Empowering Tribal Children through Archery

Background: Punarutthan Samarasata Gurukulam Ashram

Punarutthan Samarasata Gurukulam Ashram (PSG), located in Chinchwad, Pune, provides residential and educational support to affirmative groups from Marathwada and Solapur regions. The Ashram’s core mission is to uplift these communities and integrate them into mainstream society through quality education, skills development, and personal growth opportunities.

TACO’s Project HoPE Support

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd. (TACO) has supported PSG through CSR initiatives under Project HoPE (Holistic & Progressive Education). This project provides groceries, co-scholastic activities including Performing Arts & Visual Arts, Water Sanitation & Hygiene, and Sports & Physical Education for holistic student development.

Archery: Tribal Talent Discovered

In 2023-2024, TACO’s CSR partner URMEE recognized natural archery talent among VJNT (Vimukta Jati, Nomadic Tribes) children at PSG, leveraging their traditional hunting skills. URMEE introduced Field Archery as a co-curricular activity, starting with 15 students in the pilot year and expanding with coaching and practice sessions.

District Level Success

This marked the students’ first competitive archery experience and a significant milestone.

State-Level Recognition

Ganesh Kamthe and Suraj Bansode represented PSG at the 14th Maharashtra State Indoor Archery Competition (Dec 14-15, 2024) at District Sports Complex, Alibag, Raigad. As first-time state participants, Ganesh Kamthe earned a Bronze Medal, bringing immense pride to PSG and the community.

Transformative Impact

The success of Ganesh Kamthe, Suresh Bansode, Sridhar Bansode, and peers demonstrates TACO’s Project HoPE as a transformative force. These young tribal archers have gained invaluable experience shaping their futures, with hopes of representing state or nation in archery.

The archery program proves holistic education and sports empower tribal youth, setting a strong foundation for future achievements with continued community and corporate support.

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