Shimla: A battery-operated golf cart was formally handed over to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of State Bank of India (SBI), in a ceremony held on Monday.
The programme took place near the Public Entry Building of the institute, where officials highlighted the utility of the eco-friendly vehicle in improving visitor convenience, promoting green energy, and reducing pollution within the heritage campus.
Senior SBI officials, including Deputy General Manager Prabhat Kumar and Regional Manager Anita Gaul Hira, formally handed over the symbolic key of the golf cart to IIAS Director Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi.
Following a traditional ceremony, the Director flagged off the vehicle, which then undertook its first ceremonial run from Gorkha Gate to the Ticket Booth.
The facility will be available to visitors on a nominal charge and is expected to particularly benefit senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and others who may find it difficult to walk up to the institute.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Chaturvedi said the institute is committed to balancing environmental responsibility with improved visitor amenities. He described the initiative as a meaningful step towards clean transport, green energy, and pollution control.
The initiative aligns with IIAS’s broader efforts to enhance tourist facilities while ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly practices within its historic campus. Officials noted that the golf cart will help reduce both air and noise pollution while improving accessibility.
National Fellows, IUC Associates, officers, and staff members of the institute were also present at the event.