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VJIM Students Learn Organic Farming and Rural Development at DRNVJIRD: A Hands-on Experience
In the academic year 2024-25, Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM) initiated a program to enhance experiential and practical learning. The Institute also launched the Rural Immersion Program which is a focused program that enables students to understand farming, rural economy and issues in rural India. Through this programme, students got to step out of their textbooks and experience village life.
Dr. Amanat Husain, Assistant Professor in Agribusiness, led the program. Its purpose was to directly expose students to the challenges in and potential of India’s agriculture sector. In class, instead of learning only theories, students met farmers, visited farms and learnt about the real problems faced by rural societies. They also learned about sustainable farming, government policy, and the social and economic factors influencing the rural experience.
A very good part of the program was the active support from the senior leadership of VJIM. Director Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Bhushan Singh, Dean Dr. D. Ravinath, Program Head Dr. Padmaja Nalluri, etc participated in this program. They mentored the students, showcasing VJIM’s focus on hands-on learning and education. They showed that leadership is less about standing in the front of classrooms and more about hands-on participation.
More than a study requirement, this Rural Immersion Program It was a meaningful experience that really allowed students to realize how their skills and knowledge could be applicable in solving real problems. Students learnt valuable lessons that will serve them well as business leaders of the future, by mixing with farmers and rural businesses. This experience was not just educational but also eye-opening and unforgettable.
The Rural Immersion Program welcomed students from the 31st and 32nd batches where a total of 510 students participated in the program. Of these, 413 students visited rural areas and directly interacted with farmers and rural communities. The purpose of the program was to ensure that students understand rural life, planting and farming, and the obstacles which farmers face. The hope is that such an experience will mold them into future leaders who will work to find solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the heartland of rural India.
Exploring Rural Life and Agriculture
The planned program was designed to ensure both learning and hands-on experience. The student journey began by travelling to farms associated with the Dr. D. Rama Naidu Vignana Jyothi Institute of Rural Development. Such visits gave them insight into the day-to-day functioning of farms and the challenges faced by farmers.
A visit to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), an agricultural research and training center established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was one of the most crucial aspects of the program. At KVKs, students were then introduced to innovative farming practices, agricultural innovations and the role of KVKs in helping farmers. During the program they also aware about farmer training programmes, outreach programmes and Kisan Melas, through which skill improvement of farmers is being done.
Developing Skills By Activities
Since the focus was on agriculture, however, students also learned management and communication skills. These activities focused on developing teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Working together on tasks would aid students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills that prepare them to tackle real world issues related to rural development.
Guided Team Building & Cultural Night
Highlight of the program was Cultural Night – inspiring students to showcase their creative and artistic skills through dances, singing songs and skits showcasing Indian rural culture. Things got even better as the campfire added to the ambiance, students with faculty enjoyed the moments shared from the past and built memories for the future.
Village Surveys- Rural Challenges
Through the program, the students used to surveyed villages to get essential facts about rural life. They collected information on farmers’ demographics, farming practices, market access and the challenges they experience. This experience helped students better appreciate the social and economic hardship of rural communities and consider how business strategies and government policies could help improve their lives.
Trekking and the Environmental Awareness
This education was not even limited to farms and villages. The students explored Narsapur Forest, learning what nature teaches about us and our responsibility towards the environment and rural development. The walk exposed students to the splendours of the rural landscape whereby sensitising them towards the necessity of sustainability in agriculture.
A Transformative Learning Experience
Students learned a lot about rural life and agriculture during the program. This hands-on experience gave them briefly gain an insight on farming techniques and agricultural challenges, as well as the importance of rural development. At the same time, they also developed a range of essential life skills of their own through the process, such as leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence, respective traits that would serve them well in future work too.
At the end of the program, the students were not only aware of what rural India is, but were also motivated to play a role in contributing to sustainable development in the area. The Rural Immersion Program was a remarkable success, providing students with an understanding of the complexities of rural life and a sense of their own role in helping to solve these challenges.
The rural immersion program by VJIM helped students to understand the rural lifestyle and problems, with word making in manners. Through this program, under the guidance of Dr. Amanat Husain and other faculty members, and their inspiring teaching, plays an essential role in molding future leaders capable of improving rural India.
With its holistic approach, VJIM makes sure that students do not only get to know about management as such, but also understand agriculture and rural development. It allows them to cope with the trials of a rapidly evolving world and be able to make a meaningful difference in the world around them.
