The day marked a significant milestone in the journey of the ITLIVES (Improving Tribal Livelihoods, Education and Sustainability) project — a joint initiative between Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Kerala) and Mizoram University (Mizoram), implemented under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub scheme of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
The occasion marked the formal inauguration of the STI Hub building, established under this project. The Hub aims to nurture innovative ideas, develop novel food products, and train local beneficiaries in producing these products for livelihood enhancement. It is dedicated to improving the lives of surrounding communities by providing access to technologies and skill-building opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach.
The new building was inaugurated by Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice-Chancellor, Mizoram University. Distinguished guests included Dr. Raghu Raman, Dean, Amrita School of Business and Principal Investigator of the STI Hub project from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and Dr. Lalnilawma, Minister for Rural Development & Administration, Government of Mizoram, who also serves as Principal Investigator from Mizoram University.
The event was attended by project beneficiaries such as school headmasters and student ambassadors who have benefitted from awareness programmes, trainee participants from previous capacity-building programmes, and AYUSH doctors who have collaborated in free Ayurveda-based medical camps.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Deka emphasized that the true success of the hub lies not in the physical infrastructure within the building, but in the positive impact it creates for the people it serves. He also highlighted that this marks the first-ever collaboration between any university from Mizoram and Kerala, expressing confidence that this partnership will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Constructed at a cost of ₹67.9 lakh, the STI Hub building is located at the Mizoram University Campus, Aizawl, and Kawlri Tlang, Serchhip. The facility includes a Project Office, a Food Processing Laboratory, and a Training Centre for local skill development.
The STI Hub currently implements four key programmes:
The STI Hub scheme, launched by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India in 2019, aims to promote the holistic development of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities through systematic, science- and technology-based interventions.
Since its inception in 2023, the ITLIVES project under the STI Hub has directly benefited more than 9000, continuing to expand its reach to more tribal communities in Mizoram. The project aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, and 4 — No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Quality Education.
