Department of Social Work of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) held a week-long rural camp at Choupahari village in Birbhum district, from February 21 to 28, 2025 in collaboration with Swayambhar Nari and Nayantara Memorial Charitable Trust, two Birbhum-based nongovernmental organisations (NGOs).

The camp focused on sustainable rural livelihood policies and the role of government and NGOs in empowering rural communities to meet sustainable development goals.

Students made field visits, conducted interactive sessions with local entrepreneurs and villagers, and gathered experience on community-based activities in different villages in the week-long programme. Dr. Rupa Biswas, Head, Department of Social Work and Sudipto Bhattacharya, Fieldwork and Internship Coordinator, SXUK accompanied the students.

Besides learning about sustainable livelihoods, students visited a saal plate-making unit run by a self-help group (SHG) member and interacted with other SHG members. They also conducted Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRS), household surveys and resource mapping.

Students identified water scarcity and child marriage as threats to rural development. They also visited Amkhoi village, Nayantara Memorial Charitable Trust, Nimbuni village, Washi Paper making unit, Sonajhuri market, and gained knowledge on nutrition gardens, animal husbandry, and fisheries.

Dr. Rupa Biswas