4.3.3. Vocational Training (Life Long Learning) hosted in Amrita
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning through accessible and inclusive vocational training initiatives. With its dynamic programs, the university extends its resources to the broader community, offering executive education and specialized training designed to enhance personal and professional growth. These short courses, distinct from conventional degree programs, empower individuals with practical skills and actionable knowledge. Organized both on an ad hoc and a programmed basis across its campuses, these initiatives embody Amrita’s unwavering commitment to delivering impactful education that prepares learners to excel in a rapidly changing world.
1. Amrita Sankalp Programmed Vocational Training for Rural Youth and Adults, conducted across Amrita campuses
In collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, and the World Bank, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham implemented a national skills development program to train 4,500 women and transgender individuals in vocational and life skills.
Launched on April 1, 2022, under the Government of India’s SANKALP project (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion), the initiative aimed to strengthen socio-economic resilience in communities severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
SANKALP focuses on empowering Self-Help Group (SHG) members and transgender people through training, certification, and entrepreneurship development. The program integrates life enrichment education, digital literacy, and leadership skills, encouraging participants to form collective enterprises for sustainable livelihoods.
Training was conducted across six states—Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh—covering diverse trades such as organic farming, mushroom and seaweed cultivation, tailoring, embroidery, beauty therapy, general duty assistance, and beekeeping. Graduates received official MSDE certification and mentorship to launch or strengthen their enterprises.
From July 2023 to December 2024, several training sessions as well as certificates distribution were conducted at our campuses, as part of the program. The different trainings below are a few examples of what has been done.
1.1 Faridabad Campus : Amrita-Sankalp General Duty Assistant Training Centre Inaugurated, Conducts 6-Week Vocational Training for Rural India
On 13 September 2023, The Amrita-Sankalp General Duty Assistant Training Centre was inaugurated at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, marking a significant advancement in vocational training tailored for rural India. The inauguration was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad, Shri Vikram Singh (IAS), alongside the Vice-Chairman of Mata Amritanandamayi Math & President of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Sampoojya Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, and other distinguished guests. Designed to provide vital healthcare skills to individuals from underserved regions, the center aligns with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s mission of uplifting rural communities through skill development, equipping participants with the tools for employment and community impact.
The center offers a six-week General Duty Assistant (GDA) training program, utilizing a fully-equipped digital learning lab and including 210 hours of life skills education. Swami Nijamritananda Ji, addressing the audience at the event, shared that the center is inspired by Amma’s vision of nurturing and empowering her children, particularly rural women, by providing them with pathways to self-sustenance and well-being. The center is expected to have a transformative effect on participants, preparing them for essential roles in the healthcare sector and strengthening their communities through practical skills and confidence.
An initiative of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the Amrita-Sankalp Project offers two trainers, each facilitating batches of 35 students in daily classes from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Looking ahead, the center plans to expand its offerings with a Home Health Aide certification course. Through targeted training, the center creates lasting employment opportunities for rural youth, contributing to a skilled and empowered workforce in North India.
1.2 Transgender Leaders Engage in Capacity-Building and Innovation at CWEGE & AMMACHI Labs, Amritapuri
From September 20–22, 2023, Ms. Piya Kapoor and Shiavnya, coordinators from the Amrita Sankalp Tailoring and Beautician Center in Uttam Nagar, both belonging to the transgender community, visited AMMACHI Labs, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri campus, for a three-day training and exposure program on business skills. The members of the Uttam Nagar center have been successfully trained under the SANKALP Vocational Training Program, gaining valuable skills and confidence to pursue sustainable livelihoods.
On the first day, the visitors interacted with the Ammachilabs -CWEGE and SANKALP teams on the Amritapuri campus for mutual learning and exchange of ideas. The second day featured engaging sessions on SWOT Analysis, Ideal Village Activity, and LEE tailoring programs, along with a workshop on personality development and communication skills. On the third day, they received training on Quality Management and Assurance and visited the tailoring store in Amritapuri to understand the importance of maintaining quality standards.
This initiative, part of the SANKALP Project implemented by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, reflects Amrita’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable access to vocational education and empowering marginalized communities through skill-based learning.
From February 20–23, 2024, members of the Amrita Sankalp Tailoring and Beautician center in Uttam Nagar, belonging to the transgender community and led by Miss Piya Kapoor, visited Amritapuri Ashram and the AMMACHI Labs & CWEGE for four days.
They participated in a two-day training at CWEGE on Business Development and SMART SHG, covering SHG formation, benefits, and bookkeeping, with interactive sessions that enhanced group cohesiveness.
The group also attended meetings on future projects with AMMACHI Labs and visited the Parashara tailoring center, focusing on quality and simple designs such as shopping bags made from upcycled materials.
1.3 Amma’s 70th Birthday Celebrations – A Milestone in Empowerment
The celebrations on October 3, 2023, highlighted the success and impact of our training programs conducted throughout the year, demonstrating their efficiency in empowering individuals and communities. In a grand event celebrating empowerment and transformation, 1,000 students who successfully completed their vocational and life skills training under the National AVSAR and Sankalp schemes received their certificates during Amma’s 70th Birthday Celebrations at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amritapuri campus.
