Networking plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and synergy among organizations working towards common goals. Recognizing its significance, VIKSAT places great emphasis on networking initiatives to create meaningful partnerships and enhance its impact. Through strategic alliances with various stakeholders, VIKSAT aims to build a strong network of like-minded organizations, government agencies, community-based organizations, and experts in the field of sustainable natural resource management. These networking initiatives enable VIKSAT to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collectively address environmental and socio-economic challenges, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.

Some of our networking programme are: 

VIKSAT: Empowering Rural Women Through Internet Saathi Initiative

In collaboration with TATA Trusts, Google is actively working to bridge the online gender gap prevalent in rural India, where only one out of ten internet users are women. To empower women and prevent further marginalization and discrimination, Google and TATA Trusts launched the Internet Saathi initiative. VIKSAT, as part of Google's 'Helping Women Get Online', joined hands with TATA Trusts to launch the pilot program in the tribal districts of Poshina and Khedbhrama blocks in Sabarkantha, Gujarat in 2015. The program trains Internet Saathis, digital literacy ambassadors, who then educate women in their villages on internet usage and its benefits. After the successful pilot phase, VIKSAT expanded the program to its field offices in Sabarkantha, Mehsana, and Kutch, resulting in the training of 74 Internet Saathis across 222 villages, benefiting 33,300 women. In the latest phase, VIKSAT, along with 19 NGO partners, has expanded the Internet Saathi program to 58 blocks and 13 districts in Gujarat. A total of 1,499 Internet Saathis have been trained, reaching 9,74,350 women in 4,620 villages. VIKSAT provides support to the NGO partners through training, follow-ups, and addressing any issues faced by them and the Internet Saathis. As an implementation agency, VIKSAT also handles fund allotment and application processes received from TATA Trusts for the program.

VIKSAT as a Knowledge Partner

VIKSAT, in collaboration with ITC Ltd. and supported by NITI Aayog, serves as a Knowledge Partner under the "Sunehra Kal" mission, covering 27 Aspirational Districts in 8 states of India. Following a cascade model, trained volunteers share their expertise, empowering communities and enhancing agricultural practices. VIKSAT developed Packages of Practices (PoP) for major crops based on inputs from experts and agricultural universities. Through master trainers and village resource persons, a total of 295,165 farmers were trained using localized training materials. Comprehensive educational resources were prepared in multiple languages such as Hindi, Marathi, and Assamese, providing visually engaging crop modules. This collaborative effort significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.

VIKSAT as a Regional Rural Agency

VIKSAT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has been actively organizing the National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) every year from 1986 to 2016. This awareness campaign, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in New Delhi, aims to raise awareness on a specific theme at the national level. To ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the program, 34 Regional Rural Agencies were appointed across the country.

Since 1986, VIKSAT has been serving as the Regional Rural Agency for Gujarat, Diu, and Daman. Over the years, a total of 786 NGOs, schools, nature clubs, and CBOs have actively participated in the network. The National Environment Awareness Campaign, conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, encourages the active involvement of non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, nature clubs, and other entities engaged in environmental education and awareness. Through a wide range of activities such as seminars, workshops, rallies, competitions, street plays, puppet shows, and folk dances, the participating organizations disseminate awareness on the designated theme each year. By focusing on a specific theme annually, the National Environment Awareness Campaign provides a platform for organizations nationwide to collectively raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability.