India, June 29 -- The MakeMyTrip Foundation's work in Manali is a powerful example of how tourism-linked organizations can step up for communities in times of crisis.
School Reconstruction
- Location: Government High School, Shaleen Village, Manali.
- Reason: The 2023 floods destroyed infrastructure; classes had been held in shops for nearly three years.
New Facility:
- Capacity for 150 students
- 8 classrooms + 2 smart classrooms
- Science lab, computer lab, library, multipurpose hall
- Infrastructure designed to match urban standards
Voices from the Community
- Dr. Sunil Thakur (Deputy Director, Quality Education): Highlighted the importance of giving children infrastructure that reflects the region's cultural significance.
- Gunjeet Singh Cheema (SDM, Manali): Emphasized how modern facilities empower both students and teachers.
- Yuvaraj Srivastava (Trustee, MakeMyTrip Foundation): Spoke about rebuilding hope through education and community empowerment.
Wider Relief & Rehabilitation
- Infrastructure:
- Materials for 6 Bailey bridges
- 30 metric tons of interlink chains for landslide protection
- Restoration of irrigation and water supply in Kaza
- Rescue equipment for volunteer groups
- Humanitarian:
- Relief kits for 600+ families
- Support for an old age home, orphanage, and hostel for differently abled women
About MakeMyTrip Foundation
- Established in 2015 to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.
- Initiatives include:
- Planting 28 lakh saplings across multiple states
- Collecting/disposal of 990 metric tons of waste from destinations like Neil Island and Dal Lake
- Supporting education and disaster relief projects nationwide
This project is more than rebuilding a school - it's about restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope for an entire community. It also shows how tourism companies can extend their impact beyond travelers to the very destinations they depend on.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Travel Media.