Abhay Bhutada Foundation Empowering Students Through LearnByDoing

Education has always been one of the most powerful tools for shaping society, and in today’s world, the importance of STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cannot be overstated. India, with its young and fast-growing population, faces both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, only about 30% of students choose STEM streams, which is far from sufficient to meet future demands. On the other hand, by 2030, the country is expected to have the world’s largest workforce. This means that the skills imparted to today’s students will decide how prepared India is for tomorrow. Recognizing this, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has partnered with initiatives like LearnByDoing to make STEM education accessible to underprivileged students through the donation of STEM kits.

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Barriers to STEM Learning in India

The low engagement in STEM education does not reflect a lack of talent. Instead, it highlights systemic barriers. Many schools, particularly in rural or semi-urban areas, still lack resources such as laboratories, science equipment, and engaging study material. Students are often restricted to textbooks and rote learning, which rarely inspire curiosity. Parents, too, may not always be aware of the long-term benefits of STEM, and without exposure, children often shy away from these subjects.

To overcome this, India requires targeted interventions that make learning both engaging and practical. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s efforts are directed precisely at breaking these barriers and creating opportunities where they are needed most.

Building Skills for a Future Workforce

As India moves towards 2030, the sheer size of its workforce will be a global advantage. However, to transform this demographic strength into progress, the workforce must be skilled in areas such as technology, healthcare, energy, and digital innovation. Abhay Bhutada has emphasized that STEM education is a critical step in achieving this. Without equipping young people with practical skills and knowledge, the country risks falling behind in areas where innovation drives economic growth.

The “LearnByDoing” Initiative

One of the most impactful programs supported by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is the LearnByDoing initiative by Sakar Eduskills. The initiative is designed to provide underprivileged students with STEM kits that allow them to learn through experiments and hands-on activities. Rather than limiting children to abstract concepts, the initiative helps them experience how science and mathematics apply to the real world.

The reach of the program has already been significant. Over 2,000 students from eight schools in Pune district, including Bursewadi, Kelgaon, Dhanore, Bahul, Thakarwadi, Bhose, Malegaon, and Sangise, have benefitted. For many of these schools, it was the very first time students received access to such resources, and the excitement among children was evident.

The Impact on Schools and Students

Feedback from schools and students has shown just how powerful this initiative can be. Teachers expressed gratitude to Abhay Bhutada and the foundation for their support, noting that the kits have transformed classroom experiences. Concepts that once felt complicated can now be explained in simple, interactive ways.

Students, too, have found the initiative inspiring. A class 7 student described how the kit helped him understand the human body better. He also mentioned the excitement of using a periscope and microscope included in the kit. Looking at minute organisms under the microscope gave him and his classmates a new sense of curiosity about science. These experiences, though small, leave a lasting impact on how children approach learning.

Why STEM Kits Make a Difference

The introduction of STEM kits through LearnByDoing does much more than supplement textbooks. They encourage active participation, creativity, and problem-solving, qualities that are vital in the modern world. These kits:

• Transform classrooms into interactive learning spaces
  
  

• Allow students to test theories and learn through trial and error
  
  

• Boost confidence by showing that complex ideas can be simplified
  
  

• Reduce inequality by giving underprivileged students exposure similar to their peers in better-equipped schools
  
  

By supporting such programs, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is ensuring that opportunities are not restricted by geography or financial background.

Abhay Bhutada’s Vision for Education

For Abhay Bhutada, education has always been more than a basic necessity—it is a means of empowerment. His approach through the foundation is to focus on long-term impact, where students not only learn but develop a passion for the subjects they study. By encouraging curiosity and experimentation, he hopes to prepare children for the demands of the future.

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s association with LearnByDoing highlights this vision. By working with organizations that specialize in skill-building initiatives, the foundation ensures that its efforts reach the right beneficiaries and create measurable change.

The Broader Benefits of Initiatives Like LearnByDoing

The outcomes of such initiatives are visible at multiple levels. On an individual scale, children gain confidence and a deeper understanding of science. On a larger scale, entire communities benefit when education becomes more meaningful. Parents are encouraged to send their children to school when they see them engaged and excited about learning. Over time, this also contributes to reducing dropout rates in government schools.

In the long run, a generation of students exposed to STEM education will contribute to India’s progress in global technology and innovation. It is an investment that benefits not only the children but the country as a whole.

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Conclusion

India’s ability to succeed in the future depends on how well it educates its children today. With only a fraction of students currently pursuing STEM, there is a pressing need for initiatives that make these subjects engaging and accessible. Programs like LearnByDoing, supported by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, are proving that such change is possible. By providing STEM kits to schools in Pune, the foundation has already transformed the learning journey of thousands of students.