News & Updates
Here’s the latest updates from our end.
MoU between SGGV and Earthifactz
On June 16, 2026, Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya Signs MoU with Earthifactz Artizanz Pvt. Ltd. to Empower Students, Tribal Artisans and SHGs through Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing.
Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya (formerly Sarguja University), Ambikapur, established in 2008, serves the five districts of the Sarguja division through education, research, skill development and community engagement in tribal areas.
Earthifactz Artizanz Private Limited, Bhopal, is a DPIIT-recognised startup and MSME enterprise working in skill development, digital commerce (ONDC-aligned), artisan and tribal ecosystem development, and livelihood generation across India.
Key Highlights
The collaboration also provides for: a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) to plan, schedule and review activities; alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and national skill development missions; digital commerce and ONDC-aligned market linkages for handicrafts and forest produce; Faculty Development Programmes and research collaboration on tribal knowledge and craft-based studies; and a proposed “Centre for Tribal Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Digital Livelihoods” within the University.
Statements
“This collaboration strengthens our commitment to the educational and economic upliftment of the tribal communities of Sarguja, combining academic resources with industry-oriented skilling and entrepreneurship support,” said Prof. Rajendra Lakpale, Vice-Chancellor, Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya.
“Sarguja’s Students, Tribal Artisans and SHGs have immense creative and entrepreneurial potential, and we look forward to building market-ready skills and sustainable income opportunities together,” added Ms. Aparna Awasthi, Director, Earthifactz Artizanz Pvt. Ltd.
Proposed Outcomes
Ambikapur, June 16, 2026: Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya (SGGV), Sarguja, has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Earthifactz Artizanz Private Limited (“Earthifactz”), a Bhopal-based DPIIT-recognised startup, to train and skill Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and artisans from the Sarguja tribal belt in marketing their handicrafts, forest produce and other livelihood items, and to launch an Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) for Students, Tribal Artisans and Students.
The MoU was signed by Ms. Aparna Awasthi, Director, Earthifactz, and Dr. S.P. Tripathi, Registrar, on behalf of the University, in the presence of witnesses from both organisations.
The partnership, jointly conceptualised by the University and Earthifactz Co-Founders Mr. Ajay Kumar, Ms. Aparna Awasthi and Mr. Sujoy Basu, marks a significant step toward strengthening tribal entrepreneurship and market-linked skilling in the region. Earthifactz will also develop short-term, industry-aligned courses for the University to bridge the gap between academic curricula and market requirements.
Proposed Short-Term Courses & Expected Outcomes
Digital Marketing & ONDC E-Commerce: Enables online listing and sale of handicrafts and forest produce, widening market reach.
Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): Builds skills to plan and run micro-enterprises, increasing self-employment.
Branding, Packaging & Design for Tribal Crafts: Improves product presentation, leading to better price realisation.
NTFP Value Addition & Processing : Reduces wastage and creates higher-value forest-based products.
Financial Literacy & Digital Payments: Improves access to credit, banking and government livelihood schemes.
AI & Emerging Technologies Foundations: Strengthens digital/AI literacy among youth, narrowing the academia-industry gap.
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