Empowering Maharashtra’s Future with Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Impact on STEM Education
- Ravi Kohli
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
A thriving nation requires curious minds ready to explore, invent, and solve real challenges. In India, however, the pathway to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can be difficult for many young learners, especially those in underserved regions. Only a small portion of students currently study these subjects, often because resources and inspiration are limited. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, working in collaboration with Sakar Eduskills’ “LearnByDoing” initiative, is taking significant steps to change that across Maharashtra’s Pune district.
Bridging the STEM Divide
TL;DR: Despite India’s rapid development, just 30% of students pursue STEM education. For many, advanced science equipment and hands-on opportunities remain out of reach. Schools in rural or low-income communities often face shortages of basic learning materials, and teachers are left trying to make complex scientific concepts clear without suitable tools. This gap leaves enormous student potential untapped, stalling not only individual growth but also the country’s advancement in innovation.
The Power of “LearnByDoing” Initiative
Sakar Eduskills’ “LearnByDoing” stands out as a transformative program aiming to make science and mathematics both accessible and exciting. With the support of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, this initiative has reached over 2,000 students across eight schools in Pune district. The schools of Bursewadi, Kelgaon, Dhanore, Bahul, Thakarwadi, Bhose, Malegaon, and Sangise had never before experienced the benefits of comprehensive STEM kits in their classrooms.
The “LearnByDoing” kits break down big ideas in science and technology through real experiments and interactive components. Students get to handle microscopes, periscopes, and models, enabling them to physically engage with lessons that were previously just theory in textbooks. This approach doesn’t just help them learn; it truly excites them about the prospect of discovery.
Real Stories, Real Change
Teachers and students are vocal about just how much the “LearnByDoing” initiative, with backing from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, has elevated their educational experience. A grateful staff member from a Kelgaon school expressed how the STEM kits bring complex topics to life with ease and clarity. For many, these tools represent the first time science has felt truly accessible and meaningful.
Seventh graders report that using a microscope to see minute objects made biology vivid and fun. Exploring the construction of a periscope brought the science of light out of the textbook and into the real world. These moments have transformed science class into active, memorable experiences.
Nurturing Inquiry and Imagination
The impact of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation doesn’t end with the distribution of kits. The foundation and its partners promote a culture of active questioning and hands-on exploration. Through workshops and support for educators, classrooms turn into spaces where children are encouraged to be curious and creative. Volunteers introduce students to relatable stories of scientists who have overcome adversity, helping children believe that success in science can be their reality too.
By nurturing curiosity from a young age, the initiative helps students see mistakes as learning opportunities and experiments as gateways to new knowledge. In this supportive setting, intimidation is replaced by inspiration, and more students dream of futures in science and technology.
Creating Opportunity for Tomorrow’s India
As India approaches a future where it will have the world’s largest workforce, preparing children today is crucial. Initiatives like “LearnByDoing” supported by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation ensure students gain the hands-on skills and confidence needed for the jobs of tomorrow. When students light up with excitement for science at school, parents are also inspired to support their education, seeing that their children’s schools offer real opportunities for growth. Additionally, the foundation is providing scholarship opportunities to Maheswari students from the Maheshwari community and donating INR 51 Lakhs to Shivsrushti to promote cultural learning.
This effect ripples through communities. More families are encouraged to keep kids enrolled and invested in their learning journey. The change is not only academic but also social, as scientific knowledge becomes something that every child can own.
A Bridge Built for Every Student
The bridge metaphor used by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation perfectly illustrates the transformation underway. On one side, young learners face economic and educational obstacles. On the other, there is a world of possibility in STEM fields. Initiatives like “LearnByDoing” act as the sturdy connection, making science not a privilege but a shared adventure.
The iceberg below the bridge is a reminder of all the untapped talent waiting to be discovered. Each new kit delivered, each lesson made immersive and practical, uncovers this hidden potential and gives students the confidence to take bold steps forward.
Toward a Future of Discovery
By making sure that hands-on science becomes a reality rather than a rare event, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is setting the stage for a lasting legacy of innovation. Schools, teachers, families, and students across Pune are now part of a movement that promises not just better lessons, but a future where creativity and critical thinking are celebrated.
Conclusion
A child’s spark of curiosity can lead to incredible innovation when given the right environment to grow. Through strong support for Sakar Eduskills’ “LearnByDoing,” the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is ensuring students in rural Maharashtra have the chance to experience and enjoy STEM from the start. As this partnership expands, it lights the way for countless other young minds to become problem-solvers and pioneers for India’s next chapter. You can click here to learn more about the Abhay Bhutada Foundation
FAQs
1. When Has The Abhay Bhutada Foundation Been Operational?
It has been active since 2023, with a strong commitment to education and youth development.
2. What Is The Foundation’s Core Purpose?
The purpose is to provide quality education and empower students from underprivileged backgrounds with resources like STEM kits and scholarships.
3. What Results Have Been Seen From The Foundation’s Efforts?
The programme of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has impacted thousands of Pune students, giving them opportunities to learn science and technology in practical, engaging ways.
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