Sreeram Kongeseri, a PhD student, along with the researchers of AMMACHI Labs (Amrita Multi Modal Applications Using Computer & Human Interaction), developed a board game, ‘Aadarsh Gaon’, that provides a way for players to build an ideal community through social problem-solving. The safe, risk-free setting brings players together to work as a team, think critically, and form strategies. It gives players an opportunity to volunteer, collect resources and solve social problems to build an ideal community. 

The team has spent a significant amount of time with the disadvantaged communities to understand the issues that hamper meaningful community engagement. The team includes researchers, students and volunteers from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham who have been working on solutions for inclusive empowerment. 

“We have spent a significant amount of time with the disadvantaged communities to understand the issues that hamper meaningful community engagement. And from our research and fieldwork, we found that serious games, especially board games like these, make a positive difference. This game-based approach has made our initiatives more constructive, relevant and meaningful. Players become active problem solvers in the community. They become champions. This game tests your ability to work as a team and builds problem-solving skills,” shared Sreeram.