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 (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. While the program formally ended in early 2024, several initiatives have continued to progress beyond its official completion.
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.
Below are some extracts of the numerous events that happened in this program from mid-2023 to end 2024:
1.1 Certification Ceremony
In October 2023, 1,000 students who had successfully completed their vocational and life skills training under the National AVSAR SANKALP scheme were invited from various centers across India to receive their certificates during Amma’s 70th Birthday Celebrations.
1.2 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.
As part of the pre-training and Train-the-Trainer (TTT) activities for the Seaweed Cultivation Training Project in the coastal villages of Nambuthalai and Thirupalaikudi, Tamil Nadu, the AMMACHI Labs team visited the two locations from January 31 to February 5, 2024, to meet the women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and initiate the training.
The sessions covered topics such as technology and baseline surveys, basic smartphone usage, the concept of entrepreneurship, logo creation, and sales and marketing strategies.
On March 9, 2024, women from AMMACHI Labs’ Seaweed Cultivation Project in Olaikkuda Village, Tamil Nadu, participated in a hands-on training session on value-added product development.
The program focused on producing seaweed-based soap using Sargassum seaweeds, enhancing participants’ skills in sustainable coastal livelihoods and small-scale entrepreneurship. This initiative forms part of Amrita’s ongoing efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment through practical skill-building in marine-based industries.
On August 14, 2024, 24 women from Thiruppalaikkudi Village received their certificates after completing a comprehensive seaweed farming training program. Organized by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in collaboration with CWEGE, the program equips women with sustainable livelihood skills.
The graduation marked a significant step in empowering local communities, creating business opportunities in seaweed farming, and enabling participants to support their families while promoting economic independence and environmental conservation.
1.3 Tailoring Project
After the successful completion of the Avsar Sankalp Skill Training Program, women who participated in the Tailoring and Beauty Therapist courses from various centers 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 in December 2023 till February 2024, 267 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.
1.4 Tailoring and Beautician Projects for the Transgender Community
On June 13, 2024, the Amrit Shakti “Empowerment of Transgenders” Center was inaugurated in Vani Vihar, Uttam Nagar, Delhi. The ceremony was presided over by Swami Nijamritananda Puri, Administrative Director of Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
Graduates of the Beauty Therapist and Self-Employed Tailor courses received their certificates from Swami Nijamritanda Puri and Dr. Bhavani Rao, marking the culmination of rigorous training programs. Ms. Piya Kapoor, Head of Transgender Groups, expressed gratitude to Amma for the opportunities provided.
The CWEGE at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham trained 40 transgender individuals through the SANKALP and AVSAR projects, who have since formed two AmritaSree business groups in Beautician and Tailoring services. The center plans to offer advanced courses in Professional Makeup, Nail Art, and Fashion Designing and to have these groups train new batches of marginalized students, promoting sustainable livelihoods and inclusivity.
1.5 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.
1.6 Embroidery Project
Certificates were distributed on Dec 10th, 2023 to the embroidery students from the Amrita Sankalp center in Irulappapuram, Kanyakumari.
Certificates were distributed on Jan 18th, 2024 to the embroidery students from the Amrita Sankalp center in Pizhala.
1.9 Other Certificate Distribution
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. Below are a few examples of certificate distribution events.
1.10 Sankalp Results Overview
As of February 3, 2024, the Amrita SANKALP project has achieved a placement rate of 70% among students who received certificates after successfully completing their training at the centers. The numbers are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks.
On this date, the project statistics were as follows:
2. Women Entrepreneurship. Tailoring and Disaster Management: Amrita Sustainable Livelihood & Disaster Resilience Program
Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, through its research centres AMMACHI Labs and the Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, has been actively involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts following the devastating landslide that hit Wayanad in July 2024.
On December 13th, 2024, the Amrita Sustainable Livelihood & Disaster Resilience Program inaugurated its new Skill Development Training Center at Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Meppadi, Wayanad. This initiative has been launched with a special focus on supporting the landslide-affected communities of Wayanad by equipping them with sustainable livelihood skills and creating new opportunities for self-reliance.
This ensures that participants can build lasting skills to sustain themselves and their families. The program’s first phase will provide training to 60 participants in tailoring and 30 participants in computer skills, specifically in MS Office and Tally, both of which have high demand in today’s job market. By focusing on these areas, the center aims to create livelihood opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and empower women and youth within the community.
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 “AServe Villages Project (formerly called 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 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.
2.4 Business management skills training in Dunda
In November 2024, AMMACHI Labs’ Amrita COVID Community Resilience Resource Centre (CCRRC) conducted a two-week pre-training program in Dunda Village, Uttarakhand, to empower women with entrepreneurial and business management skills.
The curriculum covered goal setting, business venture identification, cost and pricing strategies, customer service, risk management, and team building with savings. Following the training, participants chose mushroom cultivation as their business venture. Inspired by the program, 30 women have enrolled in the C-VET practical training course, starting December 3, 2024.
