Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is committed to empowering communities through education and capacity building as part of its vision to foster societal transformation. Aligned with SDG 4, the institution undertakes a wide range of educational outreach activities beyond campus, addressing diverse community needs. These initiatives include tailored lectures, skill-building workshops, and interactive demonstrations conducted in local schools and underserved communities.
The university leverages its multidisciplinary expertise to run both ad hoc and programmed outreach efforts, often involving our student volunteers. Programs such as literacy drives, STEM education camps, environmental awareness workshops, and digital literacy initiatives bridge the educational gap in rural and urban communities. Through these impactful projects, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham continues to cultivate inclusive learning opportunities, empowering individuals and fostering long-term societal development.
1. SANKALP Project: Skills Programmed Training for Independent Lives
In collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India and the World Bank, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has implemented a national skills development program to provide 4,500 people women and transgender individuals with vocational and life skills training.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural India grappled with unparalleled. Women and transgender people were hit especially hard as job opportunities dwindled, pushing them further into economic uncertainty.
As one of the responses to this crisis, Amrita University was entrusted on April 1st, 2022, to implement the Government of India’s SANKALP project—Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and the World Bank. The purpose of the project is to support these communities and promote their socio-economic development.
SANKALP primarily focuses on training and certifying women Self-Help Group (SHG) members and transgender individuals in vocational trades of their choice. The education program designed for empowerment integrates vital components such as life enrichment education, entrepreneurship development, digital literacy, SHG leadership, and governance. By fostering collective enterprises, they can leverage their new skills to establish businesses, enabling members to build resilience, earn a livelihood, and thus making a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive society.
Overall, we conducted training for 4,500 individuals in six states—Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
Participants engaged in specialised training for diverse job roles, including organic farming, mushroom cultivation, seaweed cultivation, tailoring, hand embroidery, beauty therapy, general duty assistance, and beekeeping. Graduates were able to receive official MSDE certification and guidance on how to form collective enterprises.
Susheela Devi, Yogashala, Kerala
I joined the Ashram Tailoring Center as a student. (…) I thought the class would solely cover vocational education. However, a great deal of life skill-related work was completed in class. I have friends who range in age from 19 to 70. That was a unique experience for me. Suma, the class’s oldest student, was seventy years old. Everybody would ask her, “Why did you come to study this?” and Sumaamma would always smile and say, ” Nothing has an age restriction. If a person is mentally capable of working and is in good enough health, they can perform any profession at any age.” During the course, she also started working part-time at Saukhyam Pads (which are recyclable pads produced by the women). She works at Saukhyam Pads full-time now.
For further information on Sankalp
Below are some extracts of the numerous events that happened in this program from Mid 2022 to end 2023:
1.1 Inauguration of the First Training Center
In Oct 2022, as the pandemic subsided, the first Sankalp training center was inaugurated in the Dhenkanal district, Odisha.
Smiles in Odisha – New SANKALP Centre
1.2 Certification Ceremony
In October 2023,1,000 students who have successfully completed their vocational and life skills training under the National AVSAR Sankalp scheme were invited to receive their certificates during the celebrations at Amma’s 70th Birthday Celebrations.
1.3 Bee-keeping Project
The Empowering Women & Communities through the Art of Beekeeping project promotes beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood for villagers. Launched in April 2023, the initiative focuses on three villages in Uttarakhand—Nala, Bhiri, and Giriya—reaching 65 women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs). It provides training and establishes an apiary in each village, contributing to sustainable development and a brighter future for the region. The project is a collaborative effort in partnership with Maruti Overseas and supported by ESRI India.
Read more 1 | Certificate distribution in Nala
1.4 Seaweed Project
In January 2023, the Seaweed Cultivation Training Project was launched by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in collaboration with the Transworld Group of Companies to empower women and women’s groups through Amrita’s integrated approach to vocational training. Focused on the cultivation of seaweed—a valuable marine resource with applications in food, agriculture, and biofuels—the project aims to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability. In addition to training in seaweed farming, the program includes business classes and guidance to help participants establish and market seaweed-based enterprises, enabling them to generate income and develop sustainable livelihoods.
