Bengaluru, August 26, 2025 – In an inspiring demonstration of intellectual rigour at the high school level, 53 young researchers from areas across the country like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru presented 17 diverse and groundbreaking projects at the Anveshana 2025 Project Showcase, organised by the Prayoga Institute of Education Research in Bengaluru. 

Anveshana, India’s first free and fully funded, structured scientific research program for high-school students of Grades 9–12, is conducted annually, offering participants the opportunity to pursue original research under the mentorship of accomplished domain experts. Students from government, tribal, rural, urban and other diverse socio-economic backgrounds gain access to advanced labs, fieldwork, and expert mentorship. For Prayoga, Anveshana is an education research project, studying the impact of research on the development of a scientific temperament amongst students.

During the showcase, students presented their findings to a panel of scientists and industry experts, defending their methodologies and demonstrating a deep understanding of the real-world applications of their work. Some of this year’s projects explore creating useful enzymes from bacteria for medicine and industry, producing clean fuel from crop waste, and studying how lifestyle products and traditional herbs affect gut health. Others focus on reducing harmful chemicals formed during cooking, identifying healing compounds in plants, and developing materials that turn heat into electricity. Students also investigated nanosensors for health diagnostics, river rejuvenation, mineral–microbe interactions, AI-based air quality prediction, and detecting microplastics in everyday food items like salt. 

“Anveshana gave me the opportunity to work under experienced mentors who encouraged us to think independently, explore diverse perspectives, and develop our solutions to research problems. This approach has not only strengthened our critical thinking but has also deepened our passion for science” said Ms. Likhila B. K., a 10th grade student from St. Francis School, Bengaluru. 

Since its inception in 2021, Anveshana has supported 114 students through 37 projects, resulting in 11 publications in prestigious international, peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals such as Elsevier, Journal of Emerging Investigators (Harvard University), Journal of Chromatographic Science (Oxford University Press), and several other international platforms. Students have also presented posters at academic conferences and won awards for their work. 

“Being part of Anveshana has been a truly transformative experience for me. As someone aspiring to pursue research in the future, the exposure to world-class lab facilities and the guidance of dedicated mentors has significantly deepened my understanding of scientific inquiry. What I value most about Prayoga, however, is the people and the meaningful connections I have built here. These relationships, along with the learning, will continue to inspire me in all my future endeavours.”, expressed Mr. Vipran Vasan, an 11th grade student from Greenwood High International School, Bengaluru. 

The event, held at Prayoga’s state-of-the-art campus on Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru, brought together a distinguished gathering of scientists, educators, and policy leaders. Chief Guests Prof. P R Krishnawamy, Designation, and Prof. T N Guru Row joined other eminent dignitaries to witness the students’ work. The initiative was supported by SBI Foundation, Deloitte Foundation, Zerodha, among others. 

Reflecting on the program’s impact, Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director – Research, Prayoga said, “Anveshana is an education research program for Prayoga and a nation-building exercise. The showcase this year highlighted not only the scientific rigour of our students but also their creativity, curiosity, and perseverance in addressing complex scientific challenges. It is deeply inspiring to witness high school students engage in cutting-edge research at a global standard, and we believe this experience will shape them into critical thinkers and problem solvers for the future.” 

Students in India often lack access to quality research due to limited exposure, mentorship, and resources. Cultivating scientists within the school education system is essential to address these gaps and build a strong foundation for inquiry-led learning. Prayoga’s Anveshana program addresses these gaps by embedding research into school education, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, to prepare young minds to represent India’s scientific talent globally. 

Anveshana will open applications for its 2026 edition in January, inviting participation from high school students across India. The research outcomes from this year’s showcase will soon be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals for publication.

The post Young Innovators Showcase Pioneering Projects at National Student Research Program by Prayoga appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Bangalore, January 09, 2025: The Nexus of Good Annual Awards, a platform celebrating exemplary individuals and organisations for impactful initiatives in governance, education and sustainability, inspiring replicable models of socio-economic progress. The Great Dalai Lama’s vision that “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness,” is the motivation and directive vision behind these awards. Among the 21 honorees in 2024, the Bangalore-based Prayoga Institute of Education Research was awarded for their impactful science education program, Kriya, which intends to transform science learning in Karnataka and across the country. The 2024 Awards is in its third edition.

