Internship Program for TISS Students: Immersive Exposure to Grassroots Development Posted on December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 by Divya Priya Previous Next A batch of five interns from TISS completed a month-long orientation and actively participated in various Svarnim programs, gaining comprehensive exposure to field-based development work. The internship was designed to provide a practical understanding of community engagement, environmental stewardship, and program implementation across diverse contexts.During their placement, the interns learned about conducting water audits in schools, including data collection, observation methods, and awareness activities that help students become responsible water stewards. They also supported focus group discussions with coastal communities and women’s groups, contributing to qualitative insights on local needs, resource challenges, and livelihood perspectives.In addition, the interns spent time understanding the operational aspects of Svarnim’s field initiatives, observing how projects are planned, coordinated, monitored, and documented. This exposure helped them appreciate the interconnected roles of community participation, government partnerships, and technical expertise in driving sustainable change.Overall, the internship offered the students valuable and grounded insights into the realities of grassroots development work, strengthening their analytical and field engagement skills while contributing meaningfully to ongoing project activities.
Interactive Session on Traffic & Parking Issues: Engaging Citizens in Mobility Solutions Posted on December 6, 2025December 9, 2025 by Divya Priya A 10 days’ Field Institute was organized by 25 post-graduate students Urban Planning from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, (TISS) Mumbai in collaboration with CEE Ahmedabad and Svarnim Puducherry from 22nd November to 3rd December 2025. The field institute looked at existing policy and looked at challenges in implementation by interacting with various stakeholders including various government departments and key officials and the general public through a mix of surveys, transect walks, interviews culminating in a randomly selected citizen’s jury who gave their perspectives and lived experiences towards a sustainable mobility plan for Puducherry. The session aimed to create a platform for citizens to better understand the structural issues behind urban mobility and to collaboratively explore possible improvements to local transportation systems.Participants engaged in guided discussions on practical measures that both the public and government can adopt—from encouraging non-motorized transport and responsible parking behaviour to strengthening policy enforcement, redesigning public spaces, and integrating sustainable mobility practices. The dialogue emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in creating safer and more efficient commute environments.The program helped bring diverse voices together, reinforcing the need for collaborative problem-solving in addressing mobility issues and supporting ongoing efforts toward a more organized and people-friendly urban environment.
Water Hyacinth Trained Trainers’ Progress: Advancing Community-Led Skill Development Posted on December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 by Divya Priya Previous Next Two Training of Trainers (ToTs), who had earlier benefited from our Water Hyacinth handicraft program, have now begun their journey as independent trainers, reflecting the growing strength and sustainability of the initiative. Equipped with hands-on expertise, they successfully conducted training sessions for new batches in Ariyalur and Chidambaram, introducing participants to the craft, value addition techniques, and livelihood possibilities associated with water hyacinth products.Their progress marks a significant milestone for the program, as it demonstrates the transition from organization-led training to community-led dissemination of skills. By training others within their regions, the ToTs are helping build a decentralized network of artisans capable of producing eco-friendly handicrafts, reducing dependency on external trainers, and creating avenues for income generation.This advancement not only strengthens the long-term sustainability of the Water Hyacinth initiative but also contributes to broader goals of women’s empowerment, local entrepreneurship, and environmentally responsible craft-based livelihoods. The successful sessions in both locations highlight the potential for continued expansion and replication of the model across more communities in the coming months.
Vetiver Handicraft Workshop: Building Skills for Sustainable Livelihoods Posted on December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 by Divya Priya Previous Next A hands-on vetiver product–making workshop was conducted with the participation of 30 women, organised in collaboration with DSTE, PPCC, and the EIACP Hub. The initiative aimed to introduce participants to the economic and ecological value of vetiver-based crafts, promoting both environmental conservation and enhanced livelihood opportunities.Trainers from Nature Eco Products led the sessions, providing step-by-step guidance on preparing raw vetiver, shaping it into usable forms, and crafting value-added products. Participants were trained in creating items such as mats, coasters, aromatic bundles, and other household accessories, gaining practical experience in handling materials, design techniques, and finishing skills.The workshop also highlighted the significance of vetiver as a sustainable natural resource—its role in soil conservation, water retention, and eco-friendly product development. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on practice, the women were encouraged to explore how these crafts could be transformed into income-generating activities within their communities.Overall, the workshop successfully combined skill-building, environmental literacy, and entrepreneurship development, empowering participants to pursue sustainable craft-based livelihoods and strengthen local green economies.
