About Udyamita Ashram (Proposed)

Udyamita Ashram is envisioned as a living laboratory for rural education, innovation, and enterprise. Inspired by the principles of "learning by doing" and the values of self-reliance, the village aims to provide context-relevant education and hands-on skill development for youth and communities. The initiative focuses on integrating science, technology, and entrepreneurship to address real-life challenges in rural India.

Vision

To create a model rural education ecosystem where students and communities co-create sustainable solutions, acquire practical skills, and build self-reliant livelihoods.

Key Focus Areas

1. Education through Development (RDES)

• A one-year Diploma in Rural Technology, followed by a year of apprenticeship.

• Students work on real-world development problems and generate income through practical projects.

• Curriculum includes areas such as solar technology, agriculture, animal husbandry, fabrication, electronics, and sanitation.

2. Maker Spaces in Schools

• Establish low-cost maker spaces in local schools to promote STEM education through project-based learning.

• Encourage innovation through practical experiments and problem-solving among students from middle and high school levels.

3. Design Innovation and Fabrication Lab

• A digital fabrication lab (Fab Lab) equipped with 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters for prototyping and design.

• Mentorship and project support for local problem-solving through a dedicated Design Innovation Centre.

4. Rural Appropriate Technologies

• Development and deployment of technologies tailored for rural livelihoods, such as:

  • Solar dome dryers

  • Organic waste composters

  • Aquaponics systems

  • Food processing units

• Collaboration with local SHGs, farmers, and youth to pilot and refine solutions.

5. Entrepreneurship Development

• Launch of an incubation and mentorship program for rural enterprises.

• Support in business planning, registration, product development, funding, and market access.

• Alumni network and collective enterprises to reduce migration and strengthen the local economy.

6. Campus and Community Culture

• The campus will be constructed using sustainable methods and community participation.

• Daily routines to include shared responsibilities, reflective sessions, and value-based education alongside technical learning.

Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Establishment

• Identify and secure a village site for the core campus.

• Build basic infrastructure using eco-friendly methods.

• Pilot maker labs in partner schools.

Phase 2: Education Rollout

• Launch the diploma program.

• Partner with nearby schools to introduce maker-based education and STEM labs.

Phase 3: Enterprise and Innovation Expansion

• Scale up the fabrication lab and Design Innovation Centre.

• Support student-led and community-based enterprises.

Phase 4: Regional Outreach

• Expand the maker and innovation model to neighboring districts.

• Publish and share open-source designs and case studies for replication.

Unique Features

FeatureObjectiveHands-on Learning + ApprenticeshipReal-world application of skills with income-generationSchool-based Maker LabsDemocratize access to STEM education in resource-poor areasEco-Technology DevelopmentLocal solutions for rural problemsRural Entrepreneurship SupportBuild local enterprises to curb migrationCommunity-Built CampusPromote ownership, sustainability, and prideValue-Based Learning EnvironmentEncourage integrity, collaboration, and self-awareness

Why This Model Matters

• Proven Framework: Builds on the success of Vigyan Ashram's Rural Development through Education System (RDES).

• Locally Relevant: Education and technology are directly tied to rural needs and challenges.

• Scalable: Modular and low-cost approaches allow for easy replication.

• Livelihood-Oriented: Focus on self-employment and skill-based enterprise development.

Rajmohan Nath Vigyan Ashram aims to be a transformative model of rural empowerment where education, science, and enterprise come together to create meaningful impact.

Core Team Advisors :

• Dr. Sarat Borkotoki

• Kamaleswar Saikia

• Dr. Birinchi Saikia

• Guneswar Saikia

• Dr. Sachin Kakati

• Chandra Bora

• Dhiraj Hazarika

• Bhupen Bora

• Chandan Kumar Bora

• Dr. Bhabajyoti Bora

• Guana Bora

• Dilip Kumar Bharatee

• Ankur Goswami

• Parimita Saikia