Mr. Pradeep Purohit, Chief Operating Officer of Star Cement Ltd., stands as a towering figure in the cement and engineering industries, with over 38 years of illustrious service and innovation. His name has become synonymous not just with industrial excellence but also with a rare brand of social responsibility that integrates technology, education, and cultural preservation. In an era when digital tools often overshadow foundational skills, Mr. Purohit’s enduring commitment to holistic development, particularly his passionate work in improving handwriting and cursive writing skills among students, distinguishes him as a unique and visionary leader in the CSR in education sector.

Corporate Leadership with a Human Touch

In his current role at Star Cement Ltd., Mr. Purohit oversees multiple verticals, including sales and marketing, branding, business development, corporate affairs, and innovative supply chain mapping. His capacity to seamlessly integrate strategic planning with operational excellence has significantly contributed to the company's growth trajectory, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most visionary COOs driving social change.

He also leads the Smart Building Solutions Division, ensuring advanced technologies are embedded in the construction and infrastructure sector. His leadership style combines business acumen with a deeply human perspective. A staunch advocate for sustainability and community welfare, he drives numerous education CSR programs in India at Star Cement to foster socio-economic development across the regions in which the company operates.

An Educational Visionary

Mr. Purohit’s commitment to educational development is remarkable outside of his professional obligations. As the Chairman of Star Public School Meghalaya and an Academic Council Member and Guest Professor at The Assam Royal Global University, he has taken a hands-on approach to nurturing young minds. His guest lectures at IIM Kashipur further showcase his dedication to sharing knowledge and mentoring future leaders.

One of the standout programs under his leadership is the “Computer Education on Wheels” initiative. This program addresses the digital divide in rural areas by directly bringing structured computer literacy education to the doorsteps of Assam and West Bengal students. Through a mobile computer education classroom setup, this initiative—based on a curriculum designed by IIT Guwahati—has trained over 5,000 students across 32 schools, at no cost. Its continued expansion demonstrates Mr. Purohit’s belief in democratizing access to technology and information for rural education development.

Reviving the Art of Cursive Writing

Among his many contributions, one of the most thoughtful and forward-looking is his initiative to promote cursive writing among schoolchildren in India. Recognizing the fading emphasis on handwriting in the digital era, Mr. Purohit has launched a significant program to enhance students' handwriting speed, legibility, and cognitive development.

Under this initiative, schools—particularly Assamese-medium government institutions in underprivileged areas—have been supported by the distribution of specially designed cursive writing toolkits. These include structured practice workbooks and writing sheets tailored to help students build smooth, consistent, and efficient writing habits, in line with early childhood handwriting training best practices.

Mr. Purohit understands that good handwriting goes far beyond aesthetics. It fosters fine motor skills, memory retention, and academic performance. NEP-aligned handwriting education programs like this one contribute to a child’s mental engagement, patience, and discipline—traits essential to holistic learning. Through this initiative, he is not only improving penmanship; he is also reviving an art form that strengthens foundational skills critical for lifelong learning.

Teachers play a pivotal role in this initiative, and Mr. Purohit has ensured they are equipped to guide students effectively. By making the process accessible and engaging, this program has brought renewed attention to handwriting improvement in schools, reinvigorating classrooms with purpose and creativity. The indirect impact on teaching standards and classroom behavior has also been significant, making this a transformative step in early education.

Cultural Enrichment Through “Kalamandir”

Equally commendable is Mr. Purohit’s contribution to preserving and promoting local culture. In Mohitnagar, a remote village in West Bengal, he established Kalamandir—a no-cost cultural development institution where children can learn music, art, and dance. This initiative removes the barrier of travel costs and logistical constraints that often hinder rural children from accessing extracurricular learning.

Kalamandir is more than just an arts center; it’s a hub for preserving Bengal's rich cultural heritage. With structured training, students also appear for formal examinations through the Bongiyo Sangeet Parishad, thereby gaining academic validation for their creative skills. In doing so, Mr. Purohit strengthens Indian heritage in schools while enabling skill development among children.

Infrastructure for Inclusive Education

Mr. Purohit’s belief in the power of a nurturing learning environment has driven efforts to renovate over 70 remote government and private schools. These upgrades include better classrooms, improved sanitation, and upgraded teaching facilities. Additionally, schools for visually impaired children have benefited from his support by developing new classrooms, extracurricular activities, and celebratory events that recognize and uplift student morale.

In urban slums in Delhi and Assam, he has facilitated the construction of classrooms and provided school supplies for underprivileged youth and orphans. These efforts reflect a consistent theme in his work—education as a gateway to equity and empowerment, echoing the goals of school infrastructure improvement.

A Sustainability Advocate

Looking ahead, Mr. Purohit envisions an education system aligned with environmental consciousness. Plans are underway to introduce carbon neutrality initiatives across the schools he supports. This includes afforestation drives, solar lighting systems, and eco-awareness programs designed to instill environmental responsibility in students from an early age.

His approach is holistic. He empowers students with academic, social, and environmental intelligence, preparing them not only for examinations but also for life as responsible global citizens.

Thought Leadership and Industry Engagement

Mr. Purohit’s contributions are not confined to grassroots efforts alone. As the former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) North Bengal chapter, he has influenced policy dialogue and industrial development. His participation in national and regional seminars and guest lectures at leading management institutions continue to enrich the knowledge landscape of India's corporate and academic sectors.

Conclusion

Mr. Pradeep Purohit’s journey embodies the essence of integrated leadership, where business success is intertwined with community empowerment. His education, cultural development, and environmental awareness initiatives exemplify the far-reaching impact of thoughtful and visionary leadership.

His focused work on cursive writing and handwriting development stands out as a testament to his attention to students' nuanced needs. At a time when digital screens dominate childhood learning, Mr. Purohit’s handwriting initiative brings back a sense of balance—merging tradition with progress and art with function.

Through every effort—from mobile computer labs and cultural centers to improved classrooms and refined handwriting skills—Mr. Purohit is building more than structures or systems. He is building futures.