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Support for Underrepresented Groups
Centurion University’s commitment to SDG 10.6.6, focusing on supporting underrepresented groups through mentoring, counselling, and peer support programs, is exemplified by a range of targeted initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and empowerment. These programs address the academic, social, and professional needs of students, staff, and faculty from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, minority communities, and those with disabilities.
Key Initiatives and Ongoing Activities
Mentorship and Counseling Programs
Centurion University has developed a comprehensive mentoring and counselling structure that supports students from diverse backgrounds. These programs provide emotional and academic guidance, ensuring that students from marginalised communities feel integrated and empowered within the academic environment. This robust mechanism has abstained people from anything that fuels inequality. https://cutm.ac.in/student-mentoring/ The Academic Bridge Programme specifically aids first-generation college students, students from non-English speaking backgrounds, and those from rural or low-income areas in adapting to the university’s academic and cultural environment. This program has shown success, with over 50% of bridge course participants being first-generation students, helping close the achievement gap through focused mentorship.
Peer Support and Community Building
Centurion University facilitates strong peer support networks to build a sense of community and address the unique challenges faced by students from underrepresented backgrounds. Initiatives like the Student-Centric Learning Approach bring students together in collaborative learning environments, creating peer connections that foster academic resilience. Through various student groups, study circles, and clubs, the university encourages diverse perspectives and cross-cultural engagement, thereby supporting mental well-being and inclusivity. The university’s on-campus clubs also conduct regular webinars, competitions, and social events focused on social justice and equality, nurturing a compassionate and supportive community.
Capability Enhancement Programs
Centurion’s Capability Enhancement Programs equip students from disadvantaged backgrounds with essential skills for academic and career success. This includes coaching for IAS exams, competitive tests, and soft skill development workshops tailored to students from marginalised communities. The university’s “Earn While You Learn” program further supports students by offering part-time on-campus employment and internships, allowing them to gain financial stability and work experience alongside their studies. For example, the Centurion Coffee Connect and Tarang Bazaar initiatives provide students with entrepreneurial experience, contributing to self-reliance and confidence.
Inclusive Policies and Dedicated Committees
Centurion University ensures a safe and supportive environment through its well-defined policies and specialised committees. The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity Cell oversees anti-discrimination measures, while dedicated committees address issues for Scheduled Castes and Tribes, Sexual Harassment, Grievances, and Disability Accommodation. These committees actively prevent discrimination and promote diversity by facilitating equal access to university facilities and opportunities for all, regardless of gender, caste, economic status, or physical abilities.
Focus on Accessibility and Support for Differently-Abled Individuals
Centurion’s facilities include provisions like ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible areas, designed to accommodate differently-abled students and staff. The university also offers sign language training and interpretation services, ensuring that all students can access resources and engage fully in academic and extracurricular activities. Additionally, the university has partnered with the Joint Regional Institute for Skill Development, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment to provide specialised training, group health awareness programs, and research aimed at advancing accessibility.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Low-Income Students
Recognising the financial challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds, Centurion University provides numerous scholarship options, including merit-based, need-based, and specific scholarships for underrepresented groups. Currently, over 50% of students benefit from scholarships or fee waivers, ensuring equitable access to education. Refer Students Benefited by Scholarships and Freeships. For instance, CUEE Merit scholarships and specialised funding for students from tribal and rural areas have increased significantly, promoting socioeconomic diversity on campus.
Workshops and Training Sessions Focused on Social Justice and Empowerment
The University hosts regular workshops and seminars on topics like gender sensitivity, resilience training for differently-abled individuals, and human rights. Events such as “Meeting Challenges with Grace and Resilience” encourage students to build strong decision-making skills and foster a proactive mindset. Gender sensitisation sessions, led by experts, help raise awareness of equality issues within the university’s staff and student body, countering stereotypes and promoting a more equitable society. Activities include:
- Visits to local shelters, orphanages, and minority community centres to educate about the importance of human rights.
- Voter registration campaigns to increase awareness of inequalities and encourage participation among underprivileged groups.
- Programs that enhance legal, economic, and technical empowerment, supported by CSaR and Centurion Capacity and Competency Development Centre.
- Centurion University of Technology and Management and LTI-Mindtree CSR have announced the launch of the “Karjayakaram” Skill Development Program to create sustainable livelihoods and support local economic development.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3rd, promotes awareness and support for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day also highlights the importance of integrating persons with disabilities into all aspects of life. On this occasion, selected students from our university visited the Home for Disabled, Padmashree Society in Jatni, where they interacted with the residents and contributed food packets.
Workshops on Gender Sensitisation
This session was held on 18th March on the Bhubaneswar campus, and the topic of the session was found to be much needed in the present scenario. Dr. Reena C. Jhamtani welcomed the participants and the resource person, Dr. Smita Mishra Panda. Being a gender expert with more than 30 years of experience, she created awareness very intelligently among the working professionals and made every participant talk and give their views about gender sensitivity in the organisation. The resource person presented the session like, it was not all about gender equality training; rather it is a step forward to make all aware of the relevance of gender in their work and to help them identify the appropriate tools to be used when mainstreaming gender. Dr. Smita tried to change the gender perspective on the roles of women and men, countering gender-related stereotypes and creating a more equal society. Moreover, it was an interactive session with some real-life examples and thoughts.
