University of Calcutta students win APU challenge

Bengaluru: The Azim Premji University (APU) Social Enterprise cell hosted a national level 'Social Enterprise Idea Challenge' for school, college and university students.

The 5th National Social Enterprise Idea Challenge is in "Response to COVID - 19 crisis". The Cell invited ideas from students to help institutions, communities and individuals to face and overcome many issues triggered the Covid-19 crisis.

The Challenge received 85 submissions from students across India. The Jury members shortlisted 10 teams for final presentations and selection of winners.

Niwas Kumar and Shivani Kumari's project Jal Kumbi from the University of Calcutta was declared the winner. They aimed at creating floating gardens in ponds to cultivate organic vegetables and employment for the Musahar community which consist mainly of landless labourers.

The runner ups were from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

"We have organized this Social Enterprise Idea Challenge for last five years with an objective to give a visible platform to young and innovative minds with social impact ideas to solve some of our burning social issues. We are glad that these student-led ideas have been noticed by mentors in the social enterprise eco-system and funders. This year brought forth many ideas to tackle issues related to the Covid crisis and we hope that with mentoring and hand holding in the initial months, these ideas will realise their true potential." said Nazrul Haque, faculty member at Azim Premji University.