills, English learning and confidence. Former students spoke about their journeys from farm labour to diplomas and meaningful employment, supported by computer education and career guidance. Women from Beautiful Creation shared how the skills developed through Cosmo Foundation’s programmes, in partnership with Karigaar Clinic, helped them strengthen and grow their businesses, building greater confidence, self-reliance and opportunity.

Growing More Than Crops: Cultivating Resilient Livelihoods

The leadership engagement extended to Cosmo Foundation’s Agroforestry project at village Choranda, where a mango plantation established three years ago is now growing alongside the aspirations of local farmers. The delegation interacted with 30+ farmers from nearby villages and observed their crop maintenance and intercropping practices, supported through farmer training. The visit highlighted how climate-smart agriculture can strengthen both farms and farmer’s incomes, while recognising the dedication of farmers embracing sustainable practices for a more resilient future.

Creating Markets, Creating Opportunities

The delegation also visited the Beautiful Creation exhibition stall set up during the Family Day event at Cosmo First Limited’s Karjan plant, where rural women entrepreneurs showcased their handcrafted products. The stall created a valuable platform for these women to present and sell their products directly to Cosmo First employees and their families, opening a pathway to new customers and market opportunities. The delegates explored the diverse range of products and interacted with the women entrepreneurs, learning about their journeys, enterprises and aspirations. The initiative reflected Cosmo Foundation’s approach to empowerment—connecting rural women’s skills with real market opportunities and helping their enterprises move towards greater visibility and growth.