Meeting challenges with Grace and Resilience: Through the eye of specially-abled
The training program on “Meeting Challenges with Grace and Resilience” was conducted on 11th Apr 2023 in the Bhubaneswar campus. Mr. Prachurya Kumar Pradhan, OFS, Govt. of Odisha was the resource person for the program. He is visually challenged. Mr. Pradhan emphasised the importance of positive thinking and its impact on various aspects of life. He also highlighted the significance of strengthening decision-making skills to make informed choices. The concepts of resilience and determination were discussed as essential traits for overcoming challenges and achieving goals. Furthermore, he encouraged the audience to adopt a proactive mindset towards thinking and problem-solving, promoting a proactive approach to tackling.
Humanity at the Workplace
The training program on Humanity was conducted on 27th Mar 2023 at the University. Dr. Biswajit Mishra was the resource person for the program. The objectives of the session were that the participants should aim to create a positive and inclusive workplace culture by promoting respect, empathy, and understanding among employees. The workplace may address the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. This session focused on improving communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills.
Human Rights to Curb Ragging
Mr. Kar, a distinguished Indian English poet, writer, statesman, critic, and social worker, holds impressive credentials. He has already authored two published books. He gave a brilliant talk on human rights and the necessity to curb ragging. This session gave valuable insights and inspiration to the students
“Health, Safety & Social Securities” Seminar
Seminar On “Health, Safety & Social Securities” with focus on students, staff and faculty members” Jointly Organized By Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, and Indo German Focal Point (IGFP), India on 20th January 2024 (Saturday).
The plenary sessions consisted of topics such as Stress Management, Communicable Diseases and Preventive Measures, Vision Zero, and Safety at the Workplace.
International Womens Day
International Yoga Day
Yoga Mohatsav was celebrated in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, the Ministry of AYUSH, and the Government of India at Centurion University.
Kisan Mela/ Krishi Mela
The M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture (MSSSoA) at Centurion University, in collaboration with Krishi Jagran, hosted the “Utkal Krishi Mela” on February 21-22, at Paralakhemundi, Odisha. Mr. Natabar Sarangi, an agriculture scientist and organic farming advocate graced the event. The inaugural speeches highlighted the event’s importance for local farmers, the role of modern farming technologies, and the promotion of organic farming. The event aimed to educate farmers and promote sustainable practices. Approximately 700 farmers attended the first day.
Urban Micro Business Centre
Urban Micro Business Centre (UMBC), a Section 8 Company, drives social innovation in Bhubaneswar slums by promoting entrepreneurship among 220 potential entrepreneurs from chronically poor families and providing zero-interest loans to 150 women. It serves as a research and learning hub for students and faculty from institutions like Centurion University, RMIT, the University of Queensland, and others. UMBC’s impact was showcased globally when Ms. Meenakshi Chand from the Kargil Slum shared her story at Deakin University, Australia. The initiative is supported by various organisations, including the Government of India, the Government of Odisha, OMFED, Mindtree Foundation, Bosch, and Union Bank.
Gram Tarang Foods
Gram Tarang Foods (GTF), a social enterprise by Centurion University, specialises in high-quality extracts from organic spices, herbs, medicinal plants, beans, and flowers for the pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, perfumes, and cosmetic industries. With ten research scientists, GTF collaborates closely with local farmers and develops sustainable value addition and market linkages. The facility at Parlakhemundi focuses on innovation in products and processes. GTF partners with companies like Himalaya, Naturals, and Robertet
Global Collaboration and Exchange Programs
Through exchange programs and collaborations with international institutions, Centurion University exposes its students to diverse perspectives and learning environments, enhancing their cultural competence and academic experience. Partnerships with institutions in countries such as Australia, Nigeria, and Uganda have increased diversity, enriching the learning environment and fostering a spirit of global citizenship that aligns with SDG 10’s goals.
International Collaboration on Lens-making training and free spectacles distribution to underprivileged people in collaboration with Essilor
University Expansion In Geographically Backwards Area:
The University has six campuses in geographically and socio-economically backward regions, namely in Paralakhemundi, Bhubaneswar, Rayagada, Bolangir, Chatrapur, and Balasore.
Paralakhemundi is located in the Gajapati district, part of Odisha’s tribal-dominated regions, and is known for its challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. The region faces significant development challenges, including limited access to quality education and healthcare.
Rayagada is in southern Odisha and is also a tribal-dominated district with high levels of poverty, low literacy rates, and inadequate infrastructure. The area has historically faced neglect in terms of economic development.
Bolangir is located in western Odisha and is part of the KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region, one of the state’s most underdeveloped areas. The region is known for its high poverty levels, recurrent droughts, and underdevelopment.
Chatrapur, located in the Ganjam district, also faces socio-economic challenges, including limited access to educational and healthcare facilities, which contribute to the overall developmental disparities in the region.
Balasore and Bhubaneswar are relatively better developed than the other locations. However, while more developed, Balasore still has pockets facing developmental challenges. Bhubaneswar, being the capital city, is a hub of development but still serves a population from surrounding rural and backward areas.
By establishing campuses in these regions, Centurion University is contributing to reducing regional disparities and promoting inclusive development, aligning with the objectives of SDG 10.
Impact and Vision
Centurion University’s multifaceted approach to supporting underrepresented groups is deeply aligned with its mission of “Shaping Lives, Empowering Communities.” Through these initiatives, the university addresses critical social and economic disparities, preparing students from diverse backgrounds to thrive both academically and professionally. By focusing on accessibility, financial aid, and community-building, Centurion is helping create an inclusive learning environment where every student, regardless of background, has the resources and support to succeed.