SAIARD
Centre for Rural Livelihood Development
Empowering People, Transforming Communities
SAIARD-CRLD
The Centre for Rural Livelihood Development is a flagship initiative of the South Asian Institute for Advanced Research and Development (SAIARD) aimed at equipping individuals—especially from underprivileged, rural, and marginalized backgrounds—with industry-relevant skills, livelihood opportunities, and entrepreneurial training. Rooted in the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the School is committed to creating a skilled, self-reliant, and resilient workforce across South Asia.
Vision & Mission
To build a self-reliant society by enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and enabling inclusive community development.
To empower rural, tribal, and marginalized populations by improving access to education, skills, employment, and entrepreneurship.
To integrate traditional knowledge with modern technologies for sustainable livelihood solutions.
To serve as a platform for youth, students, and volunteers to contribute meaningfully to nation-building efforts through development service.
Key Focus Areas
Rural Resources & Startups Promotion
Encouraging multi-component farming (crop + livestock + aquaculture + agroforestry) to increase income and reduce dependency on external inputs.Enhances rural employment opportunities and fosters self-sufficiency.
Skill Development & Vocational Training
Short-term and long-term certified courses in GIS, IT, digital literacy, agriculture, renewable energy, and more. Hands-on training in collaboration with industry partners and government skill missions.
Youth & Women Empowerment
Creating gender-inclusive programs for women's self-help groups and micro-entrepreneurs. Engaging youth in leadership, social innovation, and community service
Green Economy & Sustainable Development
Promoting green economy jobs such as waste management, eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy. Integration of climate-resilient practices into livelihood training
Rural Livelihood & Entrepreneurship Development
Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Guidance on setting up rural startups, cooperatives, and community-led enterprises
SAIARD Seva Volunteerism
Engaging university students and young professionals through the SAIARD Seva Volunteer Program. Promoting civic engagement and community-led development
Our Flagships
SAIARD Adopt Your Village Program (AYVP)
The SAIARD Adopt Your Village Program (AYVP) is a flagship initiative aimed at bridging the gap between knowledge institutions and rural communities by fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level. Under this program, SAIARD encourages students, researchers, professionals, and institutions to adopt villages and work collaboratively on improving key areas such as education, health, water management, skill development, digital inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods. By integrating geospatial intelligence, community engagement, and participatory planning, AYVP seeks to empower rural populations, preserve traditional knowledge systems, and promote self-reliance, aligning with national goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rural Skill Connect
Rural Skill Connect is a transformative initiative by SAIARD aimed at bridging the skill gap in rural communities by connecting local talent with industry-relevant training and livelihood opportunities. This program focuses on delivering customized, practical, and certified skill development modules in areas such as agriculture, digital literacy, renewable energy, handicrafts, and geospatial technology. Through partnerships with government agencies, corporate CSR units, and local institutions, Skill Connect ensures rural youth and women are equipped with employable skills and are linked to job placements, self-employment ventures, and entrepreneurship pathways—thus fostering inclusive growth and rural resilience.
Rural Start-up Incubator
The SAIARD Rural Start-up Incubator is a dynamic initiative under SAIARD designed to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance among rural youth, women, and grassroots change-makers. Focused on unlocking the untapped potential of rural India, the incubator offers mentorship, training, seed funding support, and access to market linkages for aspiring entrepreneurs working in areas such as agri-tech, eco-tourism, green energy, rural crafts, and digital services. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology and business models, the incubator aims to create sustainable, community-driven enterprises that not only generate livelihoods but also contribute to the circular rural economy and the broader goals of rural transformation.
Join Our Mission
for the Rural Empowerment
Whether you are an institution, academician, policymaker, or grassroots worker—SAIARD CRLD welcomes partnerships and participation. Join hands to transform lives, build sustainable futures, and uphold the spirit of Seva.
Visit: www.saiard.co.in
Email: saiardkolkata@gmail.com