Managed Aquifer Recharge: Monthly Progress Update Posted on December 6, 2025December 6, 2025 by Divya Priya Previous Next Significant progress was achieved across all major infrastructure components of the Marico phase 2, Managed Aquifer Recharge project.Rainwater harvesting installations were completed in 81 sites, meeting 100% of the planned target.Grey-water treatment systems reached 60% completion, and all operational units achieved 100% efficiency in reuse, supporting garden irrigation and site-level water recycling.Parallel to this, monitoring systems were strengthened with the successful installation of 20 rain gauges and the continued fortnightly tracking of 23 groundwater monitoring wells, ensuring consistent data collection for hydro-ecological assessment and future planning.Awareness and literacy activities also progressed strongly, with full completion of all scheduled capacity-building initiatives. A total of six teacher and student workshops were conducted, focusing on water conservation, greywater reuse, and safe water practices.Additionally, water audits were carried out in 5 schools, engaging students for water stewardship. These combined efforts in infrastructure development, monitoring, and community awareness reflect a well-rounded advancement of project goals for the month and contribute meaningfully toward long-term water sustainability in the intervention areas.As part of the hydrogeological assessment, an aquifer monitoring inventory was carried out in 200 borewells across seven villages in the Bahour region. This initiative provides critical baseline data on groundwater levels, recharge potential, and aquifer stress zones for guiding future water management interventions.A total of 23 dugwells were surveyed to record static water levels and assess seasonal groundwater variation in Pooranankuppam village as part of the Aquifer Monitoring in Puducherry region.
Bridge Education Centre – Strengthening Learning Foundations through Peer and Language Development Posted on November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Divya Priya Previous Next The Aurobindo Study Centres continue to provide consistent academic support for children from nearby communities, many of whom are first-generation learners. The centres aim to strengthen students’ understanding of school subjects, nurture regular study habits, and build confidence in communication. This month’s focus was on enhancing English language proficiency and interactive learning. One of the centre’s key strengths lies in its peer learning approach. Children are encouraged to sit in small groups, discuss lessons, and explain topics to one another. This collaborative method not only deepens conceptual understanding but also fosters teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Older students often assist younger ones, creating a positive and supportive learning environment that builds confidence and a sense of responsibility among peers. A major focus area this month was English learning and communication skills. Using specially designed materials such as flashcards, activity sheets, word charts, and sentence-building exercises, tutors created engaging and practical lessons. Children practiced reading English sentences aloud, individually or in pairs, and shared them with classmates. This simple yet impactful routine brought multiple benefits: Improved pronunciation and fluency through regular speaking practice. Better understanding of sentence structure and word arrangement. Expanded vocabulary and confidence in everyday English conversations. Enhanced learning through peer feedback and group interaction. To make English learning more enjoyable, tutors incorporated short stories, rhymes, and conversational exercises, helping children think and respond in English more naturally over time. Beyond academic progress, the centres also focused on developing critical thinking and curiosity. Activities like group discussions, question–answer rounds, and creative exercises encouraged students to express their ideas clearly and build confidence in problem-solving. Regular participation in these sessions has significantly improved children’s concentration, memory, and articulation. Parents have reported noticeable improvements at home. Children have become more responsible with their studies, show greater interest in reading, and even help siblings or friends with homework. The supportive and engaging environment at the centre has helped many overcome their initial fear of subjects like English and Mathematics, replacing it with enthusiasm and curiosity. Overall, the Bridge Education Centre has emerged as a vital support system for children’s educational growth. Through structured tuition, peer learning, and interactive English activities, it continues to help students perform better in school while building a strong foundation for confident, independent, and lifelong learning.
Bringing Science to Life Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Divya Priya Previous Next The Experimental STEM Learning Programme continued to make science learning exciting and experiential for school students across Puducherry during October 2025. Through a series of engaging, hands-on sessions, students were introduced to core scientific principles in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, transforming traditional classroom concepts into real-world learning experiences. The programme reached over 445 students from various government schools, focusing on interactive demonstrations and activity-based learning that encouraged observation, experimentation, and curiosity-driven exploration. Topics Covered Students delved into a variety of themes drawn from their academic curriculum, including: Diversity in the Living World – Understanding the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems. Microorganisms: Friend and Foe – Exploring beneficial and harmful microbes through observation-based learning. Life Processes in Animals – Understanding body systems and the role of organs through interactive models. Tissues – Discovering cell structures and plant-animal tissue functions through visual demonstrations. Materials Around Us – Learning about everyday chemical properties and their uses. Light: Shadows and Reflection – Experimenting with optics to understand how light behaves and interacts with objects. Each session was designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical understanding, making science tangible and relatable. Students participated enthusiastically, asking questions, performing small experiments, and engaging in group discussions that fostered teamwork and problem-solving. The workshops not only strengthened academic learning but also aimed to build a scientific temperament—encouraging students to think critically, explore creatively, and see science as a tool for understanding and improving the world around them. By integrating fun, experimentation, and inquiry-based learning, the STEM Outreach Programme continues to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers across Puducherry.
