Come, see how young people at Loksadhana turn learning into livelihoods through practical training and enterprise.

SKILLING

At Loksadhana, we believe learning must go beyond classrooms into real life. For rural children and youth, skills mean confidence, livelihoods, and dignity. Over the years, we have built pathways that blend practical training with creativity, whether in farming, engineering, energy, or enterprise. From school-based projects to residential diplomas, every step is rooted in “learning by doing,” preparing young people to stand on their own feet. 

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Average hours each student spends learning vocational tools
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Students benefited from field visits to local industries

Life Skill Education

In 2008, we started a one-year residential programme where students from classes 5 to 7 learnt by doing. From carpentry and farming to tailoring and electrical work, every child discovered that practical skills could bring confidence and independence. But then we realised older students needed a bridge between school and real-world learning. 

So we began…

Introduction to Basic Technology

Through IBT, one full day each week was devoted to hands-on projects. Students repaired machines, built LED lamps, crafted smokeless stoves, and even explored drones. Local entrepreneurs became their guides, showing them how classroom learning could spark innovation.

But then we realised that youth completing school wanted something deeper, something that could launch them into work or enterprise.

That’s when we started…

Diploma in Basic Rural Technology (DBRT)

A one-year residential diploma accredited by NIOS, DBRT provided training in agriculture, engineering, energy, and home science. They built tools, set up solar systems, and experimented with food preservation. Many left not just with skills, but with businesses of their own.

But then we realised learning shouldn’t stop at diplomas. It needed to continue in the community.

After completing the Diploma in Basic Rural Technology at Loksadhana, I started my own business. The course gave me skills in agriculture, engineering, energy, and home science, and today I feel proud to employ four local youths from my community.

—Kisan Vasant Jadhav, [35] 

Student

AND THEN we began…

Rural Tech Solutions & Industry Training

From watershed projects to tool-making, students applied their skills to real challenges in villages. Industry tie-ups and field trainings helped them find jobs, or even create new ones for others in their communities.

Today, whoever I am, it is because of Loksadhana. From a student to an instructor, from an entrepreneur to a village Sarpanch and now a trustee, every step of my journey has been shaped by the values and vision of this place.

— Dinesh Advilkar, Trustee, Loksadhana