The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, who joined us for the certificate distribution ceremony:
Adding to the spirit of the occasion, students from other skill-training programs supported by Esri India and the Transworld Group were also recognized for their achievements.
Over the past year, more than 5,000 women have been trained through Amrita’s transformative initiatives, paving the way for brighter futures and stronger communities.
This celebration was not just a birthday—it was a tribute to Amma’s unwavering vision of empowerment and love in action.
1.4 Amrita SANKALP Tailoring: Certificate and Sewing Machine Distribution at the Faridabad Campus
On January 4, 2024, 40 professional sewing machines were distributed by the State Bank of India (SBI) to women students from various Amrita Sankalp Tailoring Centers around Faridabad. These women, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed under the AmritaSREE (Self-Reliance Education and Employment) initiative of M.A. Math, are being empowered to achieve economic independence.
The event, held at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, was graced by Swami Nijamritananda Puri, Administrative Director of Amrita Hospital, along with senior SBI officials including Mr. Kalpesh Krishnakant Awasia (Chief General Manager), Deepesh Raj (Deputy General Manager), Vinod Kumar (Regional Manager), and Dr. Manju Sharma, CDPO representative from the government.
This came under the SANKALP to boost short term Skill Training programs for long term benefits through strengthening institutions, bringing in better market connectivity and inclusion of marginalized sections of the society. Through the trainings, women gained the skills and confidence they needed to start their own businesses.
On January 8th and 9th, 2024, 94 women received their certificates along with tailoring machines to begin their business activities in Faridabad (Palwali and Bhainsrawali, areas near the campus).
2. Women’s Empowerment project – Interactive Exhibition at Amritavashram 70, Amritapuri campus
On October 2023, an interactive exhibition showcasing Amma’s humanitarian initiatives drew large crowds at the program venue during Amritavashram 70, Amma’s Birthday celebrations, held at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri campus.
Research centers from the university presented technological and humanitarian solutions inspired by Amma’s compassion-driven ethos.
The Women’s Empowerment Project store showcased products resulting from various empowerment projects guided by Amma over the years. Handicrafts, artwork, and a striking “Wheel of Empowerment” art piece designed by international artists illustrated the range of skills taught to women through computerized vocational education. The stall also featured upcycled products from Vastra Chakra, inclusive items crafted by the transgender community, and mushroom pickles from Odisha groups. Dr. Bhavani Rao and NSDC delegates visited the stall to interact with the team.
3. Seaweed project: 3-days Train the Trainer
In November 25–27, 2024, as part of the “Blue is the New Pink” initiative, AMMACHI Labs conducted, in Amritapuri campus, a three-day “Train the Trainer” program focused on empowering women involved in the Seaweed Cultivation Project.
The training combined hands-on workshops, interactive sessions, and field visits to strengthen participants’ skills in life-skills education, recycling management, seaweed-based soap making, and digital literacy. Participants also engaged in Life Enrichment Education (LEE) discussions, exploring ways to foster sustainable livelihoods.
Visits to Amrita University and the Amritapuri Ashram provided valuable exposure to research and sustainable living practices, inspiring participants to replicate similar models within their coastal communities.
This program marks another step in AMMACHI Labs’ mission to build women-led, ocean-based enterprises that blend environmental stewardship with economic empowerment through vocational training.
4. Basic Coding and IT Essentials for Rural Youth Conducted by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
On October 25, 2023, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham launched the “Basic Coding and IT Essentials for Rural Youth” program, a short-term initiative aimed at bridging the digital skills gap for young adults in rural areas. With rapid technological advancements and the growing need for digital literacy, this program provided foundational training in coding and computer operations. Participants, many of whom had limited access to computers or internet services, were introduced to essential digital skills that would enable them to access new educational and employment opportunities. Through this program, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham strengthened its commitment to rural development and digital inclusion.
The training course, which spanned 4-6 weeks, covered an array of topics including basic computer usage, internet safety, Microsoft Office, and an introduction to coding languages such as HTML and Python. Hands-on exercises and real-world applications were emphasized to ensure students could apply their new skills effectively. The program was designed to be accessible to beginners, focusing on practical tasks like creating simple web pages and navigating online resources. By the end of the course, participants had a foundational understanding of how digital tools and basic coding skills could be applied in everyday life, business, and further education.
The program reached over 200 youth from remote areas, many of whom expressed a renewed interest in pursuing further studies or careers in the digital field. In addition to equipping participants with valuable skills, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s initiative fostered confidence and self-reliance among rural youth, who previously had limited exposure to IT. The program reflects the university’s mission to empower marginalized communities through education and skill development, preparing youth for a digitally connected world.
