This study is an attempt at documenting significant developments in Agalankan village
subsequent to the establishment of a Village Knowledge Centre (VKC). It elaborates how
the involvement of a broad and varied spectrum of community stakeholders has been
critical for the good reach and sustainability of the VKC programme. The case study
discusses how several opportunities for infrastructural facilities were cashed in by the
Village Knowledge Centre Management Committee (VKCMC) in Agalankan. In brief, this
report focuses on documenting successful functioning of VKC leading to an integrated
development of Agalankan, an agricultural hamlet in Karaikal district of Union Territory of
Puducherry. It is one of the first few VKCs set up by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation
(MSSRF) under its Village Resource Centre (VRC)/Village Knowledge Centre programme
in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. This programme was initiated as a post Tsunami
intervention in the district and VKCs have been set up in the affected villages in and around
Nagapattinam region. Though Agalankan village was not affected by the Tsunami, given
the enthusiasm shown by strong and dynamic youth club members of the village and also
because of the poor connectivity of the village, a VKC was set up here. The youth club, as
well as the local partner or boundary partner of VKC programme in Agalankan takes a lead
role in the activities of the VKC Management Committee. The VRC/VKC programme which
primarily aims to promote socioeconomic development of rural communities through
information/knowledge empowerment and skill development has been able to inspire
and empower the community, particularly the VKCMC members, to take up a greater role
in the VKC programme and also in the overall development of the village.