A decade ago, employees at Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore (SRI-B) noticed a recurring challenge during visits to government schools in Karnataka. While attendance remained high, many students lacked something fundamental to learning—basic notebooks and stationery.

That observation led to an employee-driven initiative that has since reached more than 2 lakh students across the state. Since 2015, SRI-B has distributed nearly 15 lakh notebooks, with this year’s drive providing 42,819 notebooks to 7,620 students across 195 government schools in Kolar district. More than 100 SRI-B employees volunteered in this year’s initiative, visiting schools to distribute notebooks and interact with students.

“At SRI-B, innovation and education go hand in hand. As engineers and innovators, we understand the transformative power of learning. A notebook may appear simple, but for a child it represents opportunity, confidence and the freedom to dream. Through this initiative, we hope to empower students with the resources they need to write their own success stories and build a brighter future,” said Mohan Rao Goli, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore.

The notebook donation initiative was launched in 2015 after SRI-B employees, during visits to government schools, found that many students attended classes regularly despite lacking basic learning materials such as notebooks and stationery. What began as a small employee-led effort has since grown into one of SRI-B’s longest-running community initiatives.

Over the years, SRI-B has expanded its support for government schools beyond notebooks. The institute has donated tablets, student desks, flipboards, school kits and RO water filters, while also undertaking infrastructure projects including rebuilding a government school in Kembodi, repainting school buildings and, most recently, refurbishing the Government Higher Primary School in Bodenahalli.

The notebook initiative reflects SRI-B’s long-term commitment to supporting education in communities around its Bengaluru campus. Through employee volunteering and sustained investment in learning resources and school infrastructure, the institute continues to help create better learning environments for students across Karnataka.

On September 19, a heartwarming wave of joy swept through over 100 government schools across Karnataka as 92 volunteers from Samsung R&D Institute, Bengaluru (SRI-B) distributed new notebooks to 8,650 students.

Walking into classrooms filled with laughter and excitement, the volunteers were met with eager faces and bright smiles. Each notebook symbolized more than paper — it carried hope, encouragement, and the promise of a brighter future.

“In each notebook, write down your dream. Work towards it each day as you see it and very soon you would realise, you’re only getting closer to your dream,” said Mohan Rao Goli, Managing Director and Corporate Vice President, SRI-B, as he inspired students to believe in their aspirations.

The initiative stemmed from a needs-assessment survey conducted across 530 schools in districts such as Bagalkot, Bengaluru, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Kolar, Koppal, Mysuru, and Tumakuru — where 489 schools expressed a pressing need for notebooks.

Teachers and principals expressed heartfelt gratitude for the initiative. Uma S.K., Principal of GMHPS, BEML Nagar, said, “SRI-B’s Notebook Donation Initiative has ensured our students have the right tools to pursue their learning needs.”

This was the third edition of SRI-B’s Notebook Donation Drive, which previously supported schools in 2018 and 2019. Over the years, SRI-B has also contributed through initiatives such as providing student desks, flipboards, RO filters, and even rebuilding schools — all aimed at nurturing inclusive and inspiring learning environments.

The notebook drive is part of SRI-B’s broader CSR outreach efforts, including programs like Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to empowering young minds through education and community development.