AU SFB Empowers Mehlan Village with Cutting-Edge Computer Lab, inaugurated by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema

Mehlan (Sangrur), November 25, 2023: AU Foundation, the dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of AU Small Finance Bank, announced the inauguration of a cutting-edge Computer Lab at Government Sr Secondary School, Mehlan, Sangrur. 

The lab was inaugurated today by the esteemed Harpal Singh Cheema, Finance Minister, Punjab, underlining the government's support for initiatives that enhance educational infrastructure. Also present on the occasion were Arvind Purohit, National Manager-Government Relationships, AU SFB and Vishal Singla, Regional Manager- Govt. Relationships, AU SFB.

The Computer Lab, equipped with 10 desktop computers, 10 UPS, and 2 printers, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing the students of Mehlan village with access to essential technology. 597 children studying in the Government Sr Secondary School, Mehlan, will benefit from the initiative that will contribute to their academic growth and technological proficiency over the next couple of years.
The importance of computers in the growth of rural Punjab cannot be overstated. In today's digital age, computer literacy is a key driver of progress, opening doors to a world of opportunities for the youth. While overall literacy rates in India have shown improvement, there is still a significant gap that needs to be addressed. Punjab, being a crucial state in India's socio-economic landscape, recognizes the need for better education, particularly in developing IT driven skills.

AU Foundation is focusing on education under its strategic project ‘Center of Excellence’ wherein the Bank is working towards education and creating employment opportunity for the youth. Under this project, AU SFB is making the school at Mehlan sustainable and technically advanced for better education of the children.

Speaking about this crucial initiative, Arvind Purohit, National Manager-Government Relationships, AU SFB, said "The development at the grassroots level is paramount for the overall progress of our society. AU Foundation is committed to bringing positive change to communities by focusing on education and technology. This initiative in Mehlan village aligns with our broader mission to empower the unbanked and underbanked population, bringing about a transformation in their lives through targeted interventions."

AU Foundation, with its unwavering dedication to community service, has been actively involved in uplifting the areas where AU Small Finance Bank operates. Over the past 5 years, the foundation has made significant strides, focusing on empowering rural women for livelihood enhancement through AU Udyogini; Skill Development for economically backward youth via AU Skills Academy; Sports for Development of underprivileged children and Financial and Digital Literacy.AU Foundation's initiatives align with the larger mission of AU Small Finance Bank to drive positive change and contribute to the holistic development of communities. The Computer Lab at Government Sr Secondary School, Mehlan, is a testament to the foundation's commitment to creating a brighter future through education and technology.