Abhay Bhutada Foundation Takes Science Beyond Books in Village Schools
- Gita Kapoor
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
For years, science education in rural Maharashtra has relied almost entirely on chalk, talk, and textbooks. But this model is being reimagined in schools across Maval and Mulshi, where students are now engaging with science in a more meaningful way. Thanks to the LearnByDoing initiative by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, young learners are finally getting the chance to experience what they study.
TL;DR: Led by Abhay Bhutada, the foundation aims to make learning more tangible and exciting. At the core of this change are Mini-STEM Labs—compact, curriculum-friendly kits that allow students to conduct real experiments. These labs help explain textbook theories while also introducing students to modern fields like Robotics and 3D Printing.
The Power of Access in Action
The LearnByDoing initiative by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation in collaboration with Sakar Eduskills, has already impacted eight government schools across the Pune district. In villages such as Bahul, Bursewadi, Kelgaon, Thakarwadi, Dhanore, Bhose, Malegaon, and Sangise, over 2,000 students have been introduced to a whole new way of learning.
For many, this is their first time using lab equipment like microscopes, pulleys, or basic circuitry. These simple tools are unlocking complex concepts. Teachers are seeing students ask better questions, participate more, and grasp lessons faster. The initiative is proving that access to hands-on tools can completely transform how students relate to science.
The program doesn’t just fill a gap—it creates opportunity. It allows children who’ve never had a lab experience to finally understand and enjoy subjects that once seemed out of reach.
From Passive to Active Learning
Traditional classrooms in rural areas often don’t have the resources to support experimental learning. This has meant that subjects like science and mathematics remain abstract, and many students lose interest early on.
By bringing Mini-STEM Labs directly into the classroom, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is changing this pattern. These kits enable students to build, observe, and test ideas for themselves. What was once confined to blackboard diagrams is now right in front of them, hands-on and understandable.
Abhay Bhutada has always believed that practical learning is critical in closing the gap between knowledge and real-world application. This initiative supports that belief by allowing students to develop problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and confidence.
Activities That Spark Engagement
Beyond the kits themselves, the program also emphasizes interactive learning. Schools have started organizing competitions, classroom quizzes, and mini-projects based on real-world themes. Students are encouraged to explore topics like renewable energy, the role of automation in daily life, and how machines work.
These experiences offer more than academic growth. They build communication skills, collaboration, and leadership. Many once-shy students are now sharing their ideas with classmates and teachers. The confidence boost is visible, and the atmosphere in classrooms has changed from quiet compliance to enthusiastic participation.
A Founder with a Purpose
Abhay Bhutada, a Chartered Accountant, banker, and philanthropist, launched the Abhay Bhutada Foundation to drive impact where it’s needed most. His mission is centered around practical interventions that improve the lives of underprivileged and rural communities through education, health, and sports.
The LearnByDoing initiative fits perfectly into this broader vision. Rather than offering temporary solutions, the foundation creates programs that are sustainable and adaptable. With over 50,000 lives already impacted, the foundation continues to work at the ground level, focusing on meaningful, scalable outcomes.
By collaborating with implementation partners like Sakar Eduskills, the foundation ensures that each step—from planning to delivery—is thoughtful and effective.
Results That Speak for Themselves
The benefits of the program are showing up across multiple levels. Attendance in participating schools has improved. Students are more eager to attend science periods. Parents say their children are more engaged in learning and often talk about their school projects at home.
Teachers feel better supported and more confident in teaching difficult concepts. They now have access to tools that allow them to go beyond explanation and into demonstration. This helps students retain what they’ve learned and build deeper connections to the material.
From increased classroom interaction to improved academic performance, the program’s outcomes are a testament to the value of experience-based education. You can click here to know more about the Abhay Bhutada Foundation.
Also Read: The Power of Focus in Charity Work
Conclusion
With its LearnByDoing initiative, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is helping redefine how rural students interact with science. In collaboration with Sakar Eduskills, the foundation is creating classrooms where experiments replace memorization and excitement replaces hesitation.
Abhay Bhutada’s dedication to making quality education accessible is now taking shape in real classrooms, where students are discovering the joy of learning through action. As this program reaches more schools, its impact will continue to grow—bringing India’s rural youth closer to a future shaped by understanding, creativity, and possibility.
FAQs
1. What does the Abhay Bhutada Foundation focus on?
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation is dedicated to improving education, healthcare, and sports access for underprivileged communities, especially in rural regions of Maharashtra.
2. How many lives has the Abhay Bhutada Foundation impacted?
Since its inception in 2023, the foundation has positively impacted over 50,000 individuals across Maharashtra through its educational and community-focused programs.
3. What is the LearnByDoing initiative by the foundation?
LearnByDoing is a hands-on learning initiative launched by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation in partnership with Sakar Eduskills. It brings Mini-STEM Labs to government schools, allowing students to explore science and mathematics through practical, curriculum-aligned experiments.
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