Painting a brighter future: The CSR Story of Aasara and Oerlikon

Earlier this month, we celebrated something very special—our first-ever CSR initiative: transforming the Aasra Girls’ Shelter into a vibrant and nurturing space.

With the kind support of Oerlikon Textile India Pvt. Ltd., we were able to make a difference in the lives of so many girls at the Aasra Girls' Shelter.

With a vision to improve lives, nurture dreams, and offer hope, the team at Oerlikon Textile India Pvt Ltd: Luiza Dcosta, Mahesh Bane and Mitsu Vyas, our trustees Venkat lyer, Neel Desai, Uday Bangera, and Rabi Menon and core team Neha lyer and Aditi Singh understood that —

Creating inspiring spaces goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about delivering dignity, respect, and hope to those who need it most.

The Challenge: A Space in Need of Change

The journey began with realising a need for change at the Shelter. The interiors of the shelter were worn out and demotivating, with fading walls, chipped paint, and a dull ambience. These conditions were far from providing the warmth and comfort that young girls who temporarily reside in Aasara needed.

Physical surroundings have a big impact on mental and emotional health, especially for kids and teenagers, according to research. Our motivation to revitalise the space came from our team’s thought that "The spaces we inhabit shape our well-being, mindset, and sense of belonging,".

It became evident that working on the shelter's walls may include much more than merely applying new paint; it could contribute to the development of a feeling of stability, belonging, and home.

The Transformation:

The girls were the focus of every brushstroke, every shade selection, and the positioning of colourful artwork. The area was transformed from a shelter into a work of art that reflected community, love, and optimism.

From initial planning to execution, every step of the renovation was handled thoughtfully, ensuring that the final product would represent the nurturing and upbeat atmosphere Lagori aimed to establish. By replacing the fading walls with vibrant, mood-lifting colours, the team gave the spaces a feeling of cosiness and energy.

Our effort was backed up by multiple scientific revelations of how specific colours stimulate and motivate a child, therefore, the renovated rooms had to radiate a warm, upbeat, and caring vibe—the perfect setting for education, camaraderie, and personal development.

Impact: A Renewed Sense of Belonging

The transformation brought more than just fresh walls, it gave the girls at Aasara enthusiasm, smiles, and a newfound joy.

As part of a little surprise for the girls, we gave them sheets of vibrant stickers to use once the painting was finished, and we let their imaginations go wild! They decorated their new space with hearts, stars, and little sparkles, embracing their individuality. It was magical to watch each girl put her own touch to the walls; when they proudly displayed their creations, positivity flared around the room.

What began as a straightforward activity evolved into a beautiful method for children to feel a connection to their area, bringing happiness and a sense of ownership to every wall.

Without the kind support of Oerlikon Textile Pvt. Ltd. and all the amazing people who dedicated their time and effort to make this project a reality, none of this would have been possible. Together, we've shown how partnerships between corporations and community organizations can create meaningful, lasting change.

Lots of love,

Team Lagori <3