UDAL which means 'Heart' in Tulu
UDAL ( Urban and District Advancement through Localising Innovations ) UDAL which means ‘Heart’ in Tulu is a bold experiment in citizen-led governance and local innovation. It invites students across disciplines to work alongside mentors and government officials to solve some of the most pressing issues faced by communities in Dakshina Kannada.
District Development by, from, and for the People is a collaborative initiative led by the Deputy Commissioner of Mangaluru that empowers citizens to actively participate in solving the district’s most pressing challenges.
This movement creates a structured platform for individuals, institutions, and corporations to engage with government departments, co-develop solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s progress. While departments are often burdened with systemic challenges, this initiative unlocks the untapped potential of the community—its innovators, thinkers, and doers—who are eager to contribute but lack the channels to do so.
By bridging this gap, we enable real collaboration between citizens and the government, transforming how development is done and who gets to drive it. This initiative is designed to be replicable—offering a scalable framework for citizen-led district development across Karnataka and India.
UDAL : Bridging Innovation and Governance
Led by the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, UDAL provides an exclusive opportunity for students to collaborate directly with district departments in co-creating impactful solutions. This isn’t just a civic innovation program—it’s your chance to be at the forefront of governance, shaping real-world change and progress.
Through UDAL, you’ll be part of:
Ideate
People-powered solutions to real challenges faced by communities
Collaborate
Collaborative projects between citizens and government, guided by the DC’s office
Innovate
Grassroots innovation that is practical, scalable, and relevant to local realities
Empathize
A new approach to district problem-solving through empathy, and collaboration.
This is your chance to move beyond ideas—into policy, practice, and public impact.