Introduction
Legacy of Sankalchand Patel University’s dates back to 1952, Nootan Sarva Vidyalaya Kelavani Mandal (NSVKM) was established by Shri. Sankalchand Patel, a freedom fighter and a social entrepreneur. The objective was to realize Educational, Health, and Socio-Economical necessities of the people in North Gujarat. In realizing the mission, Sardar Patel Hospital (Now, its Nootan General Hospital) was established, offering an extensive series of medical services at no cost, as for specialised facilities like cataract surgery for 1 Rupee and expecting mothers (LSCS) for 5 Rupee nominal fees.
Shri. Sankalchand Patel created NSVKM Trust to meet the region’s Educational, Healthcare and Socio-economic conditions. Gujarat being a hub for manufacturing and thus to fulfil the educational needs for creation of educated talent human resources, Sankalchand Patel Engineering College established in the year 1999. As a result of the prudent decision of NSVKM to continue to serve the North Gujarat region, SPU was established on 9th May 2016 under Gujarat Private Universities (Amendment) Act, 2016.
To fulfil educational and all-inclusive healthcare needs of the society, Health Sciences courses were introduced gradually. To achieve this dignified cause, the Government of Gujarat funded SPU under Greenfield to establish Nootan Medical College and Research Centre (NMCRC) in the year 2019. SPU, in collaboration with Nootan General Hospital (NGH), serves as a prime example of paradigm by actively engaging in various community services and health initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life for North Gujarat region populations.
Health and Education are recognized as two important pillars for socio-economic development, and SPU has contributed significantly in providing affordable and quality healthcare and education for Visnagar including North Gujarat region. The commitments are deeply entrenched in SPU operations and ethos, creating a holistic model that benefits both students and community, which are summarised under major sections below.

1. Social Health Responsibility
In demonstrative remembrance of the founder of NSKVM, Shri. Sankalchand Patel, NGH offers completely free basic investigations, diagnostics, and treatment services for the entire month of November and February, twice annually since 2014. Around 900 patients per day avail various services during this time.
During the challenging period of COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021, NGH played a crucial role in the region by providing uninterrupted healthcare services to around 11,000 OPD patients and 5,100 IPD patients. NGH provides free Parturition services and neonatal care has demonstrated its commitment to maternal and child health. Patient’s well-being is ensured by a skilled team of doctors, highlighting the hospital's ability to address multifaceted medical conditions.
Every year, SPU conducts free medical camps for pilgrims traveling to Ambaji. Medical services are provided to them for about 10 days round the clock. So far more than 50,000 pilgrims have been provided healthcare facilities in the last eight years. SPU emphasised the importance of accessible healthcare, encouraging people to utilise the advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services offered.

2. Community Engagement
NGH's collaboration with local organizations has enhanced its ability to provide comprehensive healthcare services by various community outreach programs, including social work, rural development projects, and educational initiatives aimed at underprivileged communities. On a regular basis, health science faculties organise health awareness sessions for the neighbourhood. This practice raises the awareness among residents on the health and healthy living, and also makes them conscious about the overall wellbeing of the society, thus, contributing to the social welfare of the region.
SPU’s facilities are provided free of cost to NGOs, Community Organisations, and Government Departments for hosting their sports, cultural, and societal services events.
Social Health responsibility and Community engagement are part of SPU’s one of the Best Practices.

3. Education and Skill Development
By providing affordable quality education and skill development, SPU equips students with the necessary qualifications and competencies to enter the job market, contributing to a skilled workforce and curtails students’ migration for education and career prospects. SPU’s innovative ecosystem encourages entrepreneurship possibilities.

4. Employment Generation and Economic Development
By offering jobs at the doorstep, SPU provides direct jobs to Teaching and Non-teaching staff, SPU has become one of the sources of employment for the neighbourhood. Additionally, the university indirectly creates job opportunities in sectors like hospitality, transportation, retail, construction, fashion and garments etc.

5. Student Influx Enabling Economic Boost
SPU attracts students from across Gujarat and contributes to the local economy. The demand for student housing, food, transportation, and other services leads to the growth of small businesses such as cafes, grocery stores, and other retail services. Demand for consumer services, and goods also increases local business, and thus contributes to Economic development.

6. Environmental Sustainability
Notable aspects of SPU distinctiveness visibility are in its sustained efforts toward environmental conservation. Various events such as World Environment Day events, Tree Plantation Drives, Cleanliness Drives etc. highlight the University's commitment to environmental sustainability. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about pressing issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution, while encouraging students, faculty, and the local community to adopt eco-friendly practices.

The Impact of Efforts
The synergistic relationship between SPU, NSKVM, NGH, and Health science faculties demonstrates a model of integrated social responsibility and community service.
● Affordable Healthcare services and Health awareness programs improve neighbourhood well-being and impact immediate health concerns.
● By Fostering community engagements addressing local challenges, and improving local conditions.
● Higher education access for local youth reduces their migration for the studies, improving future employability, and career prospects.
● Student influx increases local economic activities, benefits local business, and stimulates further development.
● Continual efforts and eco-friendly practices aimed towards environmental conservation.

Conclusion
SPU plays a critical role in shaping the socio-economic development of Visnagar by providing education, generating employment, promotion of entrepreneurship, improving healthcare, and contributing to the overall economic and social well-being of the region. Its influence extends beyond academics, creating a positive and lasting impact on the local community and economy.