Axis Bank, a leading private sector bank in India, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Rotary CSR Award 2025 for Community Involvement’ in the ‘Mega Enterprise’ category. This esteemed award, conferred by Rotary International District 3131, recognizes Axis Bank’s impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, specifically its flagship education program, ‘Axis Dil Se – Capt. Late N. Kenguruse Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) Centre of Excellence’ located in Chieswema, Nagaland.
This significant initiative is a collaborative effort between Axis Bank, the Assam Rifles, and the National Integrity and Educational Development Organization (NIEDO). The program focuses on empowering bright and deserving students from the Northeast region of India by providing comprehensive support through Centres of Excellence (CoE). This includes academic coaching, dedicated mentoring, and holistic development opportunities.
The ‘Axis Dil Se’ program at the Chieswema Centre has already made a substantial impact, assisting over 650 students in their preparation for highly competitive national entrance examinations such as NEET and JEE. Currently, over 205 students are enrolled in the program for the academic year.
The Chieswema Centre in Nagaland is a vital part of a broader network of seven Centres of Excellence strategically located across the Northeast, including Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Ghaspani (also in Nagaland).
This impactful Centre operates through a strong partnership between Axis Bank, the implementation partner NIEDO, and the facilitating partner, Sector Assam Rifles/IGAR (N)/DGAR, operating under the aegis of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. The Assam Rifles provides essential infrastructure, including classrooms and residential facilities for students, teachers, and support staff, ensuring a secure and conducive learning environment. NIEDO is responsible for student mobilization, rigorous shortlisting, seamless onboarding, effective coaching, and comprehensive training. This collaborative synergy ensures that students receive the necessary resources and unwavering support to achieve academic excellence.
Speaking about this significant recognition, Vijay Mulbagal, Group Executive & Head – Wholesale Bank Coverage & Sustainability at Axis Bank, stated, “We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award from the Rotary Club. This recognition encourages us to reaffirm our commitment to continue serving the underprivileged communities with even more passion and dedication. The Axis Dil Se – Capt. N Kenguruse MVC Center of Excellence is more than just an education program; it embodies resilience, aspiration, and opportunity. We are immensely proud that this initiative empowers a generation of young students from the North-East to dream bigger and achieve greater heights.”
Since its inception in Ladakh in 2018, ‘Axis DilSe®’ has stood as one of Axis Bank’s flagship CSR programs under the crucial theme of Education. The program is driven by a singular purpose: to effectively bridge the education gap in India’s most remote, underserved, and conflict-affected regions. Under the ‘Axis DilSe®’ umbrella, Axis Bank actively supports vital interventions across all seven states of the North-east, as well as in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh in the East
The ‘Rotary CSR Award 2025’ bestowed upon Axis Bank for its ‘Axis Dil Se’ initiative underscores the profound impact of collaborative CSR programs in Northeast India. This recognition not only celebrates Axis Bank’s commitment to community involvement and bridging the education gap but also highlights the vital role of partnerships with organizations like the Assam Rifles and NIEDO in empowering students in Nagaland and across the region. The success of the Centres of Excellence (CoE) in preparing students for competitive exams like NEET and JEE serves as a testament to the effectiveness of this education initiative and its potential to shape a brighter future for the youth of Northeast India.