University–Community Partnership Promotes Social Awareness in Rural Sohna

To promote awareness on women’s rights, mental well-being, health, hygiene, and social empowerment among rural community members, Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Sohna, in collaboration with the Village Panchayat, Silani, recently organised a community awareness programme.

Dr. Vijay Kumar, Head of the School of Education at Apeejay Stya University, introduced the concept of community engagement and highlighted the University’s commitment to strengthening university–community partnerships for inclusive rural development. He also anchored the programme. Mr. Jaipal Tanwar, Sarpanch of Village Silani, addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of community participation in programmes related to women’s empowerment and social development. He appreciated the initiative of Apeejay

Stya University reached out to the rural community and requested help in his village development. 

Further, Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal, Dean Students Welfare, spoke about the visionary

the University’s leadership and its dedication to community outreach, student engagement, and social responsibility, particularly in rural areas. He also shared the message of Dr. Neha Berlia,  Joint Secretary, Apeejay Education,  Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya and Svrán Group on the significance of International Women’s Day and the need to promote equality, dignity, and justice for all women and girls.

Further Mr. Adnan Irshad, Assistant Professor in School of Legal Studies, addressed the gathering and motivated community members, especially women and adolescents, to adopt healthy practices related to hygiene and sanitation and to actively participate in social development initiatives. The programme further included an engaging street play (Nukkad Natak) performed by students of Apeejay Stya University on girls’ health, hygiene, and sanitation, which the audience received well. The programme featured a community

awareness session on women’s rights and mental well-being delivered by Dr. Manju Rani sensitised villagers about mental health, emotional well-being, and legal awareness.

During the interaction session, villagers actively participated and appreciated the University’s outreach efforts. Many community members expressed their gratitude and requested that such awareness and community support programmes should be organised regularly in the village to address social, health, and legal issues and to strengthen community well-being. At the conclusion of the programme, Mr. Paramvir Singh, Secretary, Village Panchayat,

Silani, delivered concluding remarks and thanked the University team for organising the

programme for the benefit of the village community. The programme ended with a formal Vote of Thanks proposed by Mr. Sham Bali, Adjunct Faculty in School of Management Sciences acknowledging the cooperation of the Village Panchayat, community members, and the University team in making the programme successful.

Programme was organised by School of Education, School of Behavioural Sciences and School of Legal Studies, Apeejay Stya University, Sohna, Gurugram. Ms. Komal Bhardwaj from BALLB led the group of students performing Nukkad Natak. She was the director and producer of the Nukkad Natak.

The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson, Apeejay Education, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group and Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, Dr. Neha Berlia, and Vice Chancellor Prof. Vijay Vir Singh for their constant encouragement and visionary leadership in promoting community engagement and social responsibility initiatives. Special thanks were also extended to Vimala Veeraraghavan, Emeritus Professor in Psychology and Education for conceptualising this meaningful outreach initiative and guiding its implementation for the benefit of the rural community.