SBI Donates School Bus to NISR Leh, Strengthening CSR Outreach in Ladakh

In a meaningful step towards strengthening community welfare and educational support, the State Bank of India (SBI), under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has donated a school bus to the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh. The formal handing-over ceremony took place today in Leh, where the bus was officially presented to Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, by Shri Krishan Sharma, Chief General Manager, Chandigarh Circle, SBI.

A Partnership for Education and Welfare

The ceremony was attended by Shri Jayant Mani, Deputy General Manager, Business & Operations, J&K Zone, Shri Anil Tondon, Chief Manager, SBI Leh Branch, senior SBI officials, faculty members, staff, and students of NISR. The donation marks a vital contribution to improving access to education and enhancing the daily commuting facilities for students in the high-altitude region of Ladakh.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Dr. Padma Gurmet thanked SBI for its support and generosity. He emphasized that the school bus will greatly benefit the students of NISR, ensuring safe and reliable transportation. Dr. Gurmet also provided an overview of the institute’s activities, underscoring its efforts in preserving and promoting Sowa-Rigpa—the traditional system of medicine of the Himalayan region, while simultaneously engaging in public welfare programmes and research.

SBI’s Commitment to Community Development

In his address, Shri Krishan Sharma, Chief General Manager, Chandigarh Circle, reiterated SBI’s commitment to social responsibility and regional development. He emphasized that SBI’s CSR programmes are designed to strengthen partnerships with local institutions that are dedicated to education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. He further noted that initiatives such as these reflect the bank’s belief in inclusive growth and sustainable development, especially in regions like Ladakh that face unique geographical and logistical challenges.

SBI officials highlighted that the bank has consistently supported community welfare initiatives across the country, ranging from healthcare and sanitation projects to education, environmental sustainability, and women empowerment. The contribution to NISR adds to its wide portfolio of CSR interventions aimed at uplifting marginalized communities and promoting holistic socio-economic progress.

NISR: Preserving Himalayan Heritage

The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, established as an apex body for the promotion and regulation of Sowa-Rigpa, plays a central role in preserving and modernizing this ancient system of traditional medicine. With research, education, and clinical services, NISR is advancing the integration of traditional healing practices with modern scientific approaches.

The donation of a school bus by SBI is expected to further strengthen NISR’s capacity to serve its students and staff, enhancing access to its academic programmes and community outreach initiatives.

Building a Sustainable Future in Ladakh

This initiative reflects SBI’s broader vision of contributing to Ladakh’s socio-economic development. By addressing practical needs such as student transportation, the bank is not only supporting education but also reinforcing the values of social responsibility and community partnership.

Through collaborations with institutions like NISR, SBI continues to demonstrate how corporate entities can play a pivotal role in nation-building by nurturing education, culture, and healthcare in some of India’s most remote and ecologically sensitive regions.