Increasing Regional and Local Relevance of Engineering Institutions through Service Learning - A Case Study of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Program

Abstract— Engineering education in India is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of innovative teaching methodologies such as Project-Based Learning (PBL). This pedagogical approach emphasizes practical, hands-on experiences where students engage with real-world problems, promoting deeper learning and skill development. Servicelearning is one form of PBL where the problem in focus is situated within the community. This research paper presents a case study on how the integration of service learning in undergraduate engineering curricula could improve the regional and local significance of engineering institutions. The study focuses on the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) initiative, launched by the Government of India, which aims to bridge the gap between higher educational institutions and rural communities by leveraging academic resources to address local challenges. In alignment with UBA's objectives, KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology (KGRCET) established the Centre for Innovation and Social Transformation (CIST) to foster regional and local relevance in engineering education through community engagement and problem-solving. This study explores integrating service learning in undergraduate engineering, highlighting its challenges and benefits. Effective coordination among faculty, students, and community partners is crucial, emphasizing reciprocal community engagement. It also underscores the increased time commitment for faculty beyond teaching, proposing a model for Indian institutions to align service learning throughout the undergraduate engineering program and empower students in solving real-world village problems. Keywords—Service Learning, Problem-based Learning, Engineering Design, Community Engagement, Sustainable Development Goals, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.