Navodaya Charitable Trust, Mysuru

Introduction

As part of the academic curriculum and experiential learning component of Sociology, a field visit was organized to Navodaya Charitable Foundation on Feburary 18^th 2025. Navodaya is  an organization actively engaged in women empowerment, child welfare, and poverty alleviation. The visit aimed to provide students with practical exposure to social issues and the functioning of voluntary organizations in addressing grassroots-level problems.

Objectives of the Visit

To understand the role of non-governmental organizations in social development

To study initiatives related to women empowerment and child welfare

To gain insights into poverty alleviation programs

To bridge the gap between sociological theory and social practice

About Navodaya Charitable Foundation

Navodaya Charitable Foundation works with marginalized sections of society, focusing on empowering women, supporting children’s education and health, and improving the socio-economic conditions of poor families. The foundation adopts a community-based approach and emphasizes self-reliance, awareness, and skill development.

Activities Observed During the Visit

During the visit, students interacted with the coordinators and staff members of the foundation. They were briefed about various ongoing programs such as:

Women empowerment initiatives including self-help groups, vocational training, and awareness programs on health, rights, and financial independence

Child welfare programs focusing on education support, nutrition, moral education, and protection of children from exploitation

Poverty alleviation measures such as livelihood training, counseling, and support for income-generating activities

Students also observed training sessions and interacted with beneficiaries, which helped them understand real-life challenges faced by women and children from economically weaker sections.

Learning Outcomes

The visit helped students:

Develop a practical understanding of social problems like poverty, gender inequality, and child deprivation

Appreciate the role of voluntary organizations in social change

Apply sociological concepts such as empowerment, social welfare, community development, and social stratification

Build empathy, social responsibility, and awareness towards marginalized communities

Conclusion

The visit to Navodaya Charitable Foundation was an enriching and meaningful experience for the Sociology students. It enhanced their understanding of social realities and highlighted the importance of collective efforts in achieving social development. Such experiential visits play a crucial role in shaping socially responsible citizens and future social workers, researchers, and educators.

Acknowledgement

The Department of Sociology sincerely thanks the Navodaya Charitable Foundation for their cooperation and for providing valuable insights into their work. The department also appreciates the efforts of faculty members who coordinated the visit and guided the students throughout the program. Totally 36 students and 2 faculties participated in the activity.