Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM) Introduced the Rural Immersion Program to Close the Gap Between Academia and Industry

In the academic year 2024-25, the Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM) embarked on a journey to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. The institute launched its transformative Rural Immersion Program, offering students an invaluable opportunity to connect with rural India. Dr. Amanat Husain, Assistant Professor in Agribusiness at VJIM is the faculty coordinator for the rural immersion program which is aimed to provide students with firsthand exposure to the agricultural landscape and its challenges.

The program was not only supported by academic faculty but also received significant involvement from the senior leadership of the institute. Alongside other faculties of VJIM, the Director, Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Bhushan Singh, Dean Dr. D. Ravinath, and Program Head Dr. Padmaja Nalluri also participated, ensuring a strong guidance system for the students as they embarked on this immersive experience. This active involvement from the leadership team reflected VJIM's commitment to providing a well-rounded and enriching educational experience for its students.

The immersion program welcomed students from the 31st and 32nd batches, with a total strength of 510 participants. Out of these, 413 students ventured into rural areas to engage directly with the agrarian community. The goal was to give students a deeper understanding of rural life, agricultural practices, and the socio-economic challenges faced by farmers, shaping them into future leaders who could contribute to resolving rural India's pressing issues.

The program was a well-rounded experience, designed to offer both educational and experiential learning. Students began their immersion with tours to nearby farm sites that are affiliated with Dr. D. Rama Naidu Vignana Jyothi Institute of Rural Development. These visits provided students with valuable insights into the daily operations of farms and offered them a first-hand understanding of the complexities surrounding rural livelihoods and farming practices.

Another major highlight was a visit to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). At the KVK, students learned about the vital role these centres play in offering training, demonstrations, and advisory services to farmers. They also discovered the cutting-edge agricultural technologies and research innovations that KVKs promote, along with the extension services they provide, such as village outreach programs and Kisan Melas.

In addition to learning about farming techniques and technologies, the students participated in management and communication games. These activities were designed to enhance their leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students engaged in team-building exercises that fostered collaboration, initiative, and critical thinking: skills they would need to manage rural development challenges effectively.

One of the most memorable aspects of the Rural Immersion Program was the cultural night, which allowed students to showcase their creativity and talents. They performed various rural-themed songs, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of rural India. The night was made even more special by a campfire, where students and faculty came together, strengthening their bonds and creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.

The program also included village surveys, where students gathered data on various aspects of rural life, such as the demographics of farmers, their farming practices, market access, and
the challenges they face. This fieldwork offered students valuable insights into the everyday realities of rural communities and helped them understand the economic and social barriers
that rural India faces. The surveys encouraged students to think critically about how management practices and rural development policies can make a meaningful impact.

The experience wasn’t just confined to academic activities. To deepen their connection with nature and the environment, students embarked on a trekking expedition in the Narsapur
Forest. The trek offered a chance to experience the beauty of rural landscapes and reinforced the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. Students also came away with a profound
understanding of how environmental conservation and rural development can go hand in hand.

Throughout the program, students gained valuable insights into the complexities of rural development, particularly in agriculture. The hands-on exposure to farming practices, agricultural technology and the real-world challenges faced by farmers provided students with a unique perspective that they could apply to their future careers. Furthermore, the immersive nature of the program helped students develop important skills such as leadership, effective communication, and emotional intelligence: critical qualities for anyone looking to make a difference in rural communities.

By the end of the Rural Immersion Program, students were not only better equipped to understand rural dynamics but were also inspired to contribute to the sustainable development
of rural areas. The holistic nature of the program helped them develop a well-rounded perspective that would serve them in both their professional and personal lives.

VJIM’s Rural Immersion Program was an overwhelming success in fulfilling its goal of providing students with a deep understanding of rural realities. The program, guided by the leadership of Dr. Amanat Husain and other faculty members continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders who are equipped to drive meaningful change in rural India. With its focus on holistic development, VJIM’s approach to education ensures that students not only learn about management but also gain a nuanced understanding of the
agricultural and rural development sectors—preparing them to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.