Science education at the Doorstep.
It’s a school,
Where children learn through playing,
Where children do not learn by rote, but by understanding.
Where the learnt lessons become a part of the lives of the children.
It’s not a school in strict terms. It’s a Hands- on science program brought to the doorsteps of economically disadvantaged children in the rural regions through its 35 science centers.
Its aim is to transform and stimulate thinking in the children who cannot afford the luxury of costly school education through its innovative methods .
A different approach. A different perspective.
Here the children do not nod their heads expressing ‘Yes’.
They will be encouraged to ask questions and to explore.
The children in this school will not merely look at the things. They observe the things keenly.
The Children stop fearing, instead develop confidence.
‘Hey, look at those Butterflies floating over and jumping from one branch of the tree to another branch of the trees.’
‘Did you see the spider’?
‘Look at those arch with colors. That’s Rainbow you know’
These are the screams of ecstatic children that reverberate day in and day out in the open grounds of the school.
They will not learn sitting in the conventional classrooms.
Under the fruit bearing trees, the children learn all about the earth’s gravitation.
While enjoying the fragrance of the roses, they learn about the nuances of the Biology and Botanical sciences.
Playing with the butterflies, they learn about the living sciences.
Agastya Campus.
The campus of the school is A small world of children. The children are not from the aristocratic families. Nor they are the heirs of Royal families. They are children of poor parents hailing from remote villages. Studied in the government schools with inadequate facilities. The aim of Agastya is to impart science education to the students by extending and stretching their thoughts and creativity. Achievements of the 12 year old Agastya are mind boggling. It has shaped up lakhs of students who developed a liking towards science and thousands of ideal teachers.
Agastya has changed the mindset of the students who were under the impression, school education is hearing the lessons taught by indifferent teachers amidst the confined class rooms and learning everything by rote.
Agastya shown these misguided children what real science education is. Agastya taught them, it’s not nodding the head but to ask ‘why’. It taught them its not mere looking at the things, but it should be keen observation of the things. It taught them not to learn by rote but to assimilate the things and allow them to be absorbed by their minds. The children are taught education is not getting caught by fear but to strengthen their self confidence.
An ideal infrastructure.
Agastya is well equipped with separate labs for physics, chemistry, Biological sciences, Mathematics, computers and Robotics. It’s not all. The related complex nuances of the respective sciences are well taught using simple language so that the fundamentals are firmly embedded in the minds of the students. This is very essential aspect that helps the students develop a strong liking towards the science education.
The most notable aspect of these Laboratories is the entire equipment is made locally.
The highlight of these labs is an interactive Museum. Just touch the globe model in the museum, the globe talks everything about its features and characteristics.
Planetarium is another interesting feature in the campus of Agastya. Seeing Planets and satellites moving above them, the children look at them with awe and interest. What more can create a strong desire in the minds of the children towards science education than these incredible live models?Though our houses are filled with different gadgets and domestic appliances like TVs, Tape recorders, Refrigerators, we will not allow the children to touch them if they show a keen interest in knowing how they function.
Its different in the labs of Agastya campus. Any child can open and dismantle a gadget and have a look at their functioning. The only condition here is, the children should reassemble the gadget. This is a creative exercise which helps in knowing the intricacies of Mechanism of a particular gadget.
Discovery center in the campus awakens the enthusiasm in the young hearts. The moment a student enters the Discovery center, his enthusiasm grows manifold. Just two safety pins, a magnet and a copper wire prompts the students to make a Motor in seconds. Tying the a battery and a bulb with a wire create a lamp. Over a period, after gaining experience these youngsters will grow to the level of building ‘Robots.’ The thoughts of these youngsters will roam around their minds even after coming out of the Agastya campus. They see everything in a scientific and rational look.
Agastya converts Gurus in to Super Gurus.
It’s a well known fact that the government schools lack infrastructure. They do not have enough buildings. What to speak of Laboratories? As a result the teachers in the government schools are gradually becoming ineffective and indifferent. For such type of teachers Agastya shows the way to make them in to ideal teachers.