2.5 CVET and Computer training in Uttarakhand villages
In February–March 2024, CWEGE conducted Community Vocational Education and Training (CVET) to promote women-led sustainable development in rural India. 18 SHG women in Kanti received hands-on training in agarbatti and candle making, while 22 students in Girya, Uttarakhand participated in computer training to enhance digital literacy. These programs strengthened practical skills, economic independence, and a sense of agency among women and youth.
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. Presided over by Shri Anil Minz, Deputy Inspector General of GC Rangareddy, the event marked the start of the 15-day “Love You Zindagi” workshop, training 69 CRPF personnel to serve as Master Trainers within their battalions.
Spearheaded by researchers from the Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (CWEGE), the workshop focused on enhancing cognitive and emotional resilience, stress management, self-care, mindfulness, and gender harmony. These sessions aim to strengthen mental health, promote inclusivity, and foster a supportive work environment within the forces.
Through programs like “Sameekshanam,” Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham continues its educational outreach, equipping individuals with skills for personal growth, professional development, and positive social impact.
4.2 TSSP Officers Certified to Lead Workshops
On February 14, 2024, the closing ceremony for 39 TSSP officers who completed the “Sameekshanam – Be Calm, Be Compassionate” Training of Trainers (Batch 2, Phase 1) was held at the 1st Battalion, Telangana State Special Police (TSSP), Yousufguda. ADGP Swati Lakra, IPS, TSSP, and Dr. Bhavani R Rao, Dean of SBSS, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, presented the officers with course completion and Master Trainer certificates, preparing them to lead workshops in their battalions.
The certified officers will conduct the “Mitra – Share & Shine” workshop series, aiming to positively impact over 15,000 TSSP personnel in Telangana. Interactive sessions included insights from previous batch trainers and discussions on future phases, including interventions involving officers’ families.
4.3 Sameekshanam Phase 3: Engaging CRPF Families on Wellbeing and Gender Norms
On February 15, 2024, as part of preparations for Phase 3 of the Amrita Sameekshanam project, Dr. Bhavani Rao and the CWEGE team met with the wives of CRPF jawans in Hyderabad to gather feedback and gauge interest. Phase 3 will focus on family well-being and gender norms.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between Amrita University’s Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (CWEGE) and the South Sector CRPF and Telangana State Special Police (TSSP).
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.
n 2024, 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.
On October 2024, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in partnership with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), organized a workshop on Emerging Healthcare Technologies to advance medical education and healthcare accessibility. Over 330 participants (120 in person and 210 online) from healthcare and AI sectors took part.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of MedSIM 2.0, a virtual skills lab and patient simulation platform jointly developed by AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and CDAC Thiruvananthapuram. Dr. Romita Jinachandran and Ms. Vinila Rebecca Jacob represented Amrita CREATE and demonstrated the platform’s four training modules, including virtual reality clinical cases.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Participants applauded MedSIM’s intuitive design, its ability to simulate authentic clinical experiences, and its effectiveness as a training tool for learners at all stages. Many attendees expressed eagerness to integrate MedSIM into their institutions’ medical education programs.
u003ch6u003eSANKALP Project: Skills Training for Independent Livesu003c/h6u003ernu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eBackgroundu003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eNearly 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.u003c/pu003ern
u003cpu003eTo 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 Ammau0026rsquo;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 Indiau0026rsquo;s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, called u0026ldquo;Avsar SANKALP u0026ndash; Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion,u0026rdquo; Amrita University provided vocational training to 4,500 women and transgender individuals.u003c/pu003ernrnu003cpu003eu003ca class=u0022btn btn-coloredu0022 href=u0022https://ammachilabs.org/avsar-sankalp-project/u0022u003eRead Moreu003c/au003eu003c/pu003e
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.
u003ch3u003eImproving Tribal Livelihoods, Education u0026amp; Sustainabilityu003c/h3u003ernu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eMizoram, 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. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eUnder a grant from the Department of Science and Technology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, in collaboration with Mizoram University, plans to build Science, Technology u0026amp; Innovation Hubs in the districts of Aizawl and Serchhip to promote sustainable livelihoods through Capacity Building and Skill Development for tribal communities. u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eThe 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.u003c/spanu003e
u003ch3u003eAmrita and Mizoram University’s STI Hub offers the Mizo peopleu003c/h3u003ernu003cspan style=u0022color: #af0c3e;u0022u003eLivelihood Empowermentu003c/spanu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eDevelop food processing incubator to support livelihood through nutri-based food u0026amp; Ayurveda-inspired health products, enterprises by adopting appropriate food processing technologyu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eDevelop Skill Modules for livelihood u0026amp; knowledge transferu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cspan style=u0022color: #af0c3e;u0022u003eIndigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)u003c/spanu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eDocumentation of IKS and healing practices, skills, u0026amp; art of healing specific tribal communitiesu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cspan style=u0022color: #af0c3e;u0022u003eKnowledge Resource and Databanku003c/spanu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eProvide digital literacy to rural population with little access to digital aidsu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eTrain peer ambassadors to provide preventive health awareness in schools u0026amp; villagesu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eSkills training and capacity buildingu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cpu003eu003ca class=u0022btn btn-coloredu0022 href=u0022https://www.amrita.edu/center/create/sti-hub/u0022u003eRead Moreu003c/au003e