Sustainable Nitte

No Poverty

PREAMBLE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Ending poverty in all its forms remains one of the most urgent global challenges, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty. This goal calls for an integrated approach to eradicating extreme poverty by ensuring access to basic services, promoting economic inclusion, and addressing the root causes of inequality. Aligned with this global vision, Nitte (Deemed to be University) actively contributes to poverty alleviation through a range of targeted initiatives. By providing fully funded educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged students, the university empowers individuals with the tools for long-term self-reliance. In addition, Nitte University extends its support beyond academics by organizing free dental care and health check-up camps for underserved communities. These comprehensive efforts reflect the university’s commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society where access to essential services is not a privilege, but a right.

Proactive steps taken by NU

Bridging Borders: Collaborative Research with Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries 

The university demonstrates its commitment to addressing global poverty challenges through collaborative research with institutions in economically disadvantaged regions. A total of 45 research papers have been co-authored with scholars affiliated with universities in low or lower-middle income countries. This highlights the international reach of a university with a focus on low or lower-middle income countries.

Start Local, Grow Global: Institutional Assistance for Start-ups

  • A Smart Village Innovation Project Exhibition was organized to support rural startups through student-led innovations and mentorship by Nitte’s Institution Innovation Councils.
  • On 30th April 2024, Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences celebrated World Creativity & Innovation Day, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking through expert interaction.
  • The Sustainability Student Club was launched by the Department of Civil Engineering, NMAMIT, on 23rd October 2024, to foster environmentally conscious student-led innovations.
  • A workshop on "Enabling Translation of Research into Technologies" was organized by Gulbarga University in collaboration with DST-TEC to support the commercialization of research.
  • The Biotech Fab Lab, launched on 17th May 2024 at AIC Nitte with NITI Aayog support, provides infrastructure for biotech prototyping and innovation.
  • An expert lecture on ‘IP Protection, Valuation, and Licensing Strategies’ was held on 26th December 2024 by DST-NUTEC to help startups protect and commercialize their innovations.
  • On 3rd February 2024, Nitte University launched ArborTag, the first product of student-led start-up NatureMark Systems, developed with university mentorship.
  • An awareness session on the Karnataka Biotechnology Policy was conducted on 2nd December 2024 to inform startups and MSMEs about available incentives and growth opportunities.


Local start-up assistance programs 


Funding the Future: Local Financial Support for Start-ups

  • The Nitte Jackfruit Processing Cluster was launched to provide financial and infrastructural support for rural women entrepreneurs, aiming to generate employment for 1,000 women through 30 jackfruit processing centers.
  • On 12th April 2024, the Smart Village Innovation Launchpad at NMAMIT awarded cash prizes to six student-led rural innovation projects, offering financial incentives for community-focused solutions.
  • The Karavali Startup Programme 2024, led by AIC Nitte with support from MRPL and Yi Mangaluru, offers structured incubation and seed funding up to ₹25 lakhs for eligible startups from the coastal Karnataka region, promoting sustainable business ventures.




Nurturing Well-being: Integrated Health and Well-being Programs

  • Nitte (Deemed to be University) organized free dental check-ups and treatment camps to provide essential oral healthcare to the community. These camps helped reduce the cost burden of dental services and supported better health and well-being. A total of 1,284 people from the community benefited from these initiatives.
  • Two impactful blood donation camps were organized at NMAMIT on 8th November 2024 and Dr NSAM FGC on 22nd October 2024, fostering equitable access to healthcare. A total of 660 units of blood were donated, with active participation from NSS, YRC, and other community partners, supporting critical healthcare needs in the region.
  • The Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy organized a Low Back Pain Camp with Sri Ramakrishna Math and two physiotherapy camps at Sabarimala, benefiting nearly 900 devotees. 
  • NU-Trifit conducted an Anemia Awareness Program at Kotekar Anganwadi, educating mothers on prevention and nutrition. 
  • KSHEMA led a PCOS awareness session for 300+ students and conducted CPR, BCLS, and pediatric emergency workshops to strengthen life-saving skills. 
  • Mental health awareness was promoted through World Mental Health Day events, including a street play and a Mental Health Calendar. Public health campaigns addressed tobacco risks and substance abuse through interactive sessions and outreach, promoting informed, healthier lifestyles.



Access for All: NSPECC’s Holistic Care for Children with Special Needs

  • Nitte Special Child Care Centre (NSPECC) is a social outreach initiative by Nitte (Deemed to be University) aimed at providing free medical and dental care to children with special healthcare needs across the Dakshina Kannada district. As part of its commitment to equitable healthcare access, NSPECC, in collaboration with the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, has conducted multiple dental screening and treatment programs at various special schools and rehabilitation centers. Over the reporting period, more than 700 children and parents benefited from these interventions.
  • Awareness initiatives included workshops for special educators and parents on behavior guidance, training sessions for government school teachers during Learning Disability Awareness Week, and social responsibility talks for over 300 students under the Bagless Day program. NSPECC addressed adolescent health and drug abuse prevention, reaching 600 students, and engaged community health workers through the STHREERAKSHA camp. Celebrations for Children’s Day and World Disability Day included inclusive activities, sapling plantation, and distribution of mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, CP mattresses).




