Rural Digital Empowerment through Social Entrepreneurship and Technological Training

Objectives

• To promote social entrepreneurship among students by engaging them in real-time rural development initiatives.
• To adopt nearby villages and empower the rural community through digital literacy and mechanization awareness.
• To train farmers and villagers in the usage of agricultural machinery and drone technology for precision farming.
• To integrate community service with experiential learning, enhancing students’ leadership, empathy, and innovation skills.

The Context

The Institute recognizes the vital role of technology and social responsibility in achieving sustainable rural development. In alignment with national missions such as “Digital India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the institution has initiated a unique practice wherein students and faculty collectively adopt nearby villages to bridge the digital divide.

Through this initiative, students act as change agents—translating their technical knowledge into practical community solutions. The adoption program focuses on agricultural innovation, livelihood enhancement, and digital empowerment.

The Practice

• Village Adoption Initiative: The institution has adopted selected nearby villages, aiming to transform them into model villages through technology integration and digital education.
• Capacity Building and Training Programs: Regular training sessions are conducted for farmers and youth on the operation of agricultural machinery such as seed sowers, threshers, and irrigation systems, improving productivity and efficiency.
• Drone Technology for Smart Farming: Students and faculty demonstrate drone use for crop monitoring, spraying, and mapping—introducing farmers to precision agriculture to enhance yield and reduce manual effort.
• Skill Development and Awareness Drives: Hands-on workshops on digital payments, e-governance, and mechanized farming promote digital literacy and entrepreneurship among villagers.
• Student Involvement and Learning: Students participate in surveys, needs assessments, and field demonstrations—gaining real-world exposure while developing leadership, problem-solving, and social engagement skills.

Outcomes

• Enhanced Social Responsibility: Students develop a sense of commitment toward inclusive rural development.
• Promotion of Rural Entrepreneurship: Villagers, especially youth, are encouraged to take up agri-tech ventures, fostering self-sustained livelihoods.
• Technological Empowerment: Farmers adopt modern machinery and drone-based techniques for improved productivity and profitability.
• Bridging the Rural–Urban Divide: The initiative links academic learning with community welfare, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the institution and society.
• Experiential Learning Impact: Students apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, enhancing innovation, teamwork, and leadership while improving rural livelihood practices.