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STEM Kits from Abhay Bhutada Foundation Bring Science to Rural Schools

  • Writer: Douglas D'Souza
    Douglas D'Souza
  • Jul 24, 2025
  • 3 min read

In Maharashtra’s Maval and Mulshi Tehsils, a quiet shift is underway in how students learn science. In schools where chalk and theory once ruled the classroom, hands-on experiments are now becoming part of daily learning. This change is being driven by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation through its LearnByDoing initiative, which provides STEM kits to government schools in underserved rural areas.


The Foundation, led by CA Abhay Bhutada, aims to improve educational access for students who traditionally haven’t had the tools or opportunities to explore science in a meaningful way. The introduction of STEM kits—compact, ready-to-use learning modules—has opened the door for students to experience science beyond textbooks.



Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

Highest paid executive of FY 24 is Abhay Bhutada
Abhay Bhutada - Founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation

Government schools in many rural areas face serious limitations when it comes to practical education. Students are often taught science and mathematics without the help of experiments or lab equipment. This creates a gap between what is taught and what is understood. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation launched the LearnByDoing program to address this very problem.


Each Mini-STEM Lab is designed to align with classroom learning while going beyond the basics. The kits contain carefully selected tools and activities that allow students to perform experiments related to the curriculum. Topics like magnetism, light, circuits, and more are included, along with exposure to fields such as robotics and 3D printing—subjects not usually introduced in rural schools.


The Impact Across Pune District


The Foundation had previously supported a similar LearnByDoing program by Sakar Eduskills. In that phase, over 2,000 students from eight government schools in the Pune district received STEM kits. These schools included Bursewadi, Kelgaon, Dhanore, Bahul, Thakarwadi, Bhose, Malegaon, and Sangise.


For many students, it was the first time they interacted with scientific tools like periscopes or microscopes. Teachers observed significant changes in classroom participation and energy. Once passive students started asking questions, engaging in discussions, and showing a clearer understanding of concepts.


A Shift That Reaches Beyond the Classroom


The transformation wasn’t limited to class hours. Parents noticed that students became more interested in school and began talking about their lessons at home. Improved attendance and enthusiasm were clear signs that the initiative was making a difference. The introduction of real tools helped connect what students read to what they could see and do—making learning feel more relevant and alive.



STEM Kits as a Step Toward Equal Learning


Abhay Bhutada believes that education should be interactive and inclusive. The STEM kits are designed to give rural students the same learning opportunities as their urban counterparts. By promoting hands-on science, the Foundation is helping students learn how to think critically, solve problems, and build their own understanding—skills that benefit them in all areas of life.


Instead of depending solely on books, students now test ideas, work in teams, and connect with subjects in a more personal and practical way. The kits allow for this shift in learning style, especially in places where traditional methods had fallen short.


Activities That Spark Curiosity


In addition to distributing STEM kits, the LearnByDoing initiative includes classroom-based competitions and projects. These encourage students to go beyond the basic syllabus and apply what they’ve learned to broader topics.


Some of the classroom projects include themes like “Future with Renewable Energy” and “Use of Robotics in Daily Life.” These activities are designed to push students to think about real-world issues and explore how science can be used to solve them. By doing so, the initiative promotes both creativity and confidence.


Guided by a Strong Educational Mission


The Abhay Bhutada Foundation focuses on education, healthcare, and sports, with a deep commitment to supporting underprivileged communities. With over 50,000 lives impacted through various initiatives, the Foundation continues to introduce projects that create measurable improvements in people’s lives.


The LearnByDoing program reflects the Foundation’s broader approach—build systems that work on the ground and serve the real needs of students. It’s not just about providing equipment; it’s about building a learning environment where students and teachers can thrive together.



Conclusion


Through its LearnByDoing initiative, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is creating a meaningful change in how science is taught in rural Maharashtra. By placing STEM kits directly into the hands of students, the Foundation is turning passive instruction into active discovery.


This isn’t just about academic improvement—it’s about empowering children with the tools to learn, explore, and imagine. The program has shown that when students are given the right resources, their potential begins to grow. And with each new school that joins the initiative, that growth continues to spread.


 
 
 

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