IIT Delhi Students Visit Uttarakhand Villages as a Part of Grassroots Innovation Program

New Delhi: Thirteen students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi from diverse academic backgrounds visited Uttarakhand as part of the Grassroots Innovation Program (GRIP) for the academic year 2023-24.

Organised by IIT Delhi's Academic Outreach office, this initiative took them to Tapovan and Urgam's rural locales in the Uttarakhand Chamoli District.

In collaboration with SEWA International, a prominent Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Uttarakhand, these students immersed themselves in a hands-on exploration that transcended the confines of traditional academia.

The program's ambit was wide, encompassing the study of social and economic dynamics, evaluation of healthcare services, analysis of education systems, and direct engagement with local Self-help Groups (SHGs).

Beyond these academic pursuits, the students also engaged in cultural immersion, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the communities they were collaborating with. Their meticulous documentation of experiences added a layer of depth to their engagement, capturing the multifaceted nature of their interactions.

Prof. Subodh Sharma, Associate Dean, Academic Outreach IIT Delhi said, “The GRIP initiative is designed to go beyond mere observation, as it encompasses a social immersion phase. During this phase, student groups spend significant time in communities, including smaller towns and villages. The goal is to deeply understand local needs and challenges, paving the way for the identification of grassroots societal problems. The next step involves devising innovative solutions to address these challenges.”

IIT Delhi Students Visit Uttarakhand Villages

The students visited the villages of Urgam and Tapovan and found many issues, including waste management, traditional arts, climate change, and seasonal farming. These insights underscored the necessity for targeted interventions. The student group has identified specific challenges and is now dedicated to developing technological solutions.

Their proposed solutions encompass a diverse range, from creating a web app/database for health and market information to designing a basket for carrying dry grass, developing a compactor, researching housing and road construction materials, and enhancing waste management practices.

Additionally, their initiatives include improving conditions for local handicraft workers, training self-help groups, introducing paalki (a traditional carrying chair) in higher-altitude villages in the Urgam Valley, developing lightweight building materials, and addressing various other challenges identified during their immersive experience in Uttarakhand.

Latest IIT Delhi Updates:

• IIT Delhi Launches Executive Program for Tech Product Management for Aspiring Tech Leaders
• IIT Delhi Launches App For Community Service; Check Details Here

Subscribe to Collegedunia to get the latest educational news and updates –