Lifelong Learning at Centurion University: Events Open to the Public

Lifelong Learning at Centurion University: Events Open to the Public

National Education Day – 2023 Celebration

National Education Day is an annual observance in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. It is celebrated on 11th November every year by the student volunteers in neighbouring schools and rural communities under the CEaR banner

Open Educational Events

Centurion University regularly hosts educational events that are open to the general public, including public lectures, conferences, community educational events, and workshops. These events are both programmed and ad-hoc, offering opportunities for learning, skill development and community engagement. The university’s outreach efforts aim to make educational resources and expert insights accessible to a wider audience, supporting lifelong learning and regional development. The educational resources and expert insights are accessible to a wider audience, supporting lifelong learning and regional development.

KISAN MELA – An Annual  Open Event to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

The M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture of Centurion University hosts the annual Kisan Mela to promote sustainable agriculture and community-based learning. Aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education), this event creates a platform for local farmers and students to exchange knowledge, learn eco-friendly practices and develop essential skills for sustainable land use.

As part of their Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program, the students organize a series of Agri Exhibitions. These exhibitions enable the transfer of agricultural technology, allowing students to connect with farmers, showcase Centurion University products and share innovative agricultural solutions. This direct interaction empowers students and farmers with practical tools, strengthening local agricultural knowledge and supporting community resilience.

Students visit various centres like Orphanages, Old Age Home, Schools  where they engage in various community service activities. The experience teaches them the importance of giving back to society, encouraging them to contribute positively to their communities.

ACCESS TO PUBLIC LECTURES

Lectures are made available to the public, either live or through recorded sessions. Lectures, expert talks, and special learning sessions from workshops, seminars, and conferences, along with recordings of these sessions, are made accessible to the public.

Art of Mind Control

Bhagavad Gita sessions are organised for an enlightening experience focused on the theme “Art of Mind Control”. The session explored profound aspects of understanding and managing the mind, drawing from the timeless teachings of the Gita. The University shares the session on YouTube for the public’s benefit

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NIndEfY-wI

At the heart of YOGOTSAV-2023 is the philosophy of promoting physical and mental well-being, essential for student success and lifelong learning. By introducing Yoga into the educational ecosystem, we aim to create a balanced approach to health and education, ensuring that students, faculty, and participants develop the tools for both academic excellence and personal wellness.

J C KUMARAPPA TECHNOLOGY PARK AND INNOVATION CENTER – Outreach to Rural Communities

J C Kumarappa Technology Park and Innovation Center (JCK-TP-IC) is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) incubated with Centurion University, designed to drive sustainable development in rural India through technological advancements and skill development initiatives. Named after J C Kumarappa, a key figure in Gandhian economics who emphasized the importance of rural self-reliance, the center aims to integrate traditional rural technologies with modern innovations.

Objectives of JCK-TP-IC

The center focuses on sustainable development and rural upliftment through several key objectives:

Advancing Traditional Rural Technologies: JCK-TP-IC works to preserve and enhance traditional rural technologies, ensuring they remain relevant and efficient for modern rural needs.

Research and Innovation in Rural Technologies: The center conducts research to modernize traditional technologies, improving rural productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Promoting and Commercializing Rural Technologies and Products: JCK-TP-IC helps rural technologies and products reach wider markets, aiding artisans in commercializing their creations and boosting the local economy.

Marketing Rural Crafts: By promoting rural crafts to broader audiences, the center preserves cultural heritage while providing financial stability to artisans.

Skill Development: The center has organized 35 skill-based training programs, benefiting 165 rural artisans and enhancing their technical abilities for greater self-reliance.

Inception and History:

Established in 2022 and registered as an LLP in 2023, JCK-TP-IC was incubated at Centurion University with the goal of leveraging technology and skill development for sustainable rural development. It is located at Centurion University’s Paralakhemundi campus.

