In a significant effort to promote skill development, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar has launched the ‘Niv’ programme. This initiative is aimed at empowering rural women and youth in the Gandhinagar district. From April to June 2025, the programme successfully trained over 200 participants through various skill development courses.
The ‘Niv’ programme, which translates to ‘nurture’, focuses on providing essential skills to enhance employability and entrepreneurial capabilities among the community. During this period, a total of six courses were conducted, benefiting 209 participants. Each course lasted between 6 to 9 weeks, offering practical training that aligns with the needs of the local job market.
The courses included sewing, beauty therapy, computer skills, spoken English, and tele-calling. The sewing course had 29 participants, while the beauty therapy course trained 24 individuals. A computer skills course accommodated 86 participants across two classes. Additionally, 32 participants engaged in spoken English training, and 38 took part in the tele-calling course.
Certificates were awarded to successful participants at a closing ceremony held on June 6, 2025. The event highlighted the achievement of these individuals and the impact of the training on their lives.
One of the distinguished guests at the ceremony was Ms. Anar Patel, a well-known social entrepreneur and philanthropist. She co-founded NGOs that serve children in slum areas and started Craft Routes to support artisans in Gujarat. Ms. Patel congratulated the participants and emphasised the importance of applying the skills learned in their education, careers, and community service.
Saumya Harish, the programme manager of ‘Niv’, expressed the institute’s commitment to fostering positive change in society. He stated, “IIT Gandhinagar is not just a leading educational institution, but it also plays a vital role in contributing to society by reaching out to people who need guidance and skill development.”
Since its inception in 2014, the ‘Niv’ programme has implemented over 170 socially impactful activities, reaching more than 7,100 beneficiaries across 40 villages and peri-urban areas. The collaboration with Desai Foundation Trust and support from Milacron India Pvt. Ltd. have been instrumental in the success of this initiative.
The ‘Niv’ programme aims to empower local women and youth to advance in skill development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities. Through such initiatives, IIT Gandhinagar continues to make a meaningful contribution to community development and social upliftment.
This initiative not only addresses the skills gap in rural areas but also inspires a new generation of skilled individuals ready to contribute to their communities. With continued support and engagement, programs like ‘Niv’ can lead to transformative changes in the lives of many.
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