At DBO, we believe that our progress is deeply interwoven with the communities in which we operate. These are the communities that, over the years, have supported our growth, shaped our identity, and created the foundation from which we continue to grow. That’s why we see community development not as an obligation, but as an essential extension of our organisational purpose; a reflection of our belief that corporate citizenship and societal well-being should and must go hand in hand. To give back as much as we have received, we are committed to building stronger, more resilient communities, and education is a cornerstone of this commitment. In this article, we will discuss the DBO’s education-led community initiatives that reflect this commitment, and how learning is promoted as a pathway to social mobility, skill development, and sustained community empowerment.
The Academy of Modern Learning Schools
At DBO, we strongly believe that children in rural India deserve the same opportunities and education as children in big cities. That’s why we established the Academy of Modern Learning, under which we operate 2 English medium schools, in Asmoli and Gannaur, Uttar Pradesh, to provide quality, modern education to children in rural India. The main objective of our learning academy is to equip these children with a holistic, modern education and skills that are on par with what’s being offered in the rest of the world, while extending special scholarships and extra support to students from economically weaker homes.
Both the schools are smart-class enabled with the latest technologies, quality infrastructure and up-to-date curriculum to provide seamless and updated education. Over the years, enrollment has grown steadily; today, the school in Gunnaur serves around 500 students, while the Asmoli school supports approximately 375 students. This sustained growth reflects continuity of commitment rather than short-term intervention, reinforcing education as a long-term community investment.
A Holistic Approach to Learning
DBO’s education initiatives are guided by a clear mission: to equip students with an understanding of modern technology and learning systems, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s progress. This objective shapes both curriculum design and teaching approach.
The Academy of Modern Learning Schools are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, for High School education and with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for Senior Secondary classes. The NIOS affiliation plays a particularly important role, allowing students to explore vocational streams alongside the standard academic curriculum.
This dual pathway supports informed decision-making at an early stage, helping students identify interests, develop practical skills, and pursue aspirations with greater clarity. Equal emphasis is placed on logical reasoning and creative expression, ensuring learning extends beyond textbooks to support well-rounded development.
Infrastructure and Facilities
A strong learning environment goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. At DBO’s Academy of Modern Learning Schools, infrastructure is designed to support academic focus, physical development, and experiential learning in equal measure.
The schools provide students with access to essential academic facilities that strengthen everyday learning, including:
- Science laboratories
- Computer lab
- Library
Physical education and co-curricular engagement are integrated into the school experience, with facilities that encourage regular activity, discipline, and teamwork, such as:
- Basketball courts
- Spaces for activities like kho-kho and long jump
- Open areas for sports and physical training
To support overall well-being and practical learning, the schools also offer:
- Yoga spaces
- A dedicated wrestling (dangal) ground
- Trampoline facilities
- Organic garden management activities
Through these facilities, students gain early exposure to sustainability, environmental awareness, and responsible resource use, while benefiting from an education that balances academic rigour with physical and experiential development.
Excellence in Classrooms and On The Field
At the schools run by the Academy of Modern Learning, education is viewed as a balance between academic learning and physical development. Alongside classroom instruction, we place strong emphasis on sports as a means of building discipline, confidence, teamwork, and resilience among children and youth in rural communities. Access to structured sports programmes and quality infrastructure plays a critical role in enabling holistic development, particularly in regions where such opportunities are often limited.
Building on this foundation, DBO partnered with the Dribble Academy Foundation to introduce structured basketball training for rural children. This initiative aims to improve physical well-being while creating platforms for talent identification and personal growth. By integrating sports into education, we seek to develop individuals who can emerge as role models within their communities.
Advancing Gender Inclusion Through Education
Promoting access to education for girls remains a focused priority within DBO’s Academy of Modern Learning Schools. In several rural communities, economic and social constraints continue to influence enrollment and retention of girl students.
DBO addresses these challenges through targeted measures aimed at creating a more inclusive learning environment, including:
- Special incentives to encourage the enrolment of girl students at the Academy of Modern Learning Schools
- Scholarships for girls from economically weaker families
These initiatives help reduce financial barriers to education and support continuity in learning. By strengthening access and participation, DBO reinforces its commitment to gender inclusion as part of the People-First pillar of its ESG strategy.
Computer Literacy Programme at Meerganj
In the digital age, computer literacy is non-negotiable. Addressing the need for computer literacy in local communities, DBO’s computer literacy initiative at the Meerganj unit reached 66 students, including 14 female participants. Delivered with support from DBO employee volunteers, the programme focused on building practical digital skills among local youth, covering basic computing, advanced applications, and digital citizenship.
Education as a Long-Term Community Investment
DBO’s education initiatives are closely aligned with its driving philosophy – ‘Sustainability and Balance’. As a leading integrated sugarcane processing company manufacturing refined and raw sugar, bio-fuels, biomass-based renewable power, and related products, DBO follows an approach rooted in inclusive growth, driven by innovation, integration, and value addition.
Education strengthens community capability, supports future workforce readiness, and contributes to rural development in ways that extend beyond immediate outcomes. By investing in education across multiple levels, DBO reinforces its belief that social progress and business resilience advance together.
Looking Ahead
As ESG priorities continue to evolve, education remains a central component of DBO’s People-First strategy. The focus remains on continuity, relevance, and long-term impact, ensuring education initiatives respond to community needs while remaining aligned with governance and sustainability frameworks. By embedding education into its ESG approach, DBO demonstrates how sustainable business practices can support community well-being, creating value that extends well beyond operational boundaries.