My journey into rural development took shape during my Master of Social Work at Ganpati University, where I conducted in-depth analysis and had many insightful discussions with my mentor, Sanjay Vanani. Through these conversations, it became clear that rural development needed a more structured, community-centered approach to effectively address local challenges.
A Structured Path Toward Change
I’ve spent the last 5 to 10 years reflecting on the opportunities I’ve had and how to bring these opportunities to the grassroots level. I realized that by making these resources accessible to students much earlier than I had them, we could create lasting change. This led to the creation of Tinkering India and my partnerships with Jay Kathrotiya and Chetan Patel at the Kalam Youth Center (KYC).
District Development Model: Aligning with the SDGs
At the core of our efforts is a district development model designed to address multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our goal is to create an ecosystem that fosters growth by empowering youth to develop core skills, including creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills, when nurtured early, can be the foundation for transforming entire communities. The idea behind the KYC model is to ensure it can be replicated in any district across India, making it scalable and impactful.
We’ve broken down this model into several key phases:
- Phase 1: Engaging Youth through Education
Starting with Tinkering India, we engage young children with hands-on learning activities to help them develop practical skills. Creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking are at the center of these programs.
Example: Workshops at Kalam Youth Center teach students to apply STEM knowledge to local problems, transforming them into proactive thinkers. - Phase 2: Empowering through Leadership and Innovation
At KYC, we’ve built programs that encourage entrepreneurial thinking and leadership in rural youth. By collaborating with local mentors and industries, students are encouraged to develop their own projects, with the guidance needed to implement their ideas. - Phase 3: Replicating the Model
Once proven effective, the model can be replicated across other districts in India, empowering more communities to achieve similar success.
Impact Stories and Case Studies
Case Study: Transforming Education at KYC
At KYC, we have seen students who were once hesitant and unsure of their abilities grow into confident problem-solvers. For example, students involved in the Technology and Innovation Lab created solutions for water purification using affordable materials. These projects, initially supported by mentors, have now gained recognition from local authorities.
Impact of Tinkering India
Through Tinkering India, we’ve reached hundreds of students with our workshops, helping them think beyond textbooks. One such program involved students designing prototypes for alternative energy sources, which were later showcased at regional science fairs.
Collaborations: Key to Success
Our partnerships with organizations and local leaders have played a crucial role in shaping our vision. Collaborating with Jay Kathrotiya and Chetan Patel at KYC, as well as leveraging local educational ecosystems, has allowed us to create a holistic environment where innovation thrives. Additionally, our work with local governments and educational institutions has helped us bring resources to rural areas that previously lacked such opportunities.
How You Can Get Involved
Join Us on This Journey
We believe that change happens when communities come together. Whether you are an educator, a mentor, or someone passionate about rural development, there are many ways to get involved. By volunteering, supporting, or partnering with us, you can play a role in empowering India’s next generation of innovators.
Opportunities for Engagement:
- Volunteer for Workshops
Share your skills by mentoring students in our innovation labs. - Partner with Us
Help us expand the district development model by bringing it to new regions.
Testimonials from the Field
“Tinkering India helped me realize that I could be more than just a student. I could solve problems that affect my village and my community.”
– Shubham Gajera, KYC Amreli
“The Innovation Lab has been transformative for our students. They are no longer just learning concepts; they are applying them to real-world challenges.”
– Yogesh Kavathiya, Amreli District
By focusing on nurturing young minds and creating scalable, impactful models, my vision is to empower rural communities across India to thrive in an ever-changing world. Together, we can foster the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.