Amma envisioned that universities could send their students to impoverished villages as part of their education. This firsthand experience would not only help them grasp the issues the poor confront, but also kindle compassion, inspiring them to find solutions.
To bring Amma’s vision to life, Amrita University initiated Live-in-Labs in 2013. Through this program, undergrad students spend up to two weeks in the villages. PhD students live what totals a year over the course of their studies.
They witness life’s daily challenges—like shortages of food, clean water, healthcare, education, sanitation, stable housing, and electricity.
More importantly, they have the opportunity to truly listen to the people.
The students then use this experience to identify and assess community needs and develop and implement viable solutions. The projects are comprehensive, affordable, and sustainable.
Live-in-Labs has also partnered with more than 30 international universities and students from around the world wholeheartedly arrive in India to take part.
Today it is a multidisciplinary learning program that breaks classroom and lab barriers and applies theory to real-world settings:
Live-in-Labs’ work is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It addresses 7 thematic areas integral to developing self-reliance in rural India:
Meanwhile, for the students, it is an experience that stays with them for the rest of their lives. Most have never seen the difficulties the poor face in rural India. They say they are grateful to have witnessed the strength and courage the villagers have to survive.
In this way, they develop critical and collaborative problem-solving skills that will help them face the challenges the future holds. Not only for themselves, but for their families, for their countries, and for the entire world.
Amma offers us the possibility to connect online with her on a daily basis. During these livestreams, we can meditate with Amma, chant bhajans (devotional singing) and hear spiritual teachings.
Registration is required to access these livestreams:
