We believe that the various problems that the society faces have a common error source, that is, lack of proper elementary education. Everything else is distributed out of the same, poverty and over-consumption, unemployment and agricultural crisis, social injustice and middle class apathy, health and environmental degradation, and so on. Hence the approach to address these should be holistic, and we at Vikalp believe that the youth can play a pivotal role bringing about a change.
we at Vikalp believe that the youth can play a pivotal role bringing about a change and together we all thrive as a one big family and an adventure full of experience and learning
Is to extend basic education to the under-privileged children of the nearby villages and to the children of the of the construction workers on the campus.
To bring about an overall social change in the society. Today the program has reached a point where more and more people have chosen to become a part of this program.
Despite India’s spectacular economic development, millions still have to go hungry; live in most unhygienic conditions, without even basic education for their children; and die of diseases that can be prevented. What is needed is to build a strong civil society that should work in tandem with the government in making a difference in the lives of those who are in need.
The students at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University initiated the Vikalp program in January 2009, with a small team of thoughtful and motivated students, whose main aim was to bring about an overall social change in the society. Today the program has reached a point where more and more people have chosen to become a part of this program. The program has become successful beyond everyone expectations and is best illustrated by the students as ‘an alternative, a step taken by the SMVDU family to provide education to the underprivileged children which has played the role of a candle in their dark lives’.
The main objective of the Vikalp program is to extend basic education to the under-privileged children of the nearby villages and to the children of the of the construction workers on the campus. The objective is to take care of their overall growth including their medical care. Vikalp is committed to social justice, sustainable development and human rights and undertakes development activities and programs for the literacy of children, and adults who belong to poor and rural areas; provides occupational training and guidance for rehabilitation. The team at Vikalp is also planning to conduct surveys and social research work for the weaker sections.
One of the major projects taken up by the team is to improve the condition of deprived living in poor human condition in suburbs of Kakryal and Sira villages, adjoining the University campus, in Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir. The team conducts classes focusing on the issues of personal hygiene and general cleanliness for the students of the rural community in and around of the university premises. The focus is also on the healthcare and awareness program for various government initiatives.