TAJ BENGAL KOLKATA POWERS DIGITAL DREAMS IN THE SUNDARBANS – REMOTE SCHOOL GETS ITS FIRST IT- LAB, EMPOWERING 300 STUDENTS
KOLKATA: For hundreds of children in the remote Kultali block of the Sundarbans, the digital world was once a distant dream. Many had never touched a computer. Today, that changes. In a transformative step towards bridging the digital divide, Taj Bengal Kolkata, under Paathya, IHCL’s sustainability and social impact framework, has partnered with Vivekananda Adarsha Vidyalaya to unveil the school’s first-ever fully equipped IT Lab, opening a gateway to new possibilities for nearly 300 underprivileged students.
This initiative is set to transform the educational journey of 300 students and 12 teachers, most of whom are first-generation learners. For many, this marks their first hands-on exposure to computers and digital learning, creating a pivotal moment in their academic and professional aspirations.
Vivekananda Adarsha Vidyalaya, founded in 2007 and managed by the Smt. Anu Chowdhury Memorial Educational Foundation, it serves children from Nursery to middle school, most hailing from families of daily wage earners, migrant labourers, and fishermen. The school had the space and the will but lacked the resources to build an IT Lab—leaving bright and eager students disconnected from the digital world.
“In today’s world, digital literacy is not optional—it’s a necessity,” said Professor Ujjwal Kumar Chowdhury, Head of Smt. Anu Chowdhury Memorial Educational Foundation. “Our children are bright and determined, but without access to technology, they risk being left behind. We dreamed of a lab that could be their window to the world.”
Taj Bengal Kolkata answered that call. The hotel donated 20 fully equipped computers and transformed an existing classroom into a vibrant, modern IT Lab. The space was completely refurbished with fresh paint, new flooring, and carpeting, creating an inspiring environment where children can learn, explore, and dream.
The students are equally thrilled. Ms. Mandira Das, best student of 2023 and studying in Class 6 shared her excitement and said, “We are extremely happy that we can learn computers in the school itself. Our village homes usually do not have computers. Maybe 1or 2 in the entire nearby villages. We are thankful to our uncles from Taj who have brought and gifted us the computers to learn in school.” Ms. Tithi Sardar, best student of 2024 and studying in Class7 said, “I want to learn digital art on the computer.”
“We are deeply committed to creating a positive impact where it’s needed most,” said Mr. Arnab Chatterjee, General Manager, Taj Bengal Kolkata. “Seeing the excitement on these students’ faces as they log in for the first time is what this initiative is all about. This IT Lab is not just infrastructure—it’s a launch pad for their dreams. By giving them digital access, we’re giving them the skills and confidence to build a brighter future.”
As the first clicks of keyboards echo through the new lab, it signals more than just a lesson. it marks the start of a new chapter for the youth of the Sundarbans. This initiative stands as a testament to what’s possible when community vision and corporate purpose come together to bridge divides and transform lives.