Ahastya imparts an education to the teachers how to make Laboratory equipment cheaply with the material available in the local markets, so that they can fill up the gaps caused by lack of Laboratories in the government schools. It’s not all. Agastya teaches the teachers all about latest trends in teaching through national and international know how.
Labs on wheels.
In the beginning days of Agastya, parents were reluctant to send their children to Agastya, because it was far away. But the representatives of Agastya are not the kind of people to give up though Agastya Assured the parents to provide transport to and fro for the children. It was a hard task for them to convince the parents. With time Agastya was able to turn the reluctant parents to their side. In the first instance very less parents agreed, though half heartedly. In the second instance the number increased.
One has to see the metamorphosis in the face, outlook and behavior of all those children who visit the Agastya camp. Their attitude towards Science education undergoes a big change. Their enthusiasm to do something on their own will grown. The way they ask questions and their response in their class rooms become entirely different.
The fact that Agastya camp is being visited by many students and teachers from far and near places, even from corporate and high profile school students establishes the fact to what extent Agastya formula made an impact on the teachers, pupils and students.
The science Museums will change its themes every time. Museums start with fundamentals of a particular subject on a particular day and takes the visitors gradually step by step towards the advanced aspects of the theme. For example, on a particular day, the first lab starts with the Kaleidoscope and ends with Robotics in the last lab.
Agastya has all the arrangements to make the stay of teachers, parents and students comfortable in its campus.
From ‘Wheel’ to ‘Moon Walk.’
Science is the basis for Human development. Everything that we call as development is linked with science. From making pickles to Rocket technology, one can see the hand of Science. Science is everything. Science is everywhere.
Unfortunately, in India, the importance of Science is overlooked. The necessity of scientific research is not given due importance. As a result, the most important and vital inventions are taking place I the countries like USA or Germany or UK.
Even in Korea, which is not even one tenth of India is roaring like a lion with its scientific inventions and innovations.
We are making Mechanics, not scientists.
We are outshining the other countries in outsourcing, not in inventions and innovations.
We are remaining as the followers, not leaders.
Science is a way of life.
Science should not be isolated as a mere subject in the curriculum or a way for research. It shold be viewed as a way of life. It strengthens the rationale. Makes the blind beliefs plaguing the society disappear. Above all the attitude of attributing success and failures to ‘Karma’ and getting satisfied with whatever we have will diminish. Science awakens the lion in you to confront any problem with head held high and chin up.
Agastya achieved its objective to inculcate the basics of science in a way that stays permanently in the young minds.
Agastya’s beginnings.
All along we were speaking about the good aspects of Agastya. Now it's time to know all about Agastya from the very beginning. Here we go.
Ramji Raghavan an alumnus of Rishi valley school in the district of Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, and an MBA from the London School Of Business was aghast seeing the indifference to science education in India. Ramji Raghavan worked in a high position in the City Bank. He managed a stock broking with a Mexican Millionaire. Despite all the achievements, Ramji was plagued by a constant discontentment.
His chance meeting with Gopi warior , a spiritualist and a successful entrepreneur of Ayurveda medicines in London, took a turn in Ramji’s life.
Gopi warior’s advise, ‘Doors of your mind are still closed. They should be opened first’ , made Ramji sit up and ponder. His advice made him know what he is supposed to do and in which direction his efforts are to be directed.
Ramji in an effort to know what he is, returned to India. His thoughts centered around his old Alma mater. He thought of building a school on the lines of Rishi valley school. But at that very moment, Many doubts and suspicions swarmed around Ramji’s mind.
There are already thousands of schools and teachers. What difference would it make if another school is built? Ramji questioned himself.
Ramji, after thinking for a while, decided to build a Laboratory instead of a school. His principal aim is to create awareness on science in the young generation in particular and in public in general. After a long thinking and after weighing pros and cons, Ramji decides to go for building a Lab at the same district Chittor, where he had his education.
The stage was set to build the lab in a place called Kuppam. For this, Ramji purchased 135 acres of land.
Inadequate funds did not dampen his spirit.
The land that was purchased was a barren land. It needs heavy amounts to build a lab that cater to the thoughts and dreams of Ramji. He has poured all his personal savings. Went in to the public with a begging bowl pleading for funds. Utilizes all his corporate links and resources. Seeing Ramji’s enthusiasm, stock market kingpin JhunJhunwala came forward to lend his helping hand to the Ramji’s dream Laboratory.
A Magical Metamorphosis.
The vast expanse was converted in to a hub of diverse living organisms. In his effort, Ramji was lucky to have got the support of innumerable number of experts in Biological and Botanical sciences. Due to percolating pits, the underground water level was raised considerably in that once barren land. The outcome was amazing lush greenery. The soil was enriched. Within a short span of time the vast expanse has become a home for 300 species of living organisms. More than 15000 varieties of medicinal plants roes up in full bloom. Birds from distant lands started migrating. And scientists and investigatore started swarming the place to conduct a host of experiments.
Why Agastya?
Agastya Maha Muni is one of the seven great sages of Indian mythology. He is considered as the embodiment of knowledge. It is believed he was born from the wisdom of Siva. There is one school of that says Agastya is the key force behind Sindhu civilization. It is also believed that Agastya is the main pillar of ancient scientific knowledge.With this background Ramji with a desire to mould every student as an Agastya, the name was fixed.
The campus of Agastya.
The campus of Agastya was moulded in tune with the objectives of Ramji. He has built several places to promote the awareness towards ecological importance. Ramji opines, these eco centers not only make the students realize the importance of Bio diversity, but also enables the students to learn the nuances of various aspects of rare trees.Many rare species are getting extinct owing to many reasons or migrating to other places which are congenial to their living conditions. Agastya campus is a shining example that establishes the fact, if ideal conditions are created, these endangered species will be too happy to live in an atmosphere congenial to their living conditions.
In this regard one must admit that Ramji’s efforts in saving the endangered species is more than successful.
Butterfly garden.
Ecologists say, extinction of any species is a warning to the man’s existence itself. Agastya campus took this cue and built a vast ‘Butterfly’ park in its campus. Butterflies are very delicate organisms which love to live in an atmosphere where clean air is abundantly available.
Spiritual garden.
Spirituality is an integral part of Indian way of life. Dhruv, Prahlad and Nachiketa are those child prodigies who exhibited amazing knowledge and wisdom according to Indian mythologies. In the name of three child prodigies, three different gardens were created in Agastya campus.
The other gardens Gayatri garden and Siddha garden will create that spiritual atmosphere and serenity.
Medicinal garden.
Many plants have medicinal values. From bark to fruit every part of many plants are used to cure many ailments. Ancient Ayurveda prescribes many plant related things for curing even chronic diseases. A fruit strengthens the immune system. A leaf relieves the lung related problems. Even a mere walk through these gardens filled with medicinal plants will make the humans free from ailments. Agastya campus has one such park filled with medicinal plants.
Mobile Labs
Agastya is well aware of the fact many students from various schools are interested to come to Agastya, but unable to come because of many factors like distance and financial resources. For them Agastya made an arrangement called, ‘Mobile Labs.’ Besides the Van driver there will be two trained instructors will be there in each van. Of course equipped with scientific lab equipment.On an average mobile labs visit 10000 students. These vans take the Message of science to about 10 states across the country. The number of vans with mobile lab facility is 75. They reach every nook and corner of the remote villages in the states.
Its not all. Agastya’s instructors carry LIBs, Lab in the Box consisting of a laptop and with some lab equipment visit different schools and explain to the students the ‘Magic of science’ in a simple and plain language to the students. These services are extended to 12 states in India. Agastya has built ‘Satellite Science Centers’ in different places.
The fruits of creativity.
The wave of awareness towards science education created by Agastya did not go waste. It has sown the seed of innovation in the minds of each student.Many of the students like Jyotsna and Bhargavi who were born in remote villages were sent to participate in the Pittsburgh science fair and many such science fairs.
If not for the efforts of Agastya how the students can launch an idea, How to grow oxygen on the National highways of India?
How the students of government schools sans science equipment like Gowramma and Harathi could score 90 percent marks in science?
