Vatrak Cardiac & Vascular Hospital- Gujarat
Last year, we shared the news of a new hospital coming up in Vatrak, along with the Bhoomi Poojan that marked its beginning.
We’re glad to share an important update – construction of the Vatrak Cardiac & Vascular Hospital is set to begin in the first week of May 2026.
This ₹90 crore, 76-bed super-specialty facility will bring advanced cardiac and vascular care closer to communities across North Gujarat and neighboring regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, reducing the need for long-distance travel and enabling timely, life-saving treatment.
With future plans for a dedicated Cancer Hospital, this initiative is a significant step toward strengthening rural healthcare access.
Every step forward brings us closer to a future where quality care is available closer to home. Read more about this project HERE
From Waste to Worth: Turning Plastic into Livelihoods
The Plastic Waste Upcycling & Artisan Livelihood Project officially kicked off with 17 artisans starting their training on February 12, 2026.
From discarded plastic to dignified work, this is where sustainability meets livelihood. The six-month pilot is designed to move towards a self-sustaining livelihood model.
Through intensive, trainer-led sessions, artisans will learn the technical process of converting plastic waste into fabric.
Phase 1 lays the foundation for creating market-ready products that support both the planet and livelihood. READ MORE
SVM & CIPS: Advancing Impact Through Independent Evaluation
The Smart Village Movement team engaged with Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS) for an Impact Review led by our Academic Research Director Professor Muralikrishna Iyyanki this February for an impact study on SVM’s STEM education and Lake rejuvenation projects in India.
Discussions focused on improving access, strengthening teacher capacity, and building systems for long-term student success. The team also presented the Umiam Lake Restoration Initiative, with discussions covering environmental impact measurement, waste-flow assessment, the sustainability of bamboo barriers, and the scalability of the clean-up model.
National Science Day Celebrated
To mark National Science Day, North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach, in collaboration with Smart Village Movement, organized a special programme on February 25 at the NECTAR STEM Lab in Shillong.
With the theme “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat,” the event highlighted the contributions of women in science while encouraging students to explore opportunities in STEM.
A total of 29 students participated, presenting 11 projects and engaging in hands-on experiments and creative demonstrations that sparked curiosity and learning.
The STEM Lab, operational for over a year, continues to provide experiential, beyond-classroom learning opportunities in science and technology.
Celebrating Curiosity: Schools Across Gujarat Mark National Science Day
Across Gujarat, several schools marked National Science Day through their own celebrations, creating meaningful platforms for students to explore and showcase their interest in STEM.
At SRMD Sherimal School, Dharampur, a science fair featured an impressive exhibition of STEM-based activities and student-led projects, highlighting hands-on learning and creativity.
Similarly, PM SHRI Akrund Adarsh Primary School organized a science exhibition that encouraged cross-learning, allowing students to share ideas and learn from one another.
National Science Day is a reminder of the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity from a young age. Providing students with platforms to experiment, present, and engage helps build confidence, spark innovation, and deepen their excitement for learning in STEM.