Igniting Young Minds through Robotics: Building Curiosity and Confidence in Technology Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Divya Priya Previous Next The Robotics Programme continued its exciting journey of bringing hands-on learning experiences to students across Puducherry during October 2025. With a focus on making technology approachable and engaging, the programme reached 445 students—including 208 boys and 237 girls from classes VI to IX—through interactive sessions designed to nurture innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork.These sessions transformed traditional classroom learning into a dynamic environment where students could build, experiment, and think like young engineers. Each module was carefully structured to introduce key scientific and technological principles through real-world applications, encouraging students to explore, question, and create.Exploring the World of RoboticsStudents participated in a diverse range of modules that combined fun with foundational STEM learning:Robot Assembly: Students discovered how mechanical components, circuits, and sensors come together to form a functioning robot. This activity introduced them to the fundamentals of design, wiring, and motion control.Balloon-Powered Car: Through this simple yet exciting experiment, students learned about propulsion, aerodynamics, and force—key concepts in physics and engineering.Attendance Monitoring System: This module familiarized students with the world of automation and sensor-based systems, allowing them to understand how technology can streamline everyday processes.Maze Solver: A favorite among participants, this module encouraged logical reasoning and coding thinking as students designed robots to navigate through obstacle mazes independently.Face Filters & Chat Bot: These sessions introduced creative coding and basic AI concepts, blending technology with art to make learning more relatable and imaginative.Potentiometer: Students learned about resistance, current control, and circuit behavior—essential concepts in electronics and robotics design.Each session was conducted in a collaborative, inquiry-based learning environment, where students were encouraged to share ideas, solve challenges as a team, and test their creations through trial and error. The energy and enthusiasm among the participants reflected the growing interest in robotics as both a field of study and a pathway for creative expression.Beyond technical learning, the programme also emphasized the development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking—skills that form the foundation for future innovators and problem-solvers.The Robotics Outreach Programme continues to reaffirm Svarnim Puducherry’s vision of empowering young learners with scientific curiosity, digital literacy, and confidence to explore the world of technology. By merging creativity with technical understanding, the initiative is shaping a generation ready to imagine and build a more innovative future.
Celebrating Mental Health and Self-Awareness Posted on November 9, 2025November 9, 2025 by Divya Priya Previous Next Every year on October 10th, the world observes World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about mental health issues, challenge the stigma surrounding them, and promote open dialogue about emotional well-being. This day serves as a reminder that mental health is as vital as physical health, encouraging individuals and communities to support one another with empathy and understanding.As part of the celebration, the Our Responsibility to Children (ORC) programme conducted a special session at the East Coast Institute of Medical Sciences – College of Nursing. The programme brought together 60 young nursing students, who are preparing to serve as future healthcare professionals, for an engaging and insightful session on self-awareness, self-love, communication, interpersonal relationships, and teamwork. The session was led by ORC team members who shared practical tools and reflections to help participants care for themselves while learning to connect compassionately with others. Previous Next Highlights of the SessionThe day’s activities were structured around interactive modules that combined learning with creative participation:Self-Awareness (Random Walk):Students explored awareness at physical, mental, and emotional levels, learning how to recognize equality, handle distractions, and respond thoughtfully in challenging situations.Self-Love (Chart Activity – “What is Beauty?”):Through discussions and visual exercises, participants reflected on myths and facts surrounding beauty, the influence of social media, and self-perception before and after adolescence. The session encouraged self-compassion and discouraged self-comparison.Communication (Connecting through Barriers):Activities focused on improving verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and using empathetic and respectful language, with attention to how digital platforms shape communication habits.Interpersonal Relationships (Touch Your Friend):Students engaged in a calm reflective exercise to understand emotional boundaries, personal space, empathy, and the importance of mutual respect. The session helped them embrace self-acceptance, reduce feelings of inferiority, and strengthen their ability to work collaboratively.Teamwork (Fantasy Football):A fun yet insightful activity promoting critical thinking, decision-making, and group coordination through team-based problem-solving.Positive Gossiping (Poster Making):The day concluded with a creative poster-making session centered on mental health awareness, coping techniques, building support systems, and prioritizing self-care.Outcomes and Counselling SupportThrough these activities, students gained greater understanding of self-awareness, self-love, effective communication, interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and decision-making. In addition, 15 students (14 boys and 1 girl) received individual counselling sessions, offering them personal guidance and emotional support in a safe, confidential space. The ORC team also participated in the Unity Day celebration at the college, serving as judges for a drawing and debate competition on the theme “Bringing the Future Together.” Invitations were also distributed to extend the Mental Health Day celebrations to schools across Puducherry, amplifying awareness within the larger educational community.Through these efforts, the ORC programme continues to advocate for holistic mental well-being—helping young people build emotional resilience, nurture compassion, and carry forward the message that caring for the mind is integral to caring for life itself.