The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Hands-On Learning Drive

For students in rural India, science education often feels out of reach. Without proper labs or access to real experiments, learning becomes a task of reading and remembering rather than discovering and applying. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, launched by CA Abhay Bhutada, is actively solving this issue by bringing practical STEM learning into these underserved classrooms.

Reimagining Learning Through the “Learn By Doing” Program

The Foundation’s signature program, “Learn By Doing,” is crafted to give students more than just textbook knowledge. Through the use of Mini-STEM Labs—compact, ready-to-use toolkits—children are now able to directly interact with core scientific ideas. This method encourages exploration and makes abstract theories tangible.

The journey began with eight government schools in Pune—covering areas like Bhose, Bahul, Dhanore, Kelgaon, Thakarwadi, Bursewadi, Sangise, and Malegaon—impacting more than 2,000 students. Encouraged by positive results, the Foundation has now introduced the same model in schools located in Maval and Mulshi Tehsils, expanding its mission to newer areas in need.

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What’s Inside These STEM Toolkits?

Each Mini-STEM Lab is tailored to support the school syllabus. It includes equipment like pulleys, microscopes, human body models, and periscopes. But these kits are also forward-looking: students get introduced to emerging technologies like Robotics and 3D Printing early on in their education.

With these labs, classrooms are transformed into science labs—where students learn by doing rather than just listening. This shift is helping rural children engage with science in ways that were previously unavailable to them.

Addressing a Long-Standing Problem

Government schools in rural regions often face infrastructure challenges, especially when it comes to practical science teaching. Most don’t have labs or resources, and teachers are forced to stick to chalk-and-talk methods. As a result, many students remain disconnected from the subjects they study.

The Foundation’s approach closes this gap. Abhay Bhutada has long emphasized the value of giving children opportunities to explore science through their own actions. His words—"Let every child experiment and discover science for themselves"—capture the spirit of this initiative.

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First-Hand Impact in the Classroom

Since the kits were introduced, teachers have observed more excitement and energy among students. Practical lessons have made science more accessible, even to students who once found the subject challenging. One student described their joy at using a periscope and microscope, noting how these tools made lessons more interesting and understandable.

Parents have also recognized the benefits. Children now show increased enthusiasm for school, better attendance, and a deeper curiosity about what they’re learning. The impact has reached beyond the classroom and into homes.

Building On Proven Efforts

This expanded initiative stems from the Foundation’s earlier collaboration with Sakar Eduskills on the same Learn By Doing model. Prior donations already helped deliver STEM kits to schools that lacked essential science learning materials.

In addition to the toolkits, the Foundation encourages further engagement through STEM competitions, hands-on challenges, and team-based projects. These efforts foster curiosity, teamwork, and a mindset geared toward problem-solving—all essential in today’s world.

Equal Tools for Every Learner

The Foundation's work focuses on fairness. Many rural students don't have the same access to resources that urban students do. The Mini-STEM Labs are helping to balance that out, offering tools that support both learning and self-confidence.

As Abhay Bhutada has noted, providing equal access to STEM resources is key to preparing a stronger, more capable generation. Every child should have the opportunity to learn by doing—not just by reading.

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Looking Forward to Bigger Goals

The positive outcomes so far are just the beginning. The Foundation has outlined plans to bring this program to more regions in Maharashtra and, eventually, to other states. Upcoming goals include rolling out teacher training sessions, mentorship networks, and new learning tracks focused on coding and digital tools.

These additions will strengthen the impact and ensure that students and educators are supported well into the future.

Conclusion: Turning Classrooms into Hubs of Discovery

What was once a passive way of learning science has now been replaced by a more active, hands-on approach—thanks to the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. Through the Learn By Doing program, students across rural India are finally getting the chance to understand science through experience.

This shift is helping shape young minds into thinkers, builders, and creators. By continuing to invest in real tools and real learning, the Foundation is paving the way for a generation that isn’t just learning facts—but applying them to imagine a better tomorrow.