Kanpur, March 30, 2026: The Orientation and Brainstorming Session for Participating Institutes under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) was conducted recently at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). Academic institutions, development partners, funding agencies and volunteers came on one platform to deliberate on issues pertaining to rural development through collaboration and innovation. This 1-day workshop was attended by 40+ institutions from 17+ districts associated with the IIT Kanpur.

In a motivational speech, Prof. Sandeep Sangal (UBA Coordinator) shared the journey of UBA at IIT Kanpur and gave actionable points to the participants. He suggested all partners to at least get involved in school education at village level, something that will benefit the volunteers and kids both. Prof. Sudhanshu S. Singh (UBA Co-Coordinator) elaborated on the initiatives and emphasized how to address local challenges through technology, training, and capacity building. Prof. Raja Angamuthu (Associate Dean, R&D) shared his vision on how lives of people can be changed by engagement of IIT students in villages.

Adding a broader perspective, Prof. Virendra K. Vijay (National Coordinator, UBA, IIT Delhi) talked about how student volunteers learn the local culture, and in turn help the rural communities. He suggested that improvement in rural school education, enhancement of skills and availability of local opportunities will arrest out-migration from villages and de-cluttering of urban centres.

NABARD has supported multiple rural initiatives at Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IIT Kanpur. Shri Rahul Yadav, DDM NABARD, invited the participating colleges to participate in these initiatives. Mr. Shri Om Prakash of Pratham Education Foundation told about the skilling programs offered by them that the partnership highlighted ongoing training programmes that are enabling rural youth to secure employment and build sustainable futures.

Dr. Kiran Prajapati (Principal, GHS Baikunthpur) lauded IIT Kanpur students for their consistent efforts in the school education, and shared how it has improved the quality of education and has enthused the children.

Representatives from participating institutes made presentations on the village work being done at their end. Depending on their own resources, they have taken up health camps, legal awareness, skill development and multiple community based initiatives.

The Institute of Fine Arts, CSJMU and IIT Kanpur together conducted a workshop on pottery that was attended by local potters and students of fine arts. This collaborative work has inspired students and opened up new vistas for local artisans.

Overall, the session reaffirmed the power of partnerships in driving sustainable rural transformation and creating meaningful livelihood opportunities.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialized schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in