Social Innovation Hub under Development in Southern India

Project Management of India (PMI) and the International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (IISE) have joined hands together to create a social innovation hub in Thiruvananthapuram, a city in southern India. The idea of this hub first occurred to a city resident, Sabriye Tenberken, who had the urge to transform the "geographically displaced" image of her city. She came up with the concept of "Trivandrum Global City of Innovation" (TGCI) to foster a major social change by bringing together motivated organizations to lead the change.

Tenberken is no novice to taking up ambitious social innovation projects and turning them into a resounding success. She made a significant social impact through "Braille without Borders," an international organization for the welfare of blind in the developing countries. She hopes to repeat that success and transform Thiruvananthapuram into a vibrant, enterprising and socially motivated city.

Tenberken, who is busy drumming up socially innovative ideas for TGCI, says, "The IISE runs a practical high-quality hands-on programme. Many of the students at the IISE are embarking on a journey of self-confidence. Some of them come from totalitarian regimes, so to even entertain their ideas is a big deal. I am happy with the way the IISE has been running but I felt the need to expand my 'dream factory'. People are always complaining about how far down Trivandrum is, so I say let's turn the map upside down and put the city back on top."

PMI is looking forward to collaborating with IISE to implement the idea of TGCI on the ground. The chairman of PMI, Rajeev Rajasekhara Panicker, says, "We will assist it in around 50 projects. On November 19, a high-level planning committee will meet at the IISE to formulate a draft policy. At present, ideation is in full swing. Anyone who has a workable idea that would change the society they live in is welcome to join us and present a concept. Education, waste management and green energy are the focal points. The IISE is in the process of getting government approvals for the various projects."

IISE has come up with a prototype for a multi-purpose solar cell that can run on anything from cycles to lamps. Another project on the anvil is an eco-construction project that will involve recycling of pet bottles. Panicker says, "The TGCI project aims to develop Trivandrum as a model for social innovation and bridge social needs with the help of NGOs and volunteers. PMI's volunteers will ensure spreading of best practices and will help bring in TGCI concepts to life."

Photo Credit: sraburton