Page 11 - UNNAT BHARAT ABHIYAN

10 Fostering Social Responsibility & Community Engagement in Higher Education Institutions in India

1.2 Suggestions for modifying existing courses and curriculum to align with national
framework outlined above
1.3 Offering new audit courses for promoting community engagement and social
responsibility
1.4 Undertaking research in partnership with local community

2.1 Compulsory Community Engagement Course
It is recommended that each HEI conducts a compulsory course to provide community
engagement to all Undergraduate & Post Graduate students so that their appreciation of
rural field realities is holistic, respectful and inspiring.

Model community engagement course is described below.

a) Introduction
New generation of students are increasingly unaware of local rural realities surrounding
their HEIs, as rapid urbanisation has been occurring in India. A large percentage of Indian
population continues to live and work in rural and peri-urban areas of the country. While
various schemes and programmes of community service have been undertaken by HEIs,
there is no singular provision of a well-designed compulsory community engagement
course that provides opportunities for immersion in rural realities. Such a course will
enable students to learn about rural challenges and develop understanding of rural
wisdom and life-style in a respectful manner.

a) Objectives:

• To develop an appreciation of rural culture, life-style and wisdom amongst
students
• To learn about the status of various agricultural and rural development
programmes

• To understand causes for rural distress and poverty and explore solutions for the
same
• To apply classroom knowledge of courses to field realities and thereby improve
quality of learning

b) Learning Outcomes:

After completing this course, student will be able to
• Gain an understanding of rural life, culture and social realities
• Develop a sense of empathy and bonds of mutuality with local community

• Appreciate significant contributions of local communities to Indian society and
economy

• Learn to value the local knowledge and wisdom of the community
• Identify opportunities for contributing to community’s socio-economic
improvements