GGV Swabhiman Thali (GST)
GGV Swabhiman Thali (GST)
GGV Swabhiman Thali (GST)
About GGV Swabhiman Thali (GST)
GGV Swabhiman Thali (GST)
An Inclusive Nutrition Initiative for Students
Introduction
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (GGV), a Central University with approximately 10,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, is supported by more than 500 teaching and 500 non-teaching staff across 33 departments. The university hosts several boys’ and girls’ hostels, fostering a vibrant residential academic ecosystem.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusive development, GGV has initiated 22 schemes dedicated to the welfare of students and staff. Among these, the Swabhiman Thali stands out as a flagship initiative launched on 26 January 2023, addressing food insecurity among students by providing nutritious meals at a highly subsidized cost.
“Hunger must not hinder learning; dignity must nourish every plate.”
Objectives
- To offer nutritious meals at an affordable cost.
- To promote student well-being and academic performance.
- To inculcate empathy and service values among volunteers.
- To create a replicable model for student-centered welfare.
Services Offered
- Nutritious vegetarian thali served daily at ₹10.
- Seasonal fruits included from January 2025.
- Meals from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, coupon-based system.
- Balanced meal design based on seasonal nutrition.
Volunteer Engagement
- Managed by National Service Scheme (NSS) student volunteers.
- Rotational management by NSS units of each department.
- Volunteers handle preparation, service, hygiene & logistics.
- Participation is recorded as part of official NSS activities.
Activities and Outreach
Major Activities
- Identification of eligible students
- Procurement & hygienic preparation of meals
- Promotion via campus-wide campaigns
- Maintenance of quality and feedback mechanisms
Outreach and Recognition
- National attention as a replicable social model
- Showcased to visiting delegations and institutions
- Testimonials from beneficiaries and volunteers
Operational Statistics
| Launch Date | 26 January 2023 |
|---|---|
| Initial Capacity | 100 meals/day |
| Meals by April 2023 | 500 meals/day |
| Meals by Jan 2024 | 1000 meals/day |
| Current Capacity (July 2025) | 2000 meals/day |
| Cost per Meal | ₹10 |
| Total Meals Served | 1,25,000+ |
| Departments Involved | 33 |
| Volunteers Engaged | 300+ |
| Hostels Served | Boys and Girls Hostels |
| Funding Source | Community Donations |
Impact and Outcomes
- Reduced student hunger and improved classroom focus
- Strengthened community partnerships via donation drives
- Encouraged compassion and solidarity on campus
- Established GGV as a model of social responsibility
- Inspired inter-university interest for replication
NEP 2020 Alignment
- Section 14.2: Integration of community engagement and student well-being
- Section 20.3: Support for Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs)
This initiative promotes equity, access, and compassion, embodying the vision of NEP 2020.
Contact Person
Prof. Praveen Mishra
Programme Coordinator, NSS
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur (C.G.)
Mobile: +91-6306752735
“No one sleeps hungry, no one learns on an empty stomach. Swabhiman Thali is GGV’s pledge for dignity through nutrition.”
