- New centre to equip the city’s youth with future-ready skills and create pathways to sustainable livelihoods
Kolkata, 1 October 2026: Castrol India Limited, in association with Smile Foundation, today unveiled its first Ujjwal Kal skilling centre in Kolkata, aimed at equipping young adults from economically disadvantaged communities build industry-relevant skills and connecting them to opportunities for employment and sustainable livelihoods.
Located at the Smile Foundation STeP Centre in Santoshpur, Kolkata, the centre will offer training in digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), retail, and beauty & wellness, alongside communication, communication readiness and digital literacy. The learners will also receive recognized certificates and placement assistance.
‘Ujjwal Kal’, Castrol India’s flagship CSR initiative, focuses on strengthening livelihoods through youth upskilling, women empowerment and community development. Launched in 2021, the programme has a particular focus on improving access to opportunities for young women and underserved communities.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Saugata Basuray, Managing Director, Castrol India Limited, said, “Castrol India has always believed that talent is universal, but access to opportunity is not. Through Ujjwal Kal, we are working to bridge that gap by giving youth the skills, confidence, and support to build better futures for themselves and their families. The launch of our first skilling center in Kolkata is an important step in that journey, particularly in creating greater opportunities for young women. As the world of work continues to evolve, enabling young adults to participate meaningfully in it can create an impact that goes well beyond the individual.”
In 2025, Ujjwal Kal’s initiatives across in education, upskilling, and healthcare benefited close to 5,000 individuals. The programme primarily targets individuals aged 18-28, with young women currently accounting for nearly 85% of participants. It aims to achieve a 50–55% of graduates to secure direct employment or pursue self-employment opportunities.