Society Awareness Program | No Poverty | SDG 1

The Society Awareness Program at NIMS University stands as a beacon of hope and enlightenment, aiming to address critical social issues while fostering community engagement. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 1 – No Poverty, this initiative seeks to empower marginalized communities by bridging knowledge gaps and offering practical solutions.

Background and Objectives

The Society Awareness Program, conducted by the NIMS School of Law, serves to educate and empower rural communities about the resources available to combat poverty. Held on November 17, 2023, in Achrol village, Jaipur, the program targeted awareness regarding governmental schemes and policies aimed at alleviating poverty. The overarching goal was to create a resilient and informed community capable of utilizing these resources for upliftment and empowerment.

Key objectives of the program included:

1. Educating the Community: Informing residents about poverty alleviation schemes like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY).
2. Encouraging Participation: Inspiring villagers to actively participate in government programs to improve their socio-economic conditions.
3. Providing Legal Assistance: Offering consultancies to resolve local disputes and guide individuals on how to access their legal entitlements.

Program Highlights

The event featured a series of activities tailored to maximize engagement and impact:

1. Nukkad Natak: Students from the law department performed street plays to highlight the significance of government initiatives like NREGA and PMJDY. This interactive and entertaining approach helped villagers grasp the benefits of these schemes.
2. Surveys: A survey involving 456 respondents was conducted to assess the economic conditions of Achrol’s residents. This exercise provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by the community, which could guide future interventions.
3. Consultancy Services: Legal experts and students provided on-the-spot consultancies, guiding villagers on the procedures to access government schemes and resolve disputes effectively.
4. Learning Outcomes: The program not only benefited over 500 residents but also enriched the participating students’ understanding of socio-economic challenges. Through direct interaction with the community, students gained practical knowledge of social welfare policies and their implementation.
5. Impact on the CommunityThe Society Awareness Program has had a transformative impact on Achrol village, empowering its residents to take proactive steps toward poverty alleviation. The knowledge shared through the program helped many understand the intricacies of government policies and how they could be leveraged to improve their lives. Testimonials from participants reflected the program’s success in building awareness and trust.
   

   Challenges and Solutions

   While the program was largely successful, several challenges emerged. Language barriers and skepticism among villagers about government schemes were initially problematic. These were addressed through simplified communication and the engaging medium of Nukkad Natak, which proved to be an effective tool for breaking down complex ideas.

   Conclusion

   The Society Awareness Program exemplifies the power of education and community engagement in fostering sustainable development. By empowering individuals with knowledge and tools for self-reliance, NIMS University has laid the groundwork for long-term socio-economic transformation in Achrol village. This initiative not only aligns with global SDG goals but also serves as a model for other institutions aiming to make a meaningful difference in their communities.