SVM Monthly Newsletter – July 2024

In This Issue

Introducing SVM’s New Logo | SVM Partners with PSA’s Strategic Alliance Division | Nialty Rani’s Inspiring Journey from School Dropout to Budding Entrepreneur | Pursuing Net Zero Certification for EcoNest with GNFZ | Blog: From Air to Refreshing Water: Innovative Solutions for Clean Drinking Water

Dear SVM Friends & Supporters,

Welcome to the July edition of our newsletter! This month, we’re thrilled to bring you a host of exciting updates from the Smart Village Movement.

First, we’re unveiling our new logo, designed to reflect our commitment to innovation while honoring our established brand identity. We’re also proud to share our collaboration with the Strategic Alliance Division of Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA), GOI, and our pledge to pursue Net Zero Certification for EcoNest with GNFZ. In this issue, you’ll also find an inspiring story about an SVM beneficiary, Nialty Rani, who has turned adversity into entrepreneurial success. Plus, don’t miss our latest blog on tackling the clean drinking water challenge through cutting-edge air-to-water harvesting technology.

Join us as we explore these advancements and more. To support our ongoing projects and initiatives, please consider making a tax-deductible donation at www.smartvillagemovement.org/donate.

Thank you for your continued support!
Smart Village Movement Team

If your organization is interested in collaborating or aligning its CSR objectives with our initiatives, please get in touch with our Director of Communications at anna@smartvillagemovement.org

We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between the Smart Village Movement (SVM) and The Strategic Alliances division of the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to address rural challenges through innovative solutions backed by cutting-edge research and technology.

Our collaboration with the Strategic Alliance division is centered on harnessing the IIT Rural Technology Action Group (RUTAG) powers. This esteemed group brings together the brightest minds and most advanced technologies from IITs across India. By integrating their innovative solutions, we aim to tackle critical pain points rural communities face, ranging from infrastructure deficits to access to essential services.

Our SVM Open Innovation Platform is also now integrated with the Manthan Platform. Manthan aims to empower various stakeholders to scale up interactions with researchers/ innovators, facilitate R&D/ innovation, and share challenges focused on emerging technologies and other scientific interventions, as well as those with a social impact.
READ MORE

Smart Village Movement (SVM) is excited to announce its collaboration with the Global Network for Zero (GNFZ) to pursue net zero certification for EcoNest, an innovative eco-tourism cottage in the picturesque state of Meghalaya, Northeast India. This partnership underscores a pioneering commitment to sustainability, aiming to set new benchmarks in carbon footprint reduction and eco-tourism.

EcoNest represents a fusion of technology, entrepreneurship, and natural resources. This collaboration between SVM, Meghalaya Tourism, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation, and Shillong Bamboo Pvt Ltd demonstrates the responsible use of local renewable materials and skills, establishing a model for sustainable tourism infrastructure.

GNFZ, the world’s leading independent net zero certification body, will guide SVM through a detailed certification process. This includes an emissions inventory to calculate Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, followed by creating a net zero implementation plan with incremental milestones toward full certification. READ MORE in this PR

We are thrilled to unveil our new SVM logo, designed to complement our original one. This fresh look preserves our original font and color scheme, ensuring continuity and recognition.

Introducing Our New Logo: A Symbol of Collaboration and Innovation

Our new logo features a trinity symbol, representing the interconnection of three circles. This triple helix design highlights our collaborative work with three key entities: government, corporate, and academia, all united in our mission to create smart villages.

Meaning Behind the Design

This professional and memorable design symbolizes our ongoing commitment to innovation and partnership. It encapsulates the essence of our open innovation concept, where we foster an ecosystem of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among diverse stakeholders. By integrating the strengths and expertise of the government, corporate sector, and academia, we aim to drive sustainable development and create thriving smart villages. READ MORE

In a recent episode of “Dialogue with Director,” a podcast on education with Meghalaya Education Director, DSEL, and Special Project Director, SSA Shri. Swapnil Tembe, IAS, we had the pleasure of listening to an inspiring story from one of our learner-turned-entrepreneurs from Nongwah, who was part of our pilot project called the Salesforce Trailblazer Lab, now called the Chief Minister Youth Centre. This podcast is a platform to hear from students, teachers, principals, and experts in the field of education in Meghalaya about their views on education.

In this episode, we heard from Nialty Mary Rani, a beacon of inspiration and resilience. Despite grappling with significant challenges, including health issues and the need to discontinue her education, she has displayed extraordinary determination.

Ms. Rani shared her journey, from early schooling in her village and Shillong to facing family and health struggles, which led to her dropping out after class 8. Despite these obstacles, she learned English independently, supported her family during the pandemic, and eventually discovered her passion for cooking and entrepreneurship. Her entrepreneurial journey began with making ice cream and later transitioned to making organic jam. READ MORE

Nialty Rani with Shri. Swapnil Tembe, IAS – Director, DSEL, Special Project Director, SSA, Meghalaya

The Global Clean Drinking Water Crisis

Access to clean drinking water remains one of the most pressing global challenges. The World Health Organization states that over 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services. This issue is particularly acute in rural areas, where infrastructure and resources are often limited. The scarcity of potable water not only affects health but also hampers economic development, education, and overall quality of life.

Rural Areas and the Impact of Climate Change

Rural areas, home to a significant portion of the global population, often struggle the most with water scarcity. The lack of infrastructure to deliver clean water, pollution, and depletion of natural water sources exacerbate the issue. Climate change further intensifies this problem, with changes in precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events disrupting traditional water sources, making reliable access to clean water increasingly difficult. READ MOREREAD MORE

To learn more about all our projects, please visit our Website or our SVM Annual Magazine and join our SVM Platform

SVM is a nonprofit with 80(G) certification and is also registered as a 501(c)(3) organization. The tax-deductible contributions go directly to fund rural development and empowerment of village livelihoods in pilot areas.

What is the SVM Platform?

The Smart Village Movement platform provides a digital platform for Governments, Educational Institutions, Business Organizations, and Village Entrepreneurs to come together in a collaborative effort to find innovative solutions in rural communities and build ‘Smart Villages’.

Please sign up and access our platform engage with our movement and help us with creative & innovative solutions. Together we are all ‘smarter’.

Visit SVM Platform

www.smartvillagemovement.org

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