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Adichunchanagiri University (ACU) is deeply committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its education, research, outreach, and campus- wide practices. The University believes that higher education must go beyond classroom learning by embedding sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity into everyday campus life.
To achieve this, ACU has established a dedicated SDG Cell, which works in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), NSS Units, Eco Clubs, and student organizations. Together, they design and implement programs that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while fostering student leadership, innovation, and community participation.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They succeeded the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which guided international development between 2000 and 2015.
Thus, the SDGs represent a historic global agreement to pursue development that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient by 2030.
The SDGs are more than global policy—they are a practical guide for action at every level of society, including universities. Their importance can be understood in multiple ways:
For ACU, aligning with SDGs means connecting knowledge with responsibility, ensuring that the university nurtures future leaders who are prepared to address the world’s most critical issues.
ACU has deeply embedded sustainability into both its academic framework and campus development policies, translating commitment into measurable action across multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University operates as a ‘Living Laboratory’ dedicated to environmental and social responsibility.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger ACU demonstrates commitment to feeding the community through its Nourishing Lives initiative. Free, nutritious food (Annadaana) is provided daily to patients, visitors, and the local community through the associated Mutt (spiritual center). This initiative serves an average of ∼10,000 meals daily, ensuring food security for many visitors and community members.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being The University places a significant institutional focus on Medical Research & Clinical Care, aiming for health advancements and societal well-being. Over the last five years, ACU has secured 565 research publications and 76 patents in health-related fields. Furthermore, the University conducts SANKALP camps, which provide comprehensive free medical, dental, and eye check-ups/surgeries to underserved rural populations.
SDG 4: Quality Education ACU promotes Inclusive Education & Future-Ready Skills by prioritizing access and affordability to higher education. The University provides scholarships and financial aid exceeding ₹2 Crore annually to students from varied economic and social backgrounds. To ensure future-readiness and a commitment to global issues, the SDGs and cross- cutting issues like gender, environment, and ethics are actively integrated into the curriculum of various departments.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action ACU is focused on Sustainable Infrastructure and active generation of clean energy to reduce its carbon footprint. The campus utilizes 600 kW solar energy capacity for on-campus power generation, supporting street lighting and academic blocks, and demonstrating a strong stand on environmental practices.
SDG 15: Life on Land Through Green Campus Development, ACU maintains a healthy ecosystem that supports local flora and fauna. Regular plantation drives and biodiversity enhancement activities have resulted in over 4,000 trees maintained across the campus, contributing significantly to a healthy ecosystem.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Initiatives include the construction of rainwater harvesting pits and recharge wells to restore groundwater levels, alongside the introduction of decentralized wastewater treatment systems like constructed wetlands for eco-friendly water management.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production The University is a leader in Waste Management Leadership, focusing on reduction, reuse, and innovative processing of waste. The campus is strictly a Plastic-Free Zone. Furthermore, a 300 kg capacity biogas plant converts organic food waste from messes into usable cooking biogas, effectively diverting waste from landfills and promoting resource recovery.
Students play a central role in advancing SDGs at ACU. The University encourages their participation through:
On 5 June 2025, ACU celebrated World Environment Day with the theme of ecological restoration and sustainability. Organized by the SDG Cell in collaboration with the IIC Cell and NSS Unit, the event included:
This event reinforced ACU’s commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
On 26 September 2025, ACU celebrated Global Goal Week – 2025, an annual initiative dedicated to advancing awareness and action on SDGs. Key highlights included:
The week-long celebrations not only spread awareness of SDGs but also inspired students to translate ideas into real-world impact.
Beyond campus initiatives, ACU actively extends SDG practices to nearby communities by:
Adichunchanagiri University aims to further strengthen its SDG initiatives with the following plans:
We actively seek collaborations with:
(Examples of institutional models used to design our partnership approach include similarly- mandated SDG cells at other Indian universities.)
By embedding the Sustainable Development Goals into academics, campus policies, and community outreach, Adichunchanagiri University has positioned itself as a hub of sustainable education and innovation. The University’s initiatives—from plantation drives and water conservation to student- led innovations and community development—reflect its pledge to the global 2030 Agenda.
Through these efforts, ACU not only prepares its students for academic excellence but also nurtures them as responsible citizens and future leaders committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world.