Assam University Launches Digital Initiative to Boost Nutrition and Community Health in Rural Areas

Way2barak, March 1 : In a significant step towards strengthening rural nutrition and health awareness, Assam University has launched a digital initiative titled Rural Educational Advancement for Community Health (REACH) under the EPICS in IEEE project. The web application was formally inaugurated on Saturday at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya in Borjalenga. The technology-driven, community-centric initiative aims to bridge gaps in preventive healthcare services and nutritional awareness in rural areas.

The web app was formally launched by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajive Mohan Pant. Among those present were Ishwarbhai Ubadia, General Manager of Rosekandi Tea Estate; Prof. Sudipta Roy, Dean of the School of Technology; and Parthasarathi Deb, Principal of the host school. Around 120 parents, teachers, and local residents attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Pant emphasized that universities must go beyond conventional extension activities and adopt socially responsible, sustainable, and replicable technology-based interventions. He noted that nearly 95 percent of diseases today are linked to lifestyle factors, underscoring the urgent need for preventive health education. Ishwarbhai Ubadia described the project as a visionary step towards strengthening healthcare systems in tea garden and rural communities.

The REACH–EPICS project stands as a strong example of interdisciplinary academic collaboration and socially responsible student innovation. The initiative was implemented under the guidance of project advisor Prof. Mousum Handique, Technical Lead Dr. Arnab Paul, and Coordinator Dr. Lalzo S. Thangjam. Students Kamalesh Debnath, Srijinjay Das, and Avantika Langthasa played key roles in the design, development, and community-based training for the web app. Nabakishore Akurao, Coordinator of the voluntary organisation Citizen Foundation, extended support as a local partner.

According to the organisers, a distinctive feature of the REACH web app is that its recommendations are fully tailored to the local socio-economic and cultural context. Instead of prescribing generic diet charts like conventional nutrition apps, it provides health and nutrition advice based on food items readily available in Borjalenga market and the Barak Valley. This approach ensures cost-effective, culturally appropriate, and practical implementation.
The initiative aligns with the broader national goals of Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to empower rural communities through digital innovation in health and nutrition.