Seru – Empower Change

Community Engagement at Vidyashilp University.

Who are we

The community engagement program is an avenue for Vidyashilp University to engage, interact and contribute to local communities in and around Bangalore. It also provides a space for our students to volunteer and gain insight into contemporary issues in India. Since the beginning of the university in 2022, VU has collaborated with community-based groups on short-term projects and activities. The program now provides a space for VU members (faculty and students) to initiate new collaborations and engagements.

Our Scope

Student Engagements

Student Engagements provides an opportunity for students to interact with local communities and gain insights into contemporary societal issues in India. Through collaboration with community partners on our key focus areas (Education, health and wellbeing, environment and sustainability, sports and culture, and legal support), students acquire firsthand experience of the challenges and complexities associated with community-based work.

They are assigned to various organisations and movements, where they observe, learn, and actively participate in relevant activities. Our objective is to develop effective communication skills across diverse social and cultural contexts, promote trust and respect for individuals with varied backgrounds and life experiences, and strengthen self-awareness and empathetic understanding.

Community Mental Health

Community Mental Health is a community-based initiative dedicated to supporting women's mental health and overall well-being through interactive sessions. The project's objectives include addressing mental health issues among women, increasing community awareness, and integrating expertise from diverse fields to promote mental health and holistic wellness in peri-urban Bangalore.

We are committed to providing accessible information and resources to support women in making informed decisions regarding their health and well-being. Additionally, we raise awareness about mental health issues and available resources, as well as to offer fundamental information on legal rights, recognition of rights violations, and pathways to legal aid services. The primary coordinators for this initiative are Dr. Ranjana Raghunathan & Dr. Setu Havanur

Legal Aid and Support

Vidyashilp University, in accordance with the requirements of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA), has established both on-campus and off-campus Legal Services Clinics (LSCs) in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DSLA). These clinics primarily aim to promote legal awareness and provide free legal and paralegal assistance to individuals facing economic or social barriers to justice. The initiative also seeks to enrich clinical legal education and offer practical experience to law students through community engagement, research, and pro bono activities.

The coordinators for this initiative are Ms. Rekha Rao and Mr. Manu Goswami

Partners

Vidyashilp University has established collaborations with several respected grassroots organisations to actively engage with and support local communities in and around Bangalore. These partnerships provide students with valuable opportunities for community involvement and practical experience in community development. Our collaborators include: