UNICEF India Visits AMMACHI Labs
Amritapuri, Kerala | 25 June 2026 How can technology be harnessed to create meaningful social impact? This question formed the backdrop of an insightful visit by Dr. Akhila Radhakrishnan, Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF India, to AMMACHI Labs on 25 June 2026. The visit provided a platform for exchanging ideas on technology-enabled social innovation, skill development, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. The programme commenced with an introduction to the vision and work of AMMACHI Labs and the Center for Women's Empowerment & Gender Equality (CWEGE). Gayathri Manikutty, Senior Researcher and Assistant Professor, presented the centre's interdisciplinary initiatives, highlighting projects such as Social Robotics, HAKSH-E, and The Second Foundation Project, which leverage technology to address pressing societal challenges. Br. Ajay Balakrishnan, Associate Director of AMMACHI Labs, showcased the laboratory's pioneering efforts in vocational education through simulation-based learning technologies. Demonstrations included the Bar Bending Simulator, Scaffolding Simulator, and Green Skills programmes, all designed to provide practical, industry-relevant training while enhancing accessibility and learner engagement. The session also featured a presentation by Dr. Srividya Seshadri, who highlighted CWEGE's initiatives in women's empowerment, rural technologies, and community development. Kavitha Karthikeyan, Project Manager of Skill e-Labs, demonstrated how simulation-based learning is transforming technical and vocational education by making it more immersive, accessible, and aligned with industry requirements. The visit concluded with a productive exchange of ideas on emerging opportunities for collaboration between UNICEF India and AMMACHI Labs. Discussions underscored a shared commitment to leveraging innovation, technology, and inclusive education to create sustainable and lasting social impact. The initiatives presented during the visit contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting a collective vision for empowering communities through technology and collaboration.
