The Abhay Bhutada Foundation's Practical Approach To Equitable STEM Education

 In many rural parts of India, science is still taught as a subject to memorize rather than experience. Without access to proper labs or tools, students in these areas are often deprived of the opportunity to engage with science meaningfully. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, founded by CA Abhay Bhutada, is actively changing this by putting science directly into students’ hands.

Learn By Doing: Changing How Students Learn

The Foundation’s “Learn By Doing” initiative is centered around giving children real exposure to scientific learning. Instead of sticking to blackboard lessons and rote learning, the program introduces Mini-STEM Labs—carefully built kits that help students explore and experiment with the concepts they study in textbooks.

This effort began in eight government schools in Pune—Bursewadi, Kelgaon, Dhanore, Bahul, Thakarwadi, Bhose, Malegaon, and Sangise—and reached over 2,000 students. The initiative’s next phase has taken it to more classrooms in the Maval and Mulshi regions, helping bridge the gap between knowledge and understanding.

What’s Special About the Mini-STEM Labs?

Each Mini-STEM Lab is packed with essential tools that align with what students are already learning. But they also take things further by introducing children to future-ready subjects like Robotics and 3D Printing.

These labs act as mobile science labs, designed to give students their first experience with hands-on scientific discovery. This change in method is encouraging a deeper level of learning, especially in areas where schools typically lack lab facilities.

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Tackling a Common Gap in Rural Schools

A major hurdle for many rural schools is the lack of science equipment. Teachers often have to explain complex concepts without showing students what they actually look like in real life. The Mini-STEM Labs help solve this issue by giving students direct access to materials they can see, touch, and test.

Abhay Bhutada believes that giving children the chance to explore independently fuels long-term learning. He has often shared that curiosity, when supported early, leads to better academic and personal growth.

Real-Life Outcomes in the Classroom

Teachers have already seen a shift in how students behave in science classes. They report more participation, better concentration, and a higher level of interest. Concepts that once confused students are now much easier to understand with hands-on experiments.

One student explained how using a microscope and a periscope helped them enjoy science in a way they never had before. Parents are also noticing the difference—children are more eager to attend school and share what they’ve learned at home.

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Backed by Previous Initiatives

This new phase builds on the Foundation’s earlier support for Sakar Eduskills’ version of the Learn By Doing program. With steady donations and involvement, the Foundation has made it possible for many rural schools to introduce lab-style learning without needing permanent lab spaces.

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation also promotes scientific thinking beyond the classroom. STEM quizzes, model-building competitions, and group projects are regularly organized to push students to think creatively and critically—skills they’ll need in any future career.

Opening Up Opportunities Through Access

The core idea behind the Foundation’s work is simple: education should be equal. In government schools, especially in rural areas, students rarely get the tools that city schools take for granted. These STEM kits change that by making practical learning available to everyone.

Abhay Bhutada has consistently emphasized the importance of equal opportunity in education. By ensuring access to quality STEM learning tools, the Foundation is helping create a more balanced academic environment for all children.

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Planning for a Bigger Impact

The Foundation’s work is far from over. Encouraged by early success, it plans to scale the Learn By Doing initiative even further. More schools across Maharashtra are set to receive Mini-STEM Labs, and future plans include training sessions for teachers, coding programs, digital learning tools, and ongoing mentoring for students.

These efforts aim to ensure long-term impact, making sure that science learning continues to evolve and improve in underfunded schools.

Conclusion: Giving Every Child the Chance to Explore

Thanks to the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s hands-on approach, science is no longer just a subject—it’s becoming an experience for students in rural India. The Learn By Doing initiative is not only enhancing education but also inspiring children to think, create, and ask questions.

By making learning interactive, inclusive, and future-oriented, the Foundation is showing that every child, no matter where they come from, deserves the chance to discover the scientist within.