Hello everyone!
We are excited to introduce ourselves as Project RISHI at UC San Diego, a student-led chapter of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and long-term well-being in rural Indian communities. Through collaborative partnerships, extensive field research, and year-round initiatives, we work alongside local leaders and organizations to identify community priorities and implement solutions that are accessible, culturally responsive, and sustainable.
Our chapter partners with the village of Viyyampeta, where we focus on creating long-term impact across health, education, agriculture, water access, and digital literacy. Rather than short-term aid, our approach emphasizes continuity, data tracking, and community ownership so that progress can be measured and maintained over time.
Since our founding in 2009, Project RISHI at UCSD has remained committed to strengthening community capacity through consistent engagement, both on campus and in the field. This past year, and especially during our winter and summer initiatives, our team worked closely with village leaders, hospitals, schools, and local NGOs to assess needs, build trust, and lay the groundwork for scalable programs that will continue into the 2026 India Trip.
Our work is driven by several core committees:
Our Clinical Health Committee focuses on bringing consistent, trackable medical care to Viyyampeta. By partnering with local hospitals and clinics, the committee works to implement healthcare programs that improve both short-term and long-term health outcomes. A key goal moving forward is to establish a reliable system for in-person care and health logging so that residents can receive more continuous and accessible medical support over time.
The Water and Sanitation Committee works to improve access to clean, safe, and sustainable water throughout the village. Through small-scale treatment units, filtration systems, and rainwater harvesting initiatives, we aim to reduce reliance on rainfall and external water tankers. Our projects prioritize locally maintainable systems for households and schools, ensuring equitable water access while building long-term sustainability through community and engineering partnerships.
Our Oral Health Committee supports literacy and health education initiatives that are identified by community needs. This includes English literacy programs, oral and general health education, access to books and learning materials, and ensuring that sports equipment is available to promote physical well-being. These efforts emphasize prevention, education, and youth engagement as key drivers of long-term health.
The Women’s Health and Empowerment Committee works closely with local organizations to improve both health outcomes and financial independence for women in the village. Current initiatives include distributing sanitary pads and raising awareness around menstrual health, with future plans to support financial literacy workshops, HIV testing, and pap smear camps. These programs aim to improve women’s long-term health while empowering them with knowledge and resources.
Our Agriculture Committee focuses on helping farmers in Viyyampeta improve crop health and yields through simple, low-cost interventions. By working directly with farmers and local agricultural groups, the team plans to pilot initiatives such as composting, irrigation upgrades, and seed variety trials. A major focus is diagnosing and addressing the village’s mango crop fungus issue, while maintaining basic data logs to track outcomes over time.
Finally, the Computer Literacy Committee is building the foundation for a sustainable, locally run technology program. Beginning with donated and refurbished laptops, improved WiFi access, and a structured after-school curriculum, the committee aims to teach typing, basic computer skills, educational games, and introductory electrical engineering concepts. Community “Digital Days” will also allow adults to gain essential digital skills, with the long-term goal of transitioning leadership to local teachers and students.
Looking Ahead — 2026 Summer India Trip
This coming year, our team will focus on expanding medical and public health outreach through health camps and screenings, strengthening oral health and preventive care education, integrating water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives, empowering women and youth through education and leadership development, and continuing to build sustainable agriculture and digital literacy programs.
How You Can Help
Your support directly enables this work. Every contribution helps fund materials, infrastructure, maintenance, and long-term program sustainability:
$5–$10 supports hygiene supplies or educational materials
$15–$25 helps provide eyeglasses or starter kits for community initiatives
$30–$50 funds dental care kits or workshop materials
$75–$100 supports water testing supplies or teacher resources
$200–$300 enables comprehensive health screenings or pilot programs
Message from Project RISHI 2025–2026
Our mission to promote sustainable growth and community empowerment would not be possible without the generosity of supporters like you. Whether you choose to donate, share our story, or engage with our work, thank you for believing in our mission. We are deeply grateful for your support and look forward to continuing this journey together to create an even greater impact in 2026.
With gratitude,
The Project RISHI at UC San Diego Team