Innovation Through Heritage: Experiential Learning Visit
On December 9, 2025, the Association of Information Science and Engineering
(AISE), in collaboration with the Institution Innovation Council (IIC), organized an
enriching cultural and educational visit to Pilikula Guttumane and the Artisan Village at Pilikula,
Vamanjoor. The event was designed for the 3rd semester students of the Information Science and
Engineering (IS&E) and Computer Science and Design (CSD) departments of Srinivas Institute of
Technology (SIT), Mangaluru.
The visit focused on exploring how traditional knowledge and age-old practices can inspire research-driven
and innovative approaches in modern applications. At Pilikula Guttumane, students gained valuable insights
into the architecture and functional design of a traditional heritage house. They observed key elements such
as the Daivada Mane (sacred space), traditional kitchen setups, ancient agricultural and household tools, and
traditional grain storage methods. These features showcased eco-friendly construction principles and
sustainable living practices that hold relevance for today’s design and engineering challenges.
At the Artisan Village, students witnessed live demonstrations of various indigenous crafts, including
pottery making, oil extraction using bullock-driven mechanisms, bamboo craftwork, handloom weaving,
traditional carpentry, and the preparation of beaten rice using manual tools. These demonstrations
emphasized how local resources and sustainable techniques formed the backbone of traditional livelihoods,
offering inspiration for environmentally responsible innovations in the present day.
The visit was made possible with the support of the Principal, Dr. Shrinivasa Mayya D.,. Additionally, Dr.
Praveen Shenoy, IIC Coordinator, played a crucial role in aligning the event with the IIC’s vision of
bridging industry and academia. and was successfully organized under the guidance of Prof. Sudarshan K.,
Head of IS&E. The event was coordinated by Prof. Sowmya, Staff Advisor of AISE.
This experiential learning opportunity enabled students to connect heritage practices with innovative
problem-solving approaches. By studying these traditional methods, students were encouraged to
conceptualize sustainable solutions that address contemporary global challenges, thereby fostering
creativity, research orientation, and innovation-driven thinking.
Event Gallery (5 Images)