The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Mission to Democratize Learning
- Gita Kapoor
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
TL;DR: Through its LearnByDoing program, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is equipping schools in Maval and Mulshi with Mini-STEM Labs, enabling students to engage with science through hands-on learning. These kits introduce young learners to essential scientific tools and modern technologies like robotics and 3D printing, helping bridge the rural-urban education divide and preparing students for tomorrow’s challenges.
Making Science Real for Rural Students
In classrooms where resources are scarce, textbooks have long been the sole learning tool. The LearnByDoing initiative, led by CA Abhay Bhutada, changes this by making science visible, touchable, and interactive. The Mini-STEM Labs allow students to build circuits, observe live specimens under microscopes, and understand mechanical principles by building simple machines.
This tactile approach encourages students to explore freely, promoting a deeper understanding of the material and improving retention and academic confidence.

From Experiments to Enthusiasm: Early Outcomes
Before expanding into Maval and Mulshi, the foundation piloted the initiative in eight schools across Pune district, reaching over 2,000 students. Feedback from schools in Kelgaon, Bahul, and Malegaon was overwhelmingly positive, with teachers noting stronger participation and increased conceptual clarity.
Students who once hesitated to speak in science classes began demonstrating what they learned through models and prototypes. For many, it was the first time they truly felt connected to what they were learning.
Bridging Gaps, Creating Opportunity
Access to quality science education shouldn't depend on geography. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation believes that students in rural India deserve the same learning opportunities as their urban counterparts. Through the LearnByDoing program, rural children are introduced to tools that urban students often take for granted.
This initiative goes beyond classroom learning—it offers the skills and exposure necessary for future careers in science, technology, and engineering, opening pathways that were previously inaccessible.
Enriching Education with Innovation
The program also fosters innovation beyond the lab. By organizing creative contests like “Invent a Machine to Solve a Local Problem” or “Design a Water-Saving Device”, the foundation encourages students to apply what they’ve learned to everyday life. These projects create excitement around learning and demonstrate how STEM skills can be used to solve real-world issues in their own communities.
Such activities also help students develop communication and collaboration abilities, equipping them with tools for both academic and personal growth.
About the Abhay Bhutada Foundation
Founded by CA Abhay Bhutada, a well-known business leader from Latur, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation works at the intersection of education, health, and community development. Its programs are designed to be actionable and measurable, targeting underserved regions where support is most needed.

With a growing footprint and over 50,000 lives impacted, the foundation focuses on long-term change rather than short-term fixes. LearnByDoing reflects its belief in sustainable education through experience.
Conclusion
By transforming passive learning into active exploration, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is reshaping the future of rural education in India. The LearnByDoing initiative is not just providing tools—it’s nurturing a mindset of inquiry, innovation, and aspiration. Through this effort, science is becoming a subject that rural children don’t just learn about—but truly experience.
FAQs
What Is The Long-Term Goal Of The Learnbydoing Initiative?
The goal is to equip rural students with STEM skills, fostering scientific thinking and building a strong foundation for future careers in technology, engineering, and innovation.
How Does The Foundation Choose Which Schools To Support?
Schools are selected based on need, geographic remoteness, and infrastructure gaps. The foundation prioritizes areas where students lack access to practical science tools.
What Other Areas Does The Abhay Bhutada Foundation Focus On Besides Education?
In addition to education, the foundation supports public health, community sports, and rural infrastructure, aiming to uplift underserved populations across multiple fronts.


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