Initial Focus Areas and Activities:

1. Integration of Traditional and Modern Technologies: From its inception, JCK-TP-IC focused on integrating traditional rural technologies with modern innovations. This approach aimed to preserve traditional knowledge while enhancing its relevance and efficiency in contemporary rural settings.
2. Research and Innovation: The center prioritized research into traditional rural technologies, seeking ways to modernize them without compromising their core principles. This research led to innovative solutions that improved productivity and sustainability in rural communities.
3. Skill Development Programs: Early on, JCK-TP-IC initiated skill-based training programs aimed at rural dwellers, particularly artisans and craftsmen. These programs were designed to enhance technical skills, empower individuals, and promote self-reliance within rural economies.

Aim and Vision:

Goals: JCK-TP-IC operates with several core objectives:

1. Advancement of Traditional Rural Technologies: By refining and advancing traditional technologies, the center ensures their continued relevance and effectiveness in addressing modern challenges.
2. Research and Innovation: Through ongoing research, JCK-TP-IC fosters innovation in rural technologies, promoting productivity and sustainability.
3. Promotion and Commercialization: The center facilitates the promotion and commercialization of rural technologies and products, enhancing economic opportunities for rural artisans and manufacturers.
4. Marketing Rural Crafts: By marketing rural crafts to wider audiences, JCK-TP-IC supports cultural preservation and economic stability in rural areas.

Vision for Fostering Sustainable Rural Development: The center envisions a future where rural communities are empowered through technological advancements and skill development. By preserving traditional knowledge and integrating it with modern innovations, JCK-TP-IC aims to foster sustainable economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship in rural India.

Key Units and Activities

1. S K Mirmira Memorial Clay Studio
   Focuses on traditional pottery. R. Apanna trains students in pottery techniques. Products are marketed online via Magic Terrain. Impacted 115 potters and trained 176 students, enhancing skills and market access.
2. Acharya Nandalal Bose Craft Studio
   Offers craft training for students and artisans. Conducted 15 programs, training 367 students in crafts like Patachitra and paper mache. Develops oxidized silver jewelry and collaborates with the Handicraft Department and Ministry of Textiles.
3. S R Ranganathan Memorial Community Knowledge Library
   Promotes literacy in rural communities. Produced 150 educational booklets and organized a book fair and two community fairs to encourage learning.
4. Pandit Ravishankar Memorial Indigenous Music Ashrama
   Preserves indigenous music and dance. Organized 15 performances and trained 127 students in traditional music and dance.
5. Stockholm Papyrus Natural Tye Dye Studio
   Promotes eco-friendly dyeing techniques. Trained 25 students in natural dyeing and hosted workshops with artisans from Raghurajpur and Kotpad Tribal Village.
6. Verrier Elwin Center for Social Studies
   Studies socio-economic and cultural aspects of tribal communities. Conducted 265 surveys, organized 15 nature trails for 675 students, and documented 169 Indigenous Knowledge practices and 287 ethno-medicines.
7. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Gram Swaraj Kendra
   Promotes eco-friendly practices. Established a paper cup production unit to reduce plastic use in the community.
8. Amarendra Ghatge Bee and Wax House
   Focuses on sustainable honey and wax production. Products are sold via Magic Terrain, supporting local artisans.
9. Gangadhar Meher Textile Studio
   Connects rural textile artists with broader markets. Trained 15 students in handloom and textile arts and organized 5 textile fairs on campus.
10. Kamala Pujari Center for Sustainable Agriculture
    Promotes sustainable agriculture and food security. Organized 25 workshops on LEISA and food security, reaching 376 students, and adopted a tribal village in Gajapati District for nutritional development.
11. V G Sioddhartha Memorial Coffee Connect
    Promotes organic coffee production from Araku tribal communities. Trained 25 students in coffee production and marketing, and operates a student-run café, Centurion Coffee Connect.
12. Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Peace Yard
    A cultural space promoting peace and sustainability. Organized 15 events on traditional art and sustainability, fostering intercultural dialogue, and conducted workshops on peace and sustainability.

RTP Activities and Trainings

Seminars, Webinars and Conferences

CUTM regularly organises conferences, seminars, webinars, and workshops focusing on emerging trends in education and technology to foster a culture of continuous learning. Many of these initiatives are open to the public, requiring free registration for attendance. The university’s EdTech initiatives are designed to enhance learning experiences, ensuring that students can access resources both inside and outside the classroom.