
Manoj Lohia is the Director of Merino Industries Ltd.
In the 21st century, a company’s success is measured by its financial performance and its ability to create a meaningful impact on society, particularly those in need. As a leading corporate entity, we at Merino Industries have embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, proving that a business can flourish while nurturing the communities we serve.
Through its comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Merino Industries is driving tangible change in the lives of underprivileged individuals across India. Guided by its vision of societal upliftment, these initiatives focus on three critical pillars: education, health, and women’s empowerment.
Achieving Universal Weal Through Trade and Industry
Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has never been about merely ticking boxes or meeting compliance requirements. It stems from a much deeper conviction: the belief that business is not just a vehicle for profit but a platform to contribute to the greater good.
This philosophy was integral to our identity long before CSR became a legal mandate. The Sri Hara Kasturi Memorial Trust (HKMT) embodies this vision and Is the cornerstone of our commitment to meaningful change.
Through HKMT, we have consistently focused on creating lasting, transformative impacts in communities guided by the belief that trade and industry have a higher purpose—one that transcends business and contributes to universal well-being.
Established in 2013, Swami Vivekananda Arunodaya Vidyalaya (SVAV) serves as a beacon of hope for the community in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. This co-educational school currently supports 202 students (140 girls and 62 boys) by offering free education up to Class VIII. However, our commitment extends far beyond academics. The school ensures students receive all necessary supplies, including books, stationery, and uniforms. They are also served three nutritious meals daily. In a region where economic hardship often limits access to quality education, SVAV is making a transformative impact.
Education: Building Foundations for a Brighter Future
We firmly believe that education is a powerful catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty. With a deep commitment to providing equal opportunities, we have implemented a range of targeted initiatives designed to empower underprivileged children and unlock their potential.
Swami Vivekananda Arunodaya Vidyalaya (SVAV)
Established in 2013, Swami Vivekananda Arunodaya Vidyalaya (SVAV) serves as a beacon of hope for the community in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. This co-educational school currently supports 202 students (140 girls and 62 boys) by offering free education up to Class VIII. However, our commitment extends far beyond academics.
The school ensures students receive all necessary supplies, including books, stationery, and uniforms. They are also served three nutritious meals daily. In a region where economic hardship often limits access to quality education, SVAV is making a transformative impact.
We also provide special coaching for students who progress to higher grades, ensuring sustained support throughout their educational journey. At SVAV, education is a harmonious blend of modern learning and values deeply rooted in India’s cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on empowering girls.
The school maintains a rigorous selection process to ensure that bright young minds from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are given a fair chance to succeed. Beyond regular schooling, SVAV also supports 45 graduates with evening classes on its premises, helping them continue their higher studies.
The educational experience has been life-changing, instilling confidence and offering practical skills and reflective insights. Through experiential learning programmes, students have travelled to States such as Rajasthan, Odisha, and West Bengal, gaining a deeper understanding of India’s diverse culture and societal fabric—an opportunity that helps shape them into well-rounded individuals.
As a testament to our commitment to healthcare, the Shri Prem Chand Lohia Health Centre (SPCLHC) is a vital resource for economically disadvantaged communities in Hapur. The Centre operates three dispensaries, offering free outpatient services managed by a skilled team of professionals, including MBBS and BAMS doctors, pharmacists, lab assistants, and support staff. Since its establishment, SPCLHC has provided critical care to thousands of patients, focusing on combating tuberculosis (TB)—a long-standing health challenge in the region.
Yogakshema Scholarship Programme
Recognising the potential that often emerges from economically challenged environments, Merino launched the Yogakshema Scholarship Programme in West Bengal in 2018. This initiative financially support academically gifted yet economically disadvantaged students, enabling them to continue their education without financial constraints.
The scholarship, amounting to ₹4,000 per month, helps students cover the cost of their education until Class XII. Beyond monetary assistance, it extends its impact by addressing nutritional needs and offering healthcare support for students’ families, ensuring that these young learners can focus entirely on their studies without distractions.
Since its inception, the Yogakshema Scholarship Programme has empowered numerous students, helping them pursue their dreams and break free from the cycle of poverty.
Established in 2017, our stitching centre in Rohad has become a vital resource for women aspiring to achieve economic independence. The centre has successfully trained 200 women across 14 batches, empowering them with valuable stitching skills and opening doors to new opportunities. Sixteen women are currently enrolled in the programme, receiving guidance from experienced master trainers. This initiative goes beyond skill-building—it fosters confidence and self-reliance, enabling women to contribute to their families’ incomes and elevate their roles within their communities.
Mid-Day Meal Programme
Post the COVID-19 pandemic, concerted efforts were made to encourage students to return to school and ensure they received proper nutrition. To support this initiative, the Mid-Day Meal programme was reinstated in two schools, providing nutritious lunches to students.
This programme currently benefits approximately 100 students in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, and 70 residents at the Savera School for the Mentally Challenged in Rohad, Haryana. By addressing education and nutrition, the programme plays a vital role in fostering overall well-being and encouraging regular school.
Health: Nurturing Well-being in Rural Communities
Good health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling and productive life. Recognising this, we have taken meaningful steps to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that well-being is within reach for all.
Shri Prem Chand Lohia Health Centre (SPCLHC)
As a testament to our commitment to healthcare, the Shri Prem Chand Lohia Health Centre (SPCLHC) is a vital resource for economically disadvantaged communities in Hapur. The Centre operates three dispensaries, offering free outpatient services managed by a skilled team of professionals, including MBBS and BAMS doctors, pharmacists, lab assistants, and support staff.
Since its establishment, SPCLHC has provided critical care to thousands of patients, focusing on combating tuberculosis (TB)—a long-standing health challenge in the region.
In collaboration with the Government of India’s Department of Tuberculosis (DOT), we actively contribute to the mission of eliminating TB by 2025. With 48 villages under its wing, the Centre raises awareness, provides treatment, and offers nutritional support to TB patients. To date, 6,250 TB patients have been successfully treated, underscoring the Centre’s pivotal role in the fight against the disease.
In 2022-23 alone, the Centre extended its services to 6,674 patients, with 48 TB patients receiving essential nutritional aid to support their recovery. SPCLHC continues to be a cornerstone of community health, fostering hope and well-being in the region.
A Stitch in Time: Empowering Women Through Skill Development
We firmly believe that empowering women is essential to building stronger and more resilient communities. While this initiative was a one-time endeavour, its impact has been profound and enduring.
The programme focused on imparting sewing and tailoring skills to women, equipping them with the tools to achieve economic independence and enhance their quality of life. Although the initiative has concluded, its influence continues to resonate in the lives of those it uplifted.
This programme stands as a testament to the power of meaningful efforts, demonstrating that even a single initiative can spark lasting change and create ripples of transformation within communities.
Stitching Centre
Established in 2017, our stitching centre in Rohad has become a vital resource for women aspiring to achieve economic independence. The centre has successfully trained 200 women across 14 batches, empowering them with valuable stitching skills and opening doors to new opportunities.
Sixteen women are currently enrolled in the programme, receiving guidance from experienced master trainers. This initiative goes beyond skill-building—it fosters confidence and self-reliance, enabling women to contribute to their families’ incomes and elevate their roles within their communities.
Our CSR initiatives extend far beyond a single region, with our vast distributor network, dealer network, workshops, offices, and workforce driving impactful efforts across the country. While the primary focus areas include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Haryana, the reach of these initiatives resonates nationwide. By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in these States, we are setting an example for other corporations, demonstrating that large-scale change is achievable when businesses commit to purpose-driven actions.
The Philosophy Behind Our Initiatives
Each initiative is driven by a simple but powerful principle: Universal Weal Through Trade and Industry. This philosophy forms the foundation of our commitment to leveraging its resources and influence to uplift communities, ensuring that progress goes beyond business and has a meaningful impact on lives.
Our focus on education, healthcare, and empowerment is not coincidental. It is rooted in the understanding that these are the pillars of sustainable, long-term change. Extensive groundwork was conducted to identify the most pressing needs of the communities they serve. Education emerged as the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, healthcare was recognised as essential for building healthier and more resilient futures, and empowerment—particularly of women—was identified as critical to fostering self-reliant and robust households.
These initiatives are not merely about providing immediate relief; they represent strategic investments in lasting transformation. They embody our unwavering commitment to building a legacy where the benefits of trade and industry extend far beyond commerce, generating a ripple effect of growth, opportunity, and well-being for generations to come.
This core belief drives us to embrace the philosophy of universal good and actively live by it, making significant contributions toward a more equitable and progressive society.
Impact Stories: Changing Lives, One Step at a Time
Our initiatives at Swami Vivekananda Arunodaya Vidyalaya (SVAV) have had a profound and lasting impact on thousands of students and their families, who continue to express their deep gratitude towards the school, its teachers, and the management.
Aarti Singh, a proud parent, lauds the school for providing essential educational resources such as books, uniforms, and other study materials, along with timely meals for students. She highlights how these provisions ensure her child has everything needed to succeed academically.
Manju, another parent, expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the education her daughter is receiving. She particularly appreciates the opportunity for her child to participate in various extracurricular activities, which contribute to her overall development and growth.
A Nationwide Reach
Our CSR initiatives extend far beyond a single region, with our vast distributor network, dealer network, workshops, offices, and workforce driving impactful efforts across the country. While the primary focus areas include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Haryana, the reach of these initiatives resonates nationwide.
By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in these States, we are setting an example for other corporations, demonstrating that large-scale change is achievable when businesses commit to purpose-driven actions.
Our vision is clear: expanding our efforts while staying grounded in values that prioritise the planet and its people. By doing so, we ensure that the ripple effects of today’s actions will positively impact generations to come. Our goal is to support communities and empower them, fostering resilience and the ability to thrive in a sustainable future.
Collaborations: Working Together for the Greater Good
Our success in executing its CSR projects is not solely the result of our own efforts. We actively partner with local Panchayats, government agencies, and other key stakeholders to ensure its initiatives reach those needing them most. These collaborations enhance the impact of our efforts, enabling us to harness local knowledge and resources for more effective and sustainable interventions.
A Vision for the Future
As we continue our CSR journey, we remain focused on creating meaningful, lasting change that benefits communities and the environment. A key initiative in this direction is Project Nirmal, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Through efforts like water conservation, and waste management, this programme emphasises their interconnectedness and importance in sustaining life. Through Nirmal, we champion practices that preserve the five elements of nature, ensuring a balanced and healthier ecosystem for future generations.
Our vision is clear: expanding our efforts while staying grounded in values that prioritise the planet and its people. By doing so, we ensure that the ripple effects of today’s actions will positively impact generations to come. Our goal is to support communities and empower them, fostering resilience and the ability to thrive in a sustainable future.
Our journey is far from over. With each passing year, we continue to reach new milestones, driven by a vision of a better tomorrow for all. In a world where profit often takes precedence over purpose, we are leading by example, proving that true success lies in uplifting others and leaving behind a legacy of positive change.