By June 2023, the first batch of 40 participants successfully completed their training at the Amrita Sankalp Seaweed Cultivation Center in Olaikuda village, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
1.5 Tailoring Project
Students from the Amrita Sankalp tailoring centers near Amrita University’s Amritapuri campus showcased their products at two handicraft stalls during VIDYUT, a three-day national-level intercollegiate multi-fest organized by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham students. The stalls primarily featured Vastra Chakra products, highlighting the creativity and skills of the tailoring center participants.
After the successful completion of the Avsar Sankalp Skill Training Program, women who participated in the Tailoring and Beauty Therapist courses took their first steps toward entrepreneurship by forming business groups. To empower these women and support their journey toward financial independence, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham distributed sewing machines, tools, equipment, and furniture to these groups. This initiative not only provided them with essential resources but also encouraged them to utilize their newly acquired skills to establish sustainable livelihoods, contributing to their economic empowerment and community development.
1.6 Tailoring and Beautician Projects for the Transgender Community
Amrita Sankalp inaugurated a new tailoring and beautician training center dedicated to empowering the transgender community in New Delhi. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of prominent leaders from the transgender community, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and skill development.
This initiative aims to provide vocational training in tailoring and beautician skills, creating opportunities for economic independence and fostering self-reliance among transgender individuals.
1.7 Mushroom Cultivation Project
The Amrita mushroom cultivation project, supported by ESRI India, aims to empower villagers by providing training and seed capital to women, helping them generate income and enhance their agricultural practices.
On December 11, 2023, a certificate distribution ceremony was held for students of the Amrita Mushroom Cultivation Training Center in Nuasahi, Sakhigopal, Puri. The event celebrated a significant milestone for the students and the rural community, highlighting the project’s impact in fostering sustainable livelihoods.
1.8 Embroidery Project
Certificates were distributed on Dec 10th, 2023 to the embroidery students from the Amrita Sankalp center in Irulappapuram, Kanyakumari.
At the beginning 2024, numerous certification ceremonies were held across various states, celebrating our students’ dedication to acquiring new skills and enhancing their livelihoods. These events not only honored their achievements but also underscored our commitment to lifelong learning and empowerment.
For further information:2. 101 Village Project
The project aims to transform 101 villages across India into self-reliant role-model communities through sustainable development initiatives. These initiatives include vocational and life skills training, health and welfare services, organic farming, infrastructure for drinking water and sanitation, education for children and adults, and women’s empowerment programs.
To support this effort, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham developed e-content and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, including facilitator guides, student handbooks, posters, and banners. These resources cover 25 vocational and life skills courses, have been translated into six regional languages, and are being deployed across 21 states.
As part of the 101 villages project, the following events took place in 2023:
2.1 Certificate distribution on computer skills at Echari Village, Bihar
On November 13, 2023, as part of the Women Empowerment and Skills Training in Villages initiative implemented by AMMACHI Labs, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham,13 students from Echari village in Bihar received certificates for successfully completing computer courses offered by the program.
2.2. Inauguration of Computer Center in Morasia, Bihar
On November 13, 2023, as part of the Women Empowerment and Skills Training in Villages project—also known as the “101 Villages Project” and implemented by AMMACHI Labs—a computer center was inaugurated in Morasia, Bihar. The ceremony was officiated by Garhani Jilla Parishad member Smt. Kavitha Yadav, Jilla Parishad representative Devan Yadav, and Sarpanch Pintu Yadav.
The event was attended by 50 participants, including staff from AMMACHI Labs, the Amrita School for Sustainable Futures, and Amrita CREATE, as well as Social Work students from Amrita University’s Amritapuri campus. During the event, the Social Work students conducted an awareness session on government schemes, health, and hygiene.