5. Two-Day Vocational Training Workshop on Cytogenetics Held at Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi
Kochi, May 2–3, 2024: A two-day intensive workshop on Cytogenetics was held at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, to advance knowledge and hands-on skills in genetic diagnostics. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Prem Nair, Group Medical Director, who emphasized the vital role of cytogenetic techniques in modern medicine.
The workshop covered karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), microarray technology, quality assurance, and ISCN nomenclature. Participants—clinicians, pathologists, scientists, and postgraduate students from across India—received mentorship from leading experts including Dr. Vidya Jha (HOD, Cytogenetics), Dr. Seethalakshmy, Dr. Anil Kumar, and Dr. Manoj Unni.
Hands-on sessions offered practical training in karyotyping, FISH, and real-time case analysis, focusing on accurate and affordable reporting for conditions such as Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML) and constitutional disorders.
This vocational training initiative aligns with Amrita Hospital’s commitment to fostering professional growth and excellence in healthcare. By equipping participants with specialized skills in cytogenetics, the workshop supports a growing need for trained professionals capable of addressing complex genetic conditions. The training’s practical approach to diagnostics strengthens the capabilities of medical practitioners, thereby contributing to improved genetic healthcare services across the country.
On October 25, 2023, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham launched the “Basic Coding and IT Essentials for Rural Youth” program, a short-term initiative aimed at bridging the digital skills gap for young adults in rural areas. With rapid technological advancements and the growing need for digital literacy, this program provided foundational training in coding and computer operations. Participants, many of whom had limited access to computers or internet services, were introduced to essential digital skills that would enable them to access new educational and employment opportunities. Through this program, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham strengthened its commitment to rural development and digital inclusion.
The training course, which spanned 4-6 weeks, covered an array of topics including basic computer usage, internet safety, Microsoft Office, and an introduction to coding languages such as HTML and Python. Hands-on exercises and real-world applications were emphasized to ensure students could apply their new skills effectively. The program was designed to be accessible to beginners, focusing on practical tasks like creating simple web pages and navigating online resources. By the end of the course, participants had a foundational understanding of how digital tools and basic coding skills could be applied in everyday life, business, and further education.
The program reached over 200 youth from remote areas, many of whom expressed a renewed interest in pursuing further studies or careers in the digital field. In addition to equipping participants with valuable skills, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s initiative fostered confidence and self-reliance among rural youth, who previously had limited exposure to IT. The program reflects the university’s mission to empower marginalized communities through education and skill development, preparing youth for a digitally connected world.
On 13 September 2023, The Amrita-Sankalp General Duty Assistant Training Centre was inaugurated today at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, marking a significant advancement in vocational training tailored for rural India. The inauguration was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad, Shri Vikram Singh (IAS), alongside the Vice-Chairman of Mata Amritanandamayi Math & President of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Sampoojya Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, and other distinguished guests. Designed to provide vital healthcare skills to individuals from underserved regions, the center aligns with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s mission of uplifting rural communities through skill development, equipping participants with the tools for employment and community impact.
The center offers a six-week General Duty Assistant (GDA) training program, utilizing a fully-equipped digital learning lab and including 210 hours of life skills education. Swami Nijamritananda Ji, addressing the audience at the event, shared that the center is inspired by Amma’s vision of nurturing and empowering her children, particularly rural women, by providing them with pathways to self-sustenance and well-being. The center is expected to have a transformative effect on participants, preparing them for essential roles in the healthcare sector and strengthening their communities through practical skills and confidence.
An initiative of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the Amrita-Sankalp Project offers two trainers, each facilitating batches of 35 students in daily classes from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Looking ahead, the center plans to expand its offerings with a Home Health Aide certification course. Through targeted training, the center creates lasting employment opportunities for rural youth, contributing to a skilled and empowered workforce in North India.
A two-day vocational training workshop on Cytogenetics was conducted at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, focusing on advancing participants’ skills in genetic diagnostics. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Prem Nair, Group Medical Director of Amrita Hospitals, who highlighted the essential role of cytogenetic techniques in modern medical diagnostics. Designed to provide hands-on experience in the field of cytogenetics, the training emphasized its importance in detecting and understanding genetic disorders, enhancing both the expertise and confidence of participants.
The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants, including clinicians, pathologists, scientists, and postgraduate medical students from various regions across India. Guided by expert faculty, attendees engaged in intensive sessions covering cytogenetic methodologies, from sample preparation to chromosome analysis and interpretation. This vocational training provided a unique opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals, ensuring that participants left with a strong grasp of practical applications as well as theoretical insights in cytogenetics.
This vocational training initiative aligns with Amrita Hospital’s commitment to fostering professional growth and excellence in healthcare. By equipping participants with specialized skills in cytogenetics, the workshop supports a growing need for trained professionals capable of addressing complex genetic conditions. The training’s practical approach to diagnostics strengthens the capabilities of medical practitioners, thereby contributing to improved genetic healthcare services across the country.
Host events at university that are open to the general public: executive education programs (this refers to short courses for people who are not attending the university; this specifically excludes courses like MBA) and/ or vocational training.
