In a significant step towards promoting inclusive development and supporting the education of tribal girls, the Jindal Foundation, the social arm of Jindal Steel, laid the foundation stone for the Yashasvini Jindal Girls’ Hostel at Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama S.T. Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Badarohila, Kishorenagar, Angul, on 23rd December 2025.
Smt. Shallu Jindal Ji, Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation, performed the Bhoomi Pujan and officially launched the construction of the hostel. This initiative aims to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing residential facility to enhance access to quality education for girls in tribal and remote areas.
During her inspiring address to the students and community members, Smt. Shallu Jindal Ji emphasised the transformative power of education for young girls, stating, “Education and empowerment of girls remain at the core of our CSR vision. I am confident that this hostel will not only provide safe accommodation and academic support but also enable these young women to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.” She also commended the management of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama for their dedication to educating girls in remote areas.
The new hostel is expected to be completed within six months and will accommodate 330 girl students, significantly enhancing the school’s residential facilities. This infrastructure aims to address the current accommodation shortage and provide a safe, secure, and supportive environment for the students, thereby strengthening their access to quality education.
The event began with a warm welcome by Ananta Shasini, Founder of the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, followed by an introductory note from Mr. Prashanta Hota, President of Jindal Steel. Emphasizing the visionary leadership of Mr. Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel, and the pivotal role of Smt. Shallu Jindal, Mr. Hota remarked, “At Jindal Foundation, we believe that sustainable development begins with equal access to education, especially for girls. This hostel is a critical addition to our education-focused CSR initiatives and reflects our long-term commitment to inclusive and sustainable community development.”
The ceremony included traditional worship and rituals, such as the laying of the Adhar Shila and Purnahuti. It was attended by community leaders, local stakeholders, Guruji Srimad Bansidhar Balaram Dash, Jindal Steel’s Head of CSR, Mr. Rishi Pathania, HoD–CSR (Angul), Mr. Jayanta Kumar Mohanty, the School’s Founder, Mr. Seshadev Shasini, Co-Founder Mr. Ananta Shasini, and other officials.
The Yashasvini Jindal Girls’ Hostel exemplifies the Jindal Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the education, empowerment, and holistic development of tribal communities in Odisha. Notably, the Foundation is also strengthening the education ecosystem through initiatives such as after-school learning programs, the YASHASVI scholarship for women and girls, the O.P. Jindal Star & Jewel scholarship, Jindal Asha, Savitri Jindal DAV High School, and various other educational initiatives.