2.3 Kanti Village: Activities under the 101 Villages Project
September 2023:
As As part of Sevana Varam Week celebrating Amma’s 70th birthday, women from Kanti village participated in an environmental initiative. They created seed balls using clay and orange seeds, planting them to honor one of our Chancellor’s five educational goals: to protect and respect nature.
December 2023:
A Community Health Event was organized by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and promote better nutrition in the village.
3. STI Hub
Improving Tribal Livelihoods, Education & Sustainability
Mizoram, one of the seven states of the North East Region of India, is a beautiful land of rolling hills, rivers, and lakes. While literacy rates are high, Mizoram also has a high number of unemployed, and the rugged land makes ease of doing business a major challenge. Substance abuse has been identified as a rising concern among young people here. Health indicators highlight the high prevalence of anaemia in children, adolescent girls and women, and growing non-communicable diseases [NCD] including various types of cancers.
Under a grant from the Department of Science and Technology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, in collaboration with Mizoram University, plans to build Science, Technology & Innovation Hubs in the districts of Aizawl and Serchhip to promote sustainable livelihoods through Capacity Building and Skill Development for tribal communities.
The STI Hub is a collaborative initiative taken by the government and private sectors to address key challenges, provide sustainable solutions and create a thriving ecosystem in the state of Mizoram, paving the way for a brighter future.
Amrita and Mizoram University’s STI Hub offers the Mizo people
Livelihood Empowerment
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
Knowledge Resource and Databank
4. CRPF Project – Sameekshanam – Be Calm, Be Compassionate”
On December 11, 2023, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham inaugurated the second phase of its “Sameekshanam – Be Calm, Be Compassionate” program at the CRPF Group Center in Rangareddy, Telangana. The event, presided over by Shri Anil Minz, Deputy Inspector General of GC Rangareddy, CRPF South Sector, marked the beginning of a 15-day intensive workshop series titled the “Love You Zindagi” workshop. This training series will equip 69 CRPF personnel to serve as Master Trainers, empowering them to further share their insights and skills within their respective battalions across the CRPF South Sector. This program, designed to support the well-being of the forces, was spearheaded by researchers and trainers from the Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (CWEGE), School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
The “Love You Zindagi” workshop series focuses on strategies to enhance cognitive and emotional resilience, equipping personnel with tools to manage stress and strengthen mental health. The training is structured around interactive sessions that encourage participants to develop skills in self-care, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, contributing to a stronger, more balanced workforce. Additionally, the program promotes gender harmony, aiming to create a culture of inclusivity and respect within the forces. This aspect is essential to building a work environment that supports both mental health and gender equality, fostering an atmosphere of unity and understanding.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s **educational outreach activities** extend across numerous sectors, with initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and communities through targeted training and educational programs. Through programs like “Sameekshanam,” Amrita reaches a wide audience, providing specialized training that addresses both personal and professional development. By focusing on areas such as resilience, mental well-being, and gender harmony, these outreach efforts reinforce Amrita’s commitment to creating positive social impact, equipping individuals with skills that can benefit their lives and communities.
5. Amrita AHEAD
Amrita AHEAD, the online learning platform of Amrita University, offers a personalized and holistic approach to education, integrating the university’s philosophy of ‘Education for Life and Education for Living.’ Its innovative and award-winning pedagogy enables experiential learning, providing both freshers and working professionals the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere, with personalized mentorship and interactive sessions.
Amrita AHEAD’s UGC-entitled, future-ready degree programs are designed in collaboration with industry leaders and renowned national and international faculty. These programs equip students with the skills to address real-world challenges effectively.
In 2023, Amrita AHEAD offered:
These courses promote lifelong learning, enabling students to diversify their career pathways and achieve their academic and professional goals.
