Wheels of Progress
Wheels of Progress: Empowering Students for Nation Building through Insurance Outreach
Wheels of Progress is a pioneering social outreach initiative aimed at enhancing the social skills of students across India through community engagement and exposure. This project is designed to cultivate social intellectual capital that contributes to the nation-building efforts of both state and central governments. With a vision to create globally relevant individuals committed to sustainable practices, the initiative employs project-based learning (PBL) to empower students to identify real-time problems in rural India and develop meaningful, sustainable solutions. The program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
The Wheels of Progress operates on the 4Es Reverse Impact Model—Educate, Enable, Emulate, and Empower—encouraging students to immerse themselves in rural communities to understand their challenges. The project has successfully piloted in Chakkittapara Gram Panchayat, Kerala, and is currently being implemented in Marasur Grama Panchayat, Karnataka, with the collaboration of various stakeholders, including local banks and educational institutions. The initiative aims to bridge the insurance protection gap by raising awareness and facilitating access to government insurance schemes, thereby ensuring that the benefits reach the last mile. With an estimated population of around 12,000 members in the Marasur region, the program has already conducted an extensive door-to-door survey to identify the insurance needs of the community.
​
Looking ahead, Wheels of Progress aims to expand its reach to all 6,000 gram panchayats in Karnataka and beyond, leveraging its patented models for sustainable interventions. The initiative emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to become responsible citizens who champion ethical practices in their personal and professional lives. By fostering a culture of community engagement and social responsibility, Suvarna Karnataka Abhiyaan not only prepares students for future challenges but also contributes to building a more inclusive and sustainable society. Through continuous partnerships and innovative outreach strategies, the program aspires to create a robust insurance ecosystem that ensures protection for all, ultimately achieving the goal of "Insurance for All."
The Suraksha Chakra initiative under the Wheels of Progress programme marked a landmark achievement when Marasur Gram Panchayat (Anekal Taluk, Bengaluru Urban District) became the first Gram Panchayat in Karnataka to secure 100% insurance coverage for its residents. This milestone was inaugurated on 10th August 2024, led by the joint efforts of Christ (Deemed to be University), the Gram Panchayat, and Canara Bank—Marasur branch.
​
A rigorous door-to-door household scientific survey was conducted by a dedicated task force of over 20+ Christ University students, faculty members, Panchayat officials, ASHA workers, and local volunteers. This scientific outreach exercise covered 3,550 families and 15,531 residents, documenting existing schemes, gaps, and vulnerabilities. Findings revealed that while 7,241 residents already had insurance, nearly 1,877 individuals remained uninsured. Through awareness campaigns and enrolment drives, all uncovered residents were brought under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, ensuring complete coverage.
The community-driven campaign gained momentum through innovative methods such as auto-rickshaw announcements, distribution of leaflets, and insurance camps coordinated by Canara Bank officials and the Gram Panchayat. These efforts ensured that every resident between the ages of 18 and 70 years was insured. Today, Marasur stands as a model for universal social protection in rural India, with 100% insurance coverage for all 15,531 individuals across 3,550 families.
​
On 5th March 2025, the achievement was formally recognised when Bengaluru Urban Zilla Panchayat CEO, Latha Kumari, presented the award to the Gram Panchayat. Panchayat President Ramesh Reddy C credited the success to the dedication of Panchayat staff, ASHA workers, Christ University students, and Canara Bank. He proudly stated: “This was our dream—to have our entire population covered under insurance.” Marasur, a two-time recipient of the Gandhi Gram Award, has now set a new benchmark in community-led social security under the Suraksha Chakra – Wheels of Progress initiative.
Click Here to access the Google Drive Link ----->