How S. Harish and K. Harish could suggest that the dried trunks of Banana trees could make an excellent fuel that doesn’t harm the environment?
Inspired by the stupendous success of Agastya, Mahesh Ramakrishnan studying in Trinity school , New York, offered his voluntary services to teach Mathematics in Agastya. Mahesh Ramakrishnan comes every year during his vacations and teaches Mathematics.
To collect funds for the Mobile Labs, Mahesh has undertaken a Mountaineering expedition in Tanzania.
Increasing support to Agastya.
Agastya’s progress in creating the awareness towards science education has created interest in many organizations and Governments. National knowledge commission suggested the government of India that the concept of Agastya should be spread throughout the country.
The government of Karnataka has given partnership in its scheme ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Innumerable number of scientists, educational experts, social activists and donors are standing by the side of Ramji in his endeavors. Owing to this support from all quarters of society, the Agastya foundation never shirked to face its heavy annual budget of Rs.20 crores. Agastya extends all its services free for all. A nominal fees is collected from Corporate schools.
Operation Vasanta.
Ramji once chanced upon a girl named Vasanta of 14- 15 year old in a remote village. He was overwhelmed to see Vasanta teaching a few boys and girls sitting around her with ardent passion. Vasanta was a student of a local government school. Ramji went to the girl and complemented her. With Vasanta as his inspiration, Ramji started ‘Operation Vasanta.’
In operation Vasanta, higher class students will teach the lower class students. It’s their responsibility to teach 40- 50 students every evening. These volunteers will receive honorarium for their time which will be of use for buying books or as a pocket money.
Agastya has selected more than 1500 ‘Young instructor leaders’ from 50 villages of Kuppam and its surrounding areas. These ‘Young instructor leaders’ will be given Scholarships and are encouraged to go for higher education.
Operation Vijay.
With an aim to lend its helping hand to those unfortunate children owing to various reasons, Agastya has designed yet another programme called ‘Operation Vijay.’
Vijay is the name of a driver in the Agastya foundation. Vijay enriched his science knowledge and rose up to the instructor level. Vijay is the inspiration behind the programme ‘Operation Vijay.’
Innumerable number of cowherds and child labor due to the initiative of Agastya foundation entered the world of education.
Google too was attracted.
Agastya’s efforts to bring a change in the society using technology as the medium drawn the attention of the search engine giant Google. It has given Agastya foundation Rs. 3 Crores as a seed fund.
Social responsibility.
Agastya’s another innovative programme, ‘Design for Change’ aims at shaping up tomorrow’s citizens by teaching the children creating awareness to various social problems and finding a solution.
Modernity, globalization, increased pace of life taken away the qualities those precious qualities like compassion, benevolence and fellow feeling from the human beings. Insensitivity , apathy and lack of concern invaded the human lives.Take for example, how many of us will rush to lend their helping hand to a person in need?
How many of us stop on the road to call an ambulance to take the person to a hospital who was found writhing in pain amidst a pool of blood after getting hit by a speeding truck and made his escape? Very less or none.
But it’s different for these two youngsters from a remote village, Chittor district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. There is a well on the way of these children to their school. In the past, there were many accidents because it lies on the way concealed. Though all those who pass through that way daily, none took any action. Many parents stopped sending their children to school. Schools have become vacant due to lack of children. These two children found the reason for the accidents due to which the schools were about to close. They collected donations from their village.
Seeing the enthusiasm of the children many youth came forward to work voluntarily. A sturdy wall was built around the ruined well. The accidents were averted. Again the schools were filled with students as usual.
averted. Again the schools were filled with students as usual.
‘Design for change’ recognized the services rendered by the two children and awarded them its prestigious award.
A centre for Arts on the cards.
Ramji said there is a link between science and arts. One promotes the other. Hence he has decided to build a centre for promoting arts.
People who live for others.
Society needs selfless souls more than anyone else. Unfortunately in the present scenario such selfless people have become a rarity. A Mother Teresa, a Baba Amte, A sundarlal Bahuguna are found rarely. And its due to such selfless people society is still able to maintain its existence.
Society is fortunate to have selfless people like Ramji Raghavan.
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