“Here I am, pursuing an online MCA in Artificial Intelligence while managing a full-time job and family. I’m proud and grateful for Amrita AHEAD’s online opportunity, which offers the same value and benefits as on-campus learning. The 24/7 access to resources, an online library, and faculty support help every student achieve their academic goals.”
– Athira G., Online MCA AI Student
6. Med SIM
MedSIM is an e-learning platform that supports computer-based medical simulations that replicate clinical scenarios by integrating 2D and 3D animations. It allows features such as deliberate practice and feedback for skills development, exposure to difficult-to-visualize procedures, protocols, and case studies using virtual patient cases
MedSIM enhances undergraduate medical education and provides skills training for healthcare professionals. So far, it has achieved significant milestones, including the development of over 100 virtual cases, 95 virtual simulations, and 20 disease-specific databases, alongside organizing nine workshops.
The project, initiated in 2011, is now in its second phase, which began in March 2022 and is being conducted in collaboration with CDAC to further expand its impact.
Background
Nearly 20 years ago, the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami destroyed homes, shattered lives and ruined livelihoods. As one of the many responses to the crisis, Amma and the MA Math started the AmritaSREE program, a community-based Self-Help Groups initiative, to help the women impacted rebuild their lives. Three years ago, the Covid pandemic struck. While the Tsunami locked us out, the Covid pandemic locked us in. Memories of its trail of loss are still fresh in our minds. The pandemic hit hard rural women and transgender individuals in India. Apart from the tragic health impacts, job opportunities dwindled, pushing them further into economic uncertainty. The transgender community, already marginalized, faced heightened discrimination, making it even harder to secure employment or access social services.
To help them bide the storm, Amma supported over 250,000 women through the pandemic by providing cash support, food and clothing, and ration supplies, twice a year. It was Amma’s desire to build resilience and preparedness in these communities, addressing the challenges revealed by Covid, to strengthen the women’s Self-Help Group structures through diversification of livelihoods. Under her guidance and as part of an initiative led by the Government of India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, called “Avsar SANKALP – Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion,” Amrita University provided vocational training to 4,500 women and transgender individuals.
The “Empowering Women & Communities through the Art of Beekeeping” project, for the promotion of beekeeping as a means of sustainable livelihood for villagers, was started in April 2023. The initiative targeted the 3 villages of Nala, Bhiri and Giriya, in Uttarakhand, reaching 65 women villagers in Self-Help Groups SHG to provide them training, and set up an apiary in each of the villages. It came as a step towards sustainable development and a better tomorrow for the people of Uttarakhand.The project was in partnership with Maruti Overseas and supported by ESRI India.
The project included:
Courses and practical trainings on various aspects of beekeeping. Post-training business development workshops to increase the potential for business success: enhancing the effective functioning of SHGs, digital literacy.Amrita Overall Approach and States of Implementation Industry exposure field visits. Participation in trade-shows and exhibitions to sell beekeeping-based products. Help in capital funding to Self-Help Group (SHG) members. As the project kicked off, the participating trainees were provided with the needed new beehive boxes, tools, equipment and materials.
Mizoram, one of the seven states of the North East Region of India, is a beautiful land of rolling hills, rivers, and lakes. While literacy rates are high, Mizoram also has a high number of unemployed, and the rugged land makes ease of doing business a major challenge. Substance abuse has been identified as a rising concern among young people here. Health indicators highlight the high prevalence of anaemia in children, adolescent girls and women, and growing non-communicable diseases [NCD] including various types of cancers.
Under a grant from the Department of Science and Technology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, in collaboration with Mizoram University, plans to build Science, Technology & Innovation Hubs in the districts of Aizawl and Serchhip to promote sustainable livelihoods through Capacity Building and Skill Development for tribal communities.
The STI Hub is a collaborative initiative taken by the government and private sectors to address key challenges, provide sustainable solutions and create a thriving ecosystem in the state of Mizoram, paving the way for a brighter future.
Livelihood Empowerment
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
Knowledge Resource and Databank