Promoting Healthy Eating and Nutrition:

  • NU-Trifit held a nutrition awareness program at Government High School, Babbukatte, using games and demonstrations to educate over 80 students on healthy eating. 
  • The NSS unit of NUCSER marked Poshan Diwas at Government Higher Primary School, Bagambila, with BMI assessments, a nutrition quiz, and interactive sessions on balanced diets, reaching numerous school children. 
  • On World Food Safety Day, KSHEMA and the DST Technology Enabling Centre organized a quiz and discussion for over 350 students at St. Aloysius College Higher Primary School, promoting food hygiene. 
  • World Food Day was observed through expert lectures on food security and gut health, attended by 120 faculty and students. 
  • The "Little Miracle" outreach at Chethana Child Development Center focused on nutrition, hygiene, and emotional wellness.
  • "Chinnara Chilipili" at Borgalgudde engaged students in wellness and fitness activities, promoting holistic health in a fun, interactive setting.



Learning Without Limits: Inclusive and Holistic Education:

  • A workshop on Learning Disabilities by KSHEMA trained school educators to identify and support students with special needs, fostering inclusive education. 
  • NUINS conducted life skills training for 80 high school students, promoting self-awareness, decision-making, and resilience. 
  • NUCSER’s NSS unit organized special camps in two government schools, reaching 350 students with sessions on health, hygiene, digital literacy, and life skills, while donating educational resources.
  • NMAMIT volunteers celebrated Children’s Day at Vijetha Special School, engaging children with special needs through creative activities and material support, promoting inclusion and empathy.




Promoting Environmental Awareness and Sanitation:

  • A World Water Day session engaged 150 health science students in discussions on water conservation, safety, and government schemes. 
  • Two beach clean-up drives at Tannirbavi Beach—one on National Youth Day with over 200 participants and another under the “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” initiative—encouraged environmental stewardship and responsible waste management. 
  • Cleanliness drives at Paneer Campus and ISKCON Kulai mobilized over 150 NSS volunteers from NUINS and NIPT to maintain public spaces and temples. 
  • NUINS-led awareness campaigns in Monthimar and Kotekar educated local communities on waste segregation and plastic hazards through door-to-door outreach, jathas, and sapling distribution, fostering eco-conscious behavior and sanitation awareness.


Support for All: Promoting Social Support and Community Care:

  • NICO’s student-led charity cricket tournament, ‘Wickets for Welfare,’ raised ₹1.76 lakh for Snehasadan, supporting marginalized groups and promoting student social responsibility. 
  • Meanwhile, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences conducted charitable drives, distributing essential items to ashrams and schools, organizing blood donation camps, and hosting engagement sessions with care home residents—cultivating compassion, inclusion, and access to basic social services. 
  • The Annadhana Club and NSS visited Vijetha Special School, donating 100 kg of rice, essentials, and gifts, while engaging children in fun and inclusive activities to support their well-being. 
  • Annadaana Club of NMAMIT visited Riya Foundation, engaging children with special needs through interactive activities and donating 104 kg of rice. The initiative fostered inclusivity and supported access to essential services for a marginalized group. 
  • An outreach program at Vijeta Special School included a yoga session and a clothing donation by members of Yujforlife and Aura. The initiative supported students' physical and mental well-being, enhancing access to basic wellness services. 
  • The Aura Club, in collaboration with Mercy Beauty Academy and FlyHigh Charitable Trust, held a Hair Donation Drive. Hair donated by nine individuals will be used to make wigs for cancer patients, offering comfort and restoring confidence during treatment. 



Unique initiatives

DAAN Utsav

  • The NSS volunteers of NGSMIPS visited Bharath Seva Ashram in Kanyana on September 21, 2024, as part of the Daan Utsav celebrations. They contributed ₹27,000 to support the Ashram’s initiatives, highlighting the significance of personal efforts in community service. The volunteers also interacted with the residents through engaging activities, fostering joy, empathy, and social responsibility.



  • The NSS volunteers from NGSMIPS celebrated DAAN Utsav and World Pharmacist Day by visiting Bala Samrakshana Kendra in Kuthar, Mangalore, on September 25, 2024. As a children's welfare center committed to supporting underprivileged children, Bala Samrakshana Kendra benefitted from the donation of sanitary pads and stationery worth ₹25,000, aimed at improving the residents' health and educational needs. The event emphasized the vital role of pharmacists in community service while fostering compassion, generosity, and active engagement.


  • The NSS unit of NGSMIPS celebrated DAAN Utsav 2024 with outreach activities on October 1, 2024. Sevashrama, a sanctuary for destitute women located in Belma Barke near Deralakatte, Mangalore, received essential grocery donations from the volunteers, who were led by faculty members. The volunteers also engaged with the elderly, fostering a sense of care and connection.

  • On October 1, 2024, the NSS unit of NGSMIPS commemorated DAAN Utsav 2024 through impactful outreach initiatives. At the Government Primary School in Deralakatte, donated stationery and sports kits, thereby promoting both the educational and physical well-being of the children. These efforts underscored the core principles of compassion, generosity, and community involvement that define the essence of Daan Utsav.