Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Jan 21: The RuTAGe Smart Village Centre was inaugurated at Sevanjali Prathishtana here on Wednesday, January 21, under an initiative of Nitte (Deemed to be University), in association with RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC) and SI-8 Venture Studio. The centre aims to bring innovative technologies and sustainable solutions directly to rural communities.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of dignitaries, researchers and community members. The newly inaugurated centre and office will function as a hub to demonstrate and promote rural technologies, entrepreneurship and livelihood generation. The programme was presided over by Dr B Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, vice-president (ISR and CRL), NitteDU.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr B Satheesh Kumar Bhandary said innovation has always existed in rural communities, particularly in southern India. While many aspire for white-collar jobs, he noted that farming communities remain capable but require appropriate technological support. He emphasised that understanding and effective use of technology are essential to ensure meaningful benefits for rural people.
Guests on the occasion included Dr N C Murthy of ACM Business Solutions LLC, USA; Dr Jeevan Prakashini Murthy, family physician, USA; Dr Sapna Poti, director – strategic alliance, office of the principal scientific advisor, Government of India; and Krishna Kumar Punja, administrative trustee, Sevanjali Prathishtana, Farangipete.
Several innovative rural technologies were showcased at the centre, including Hasru Yethu Yanta Com Lift, sanitary pad incinerator, Indic initiatives, SANGI smart accessible next-generation solutions, solar-powered fish cart, integrated aquaponic farming system, improved chicken breed and NEO SAN sanitation solution. These innovations are designed to support sustainable farming, sanitation, accessibility and rural entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering, Dr N C Murthy said he was happy to be part of the programme and recalled the vision of transforming rural India through education and innovation. He highlighted that RuTAGe plays a key role in transferring advanced technologies from research institutions to rural communities for practical use, while also empowering rural entrepreneurs to demonstrate these technologies, earn livelihoods and contribute to rural development.
Dr Sapna Poti, in her address, spoke about the objectives of the RuTAGe programme and its impact on improving rural health, sanitation and quality of life through practical and accessible innovations.
Also present were Dr Iddya Karunasagar, advisor – research and patents, NitteDU, and U S Vishwas, director – Section Infin-8, Mangaluru, among others.
The programme concluded with interactions, live demonstrations of technologies and discussions on strengthening rural innovation ecosystems.