The Science Technology Innovation (STI) Hub in Aizawl was launched by Mizoram Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on April 25 as part of the Civil 20 (C20) Mizoram Conclave on Education and Digital Transformation (EDT).
Funded by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, these would promote sustainable livelihoods through capacity building, skill development for tribal communities, awareness against substance abuse, digital literacy, and awareness about nutrition and preventive health to help improve the overall well-being of the people of Mizoram.
Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, said, “In Mizoram, we have a close-knit community and a vibrant civil society. Our NGOs address various issues ranging from societal problems to the environment. We maintain strong connection to our traditional values and ethos. We have a high literacy rate and a vast forest cover. However, we also face challenges with a high percentage of the population still dependent on shifting cultivation. Indigenous people often face challenges such as endemic poverty, poor health, and cultural erosion.
Many times, these are linked to forest degradation. Education and digital transformation offer a pathway to come out of the reliance on subsistence agriculture in a world of unpredictable climate patterns. I am happy to learn that Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has worked closely with the tribal populations in mainland India with a vision to provide an integrated and sustainable approach for improving education, health and livelihood through digital inclusion.”
Dr. Prema Nedungadi, C20 EDT National Coordinator, Director Amrita CREATE, highlighted that the project aims to provide digital literacy to rural populations who have little access to digital aids and train peer ambassadors to provide preventive health awareness in schools and villages.
The project’s Principal Investigator, Prof. Raghu Raman, Dean, Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, said, “The launch of the STI hubs in Mizoram under the C20 banner is a historic moment as we work towards systems connecting with Ayurveda, and create a mobile/web application improving tribal livelihoods, education, and sustainability in the state. The objectives are to create social enterprises, conserve indigenous knowledge-based platform to support better delivery of interventions.”
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Pravakar Rath, Vice Chancellor of Mizoram University. Mizoram Chief Secretary Dr. Renu Sharma delivered the keynote address and highlighted the importance of digital literacy and investing in digital infrastructure across the state.
Ms. Hasina Kharbhih, Founder & Chairperson, Impulse NGO Network & Impulse Social Enterprises, Shillong, spoke at the event. Pu Lalhmachhuana, Vice President, CYMA shared special remarks. The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Lalnilawma, HOD, Department of Extension Education & Rural Development, Mizoram University.
The conclave focused on the three topics— Substance Abuse Awareness; Skill Development and Digital Transformation; and Food, Nutrition and Ayurveda. Panel Discussions were organized on these themes with eminent panelists.