Among the honorees this year, Prayoga stood out for their grassroots-level work in empowering educators and students through innovative approaches to science education. Dr. H.S. Nagaraja, the institute’s guiding force, chief mentor and founder, and an eminent educationist, accepted the award at a ceremony at PHD House, New Delhi. The awardees were selected based on comprehensive criteria, including the initiative’s relevance in addressing contemporary challenges, its geographical and beneficiary reach, the measurable impact of the solution, the effectiveness of its methodology, and the degree of innovation demonstrated.

The Kriya program is central to Prayoga’s mission and embodies the institute’s philosophy of inquiry-based education and has transformed science education in Indian schools by enabling experiential learning, impacting approximately over 7,000 students and 200+ teachers across 65 schools in Karnataka to approach science as a process of discovery, developing capabilities in students rather than encouraging rote memory of facts. The program equips students and teachers with innovative methodologies that nurture curiosity and critical thinking, focusing on real-world problem-solving skills. Its’ impact extends to rural, economically weaker sections (EWS), and private schools, creating a lasting influence on the education ecosystem. The Nexus of Good movement challenges individuals and organizations to collaborate to solve problems affecting societies in innovative ways.

The Awards were conceptualized and instituted by Anil Swarup, chairman of the Nexus of Good Foundation and a former civil servant in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). He has served as secretary to the Union government in multiple departments, including as Former Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India. Anil is the author of multiple books including “Ethical Dilemmas of a Civil Servant”, “Not Just a Civil Servant” and “No More a Civil Servant.”

Reflecting on the award, Dr. H. S. Nagaraja, Founder and Chief Mentor, Prayoga said, “This award is a recognition of the work of many educators and community members who inspire students to take up and believe in education. The dedication and hard work of both our students and educators have been crucial in driving this change. We are truly grateful to Nexus of Good for its invaluable role in amplifying such impactful initiatives. A special thanks to Sri Anil Swarup and the esteemed jury for recognizing the work we are so passionate about. This recognition fuels our resolve to continue shaping the future of education in India.”

The primary objective of the Nexus of Good movement, as part of which the Awards have been instituted, is to bring together good people to identify, understand, appreciate, replicate, and scale good work being undertaken across society in the fields of social welfare, education, health and livelihood among others. The idea is to create an alternative narrative to the negativity that is pervasive in social media and other communication platforms, which deters impressionable young minds from positive action and change.

Chairman of the Nexus of Good Foundation, Mr. Anil Swarup, said: “We all inherently know what is good and all good, positive work should be recognized. This was the inspiration behind the inception of Nexus of Good movement. Good should come together and speak up to prevent evil from flourishing. Sharing a positive story every time one sees something good will take the movement ahead.”

The Annual Awards, recognize exceptional contributions across various fields. This year, individuals and organizations have been chosen for their outstanding efforts in driving transformation in sectors ranging from good governance, environmental conservation, education and skill development, early childhood care and education, eco-restoration and cultural heritage, agriculture and data-driven governance, and STEM education and research. Past awardees have included initiatives like the Himmat program, which empowers tribal women in Chhattisgarh, and MO SARKAR, an innovative citizen feedback system enhancing governance in Odisha. A vibrant portal, www.nexusofgood.com, hosts hundreds of positive stories of such transformative programs that benefit people.

The post Nexus of Good Annual Awards presented to education research institute Prayoga for transforming science education appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Currently impacting over 7,000 students across 65 schools in Karnataka, Kriya is an education research initiative by Prayoga dedicated to fostering hands-on science learning for students in grades 6 through 10, particularly in communities with limited access to such educational experiences. Through a multi-year partnership model, Kriya seeks to transform schools into experiential learning centres, empower teachers, and enhance student engagement in science.

This partnership will support the school in transforming it into an experiential learning hub through the customised lab station, designed to enhance students’ hands-on science learning, with individual materials available for each student. The lab is equipped with a lab safety manual to ensure the safe and responsible use of all resources, which enables teachers to use research-oriented approaches and spark the passion for science in their students.

Mr. Prahlada A, Head of Social Impact Programs at Prayoga, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This is an excellent example of cohesion among NGOs, CSR corporates, and government bodies, with resources and efforts focused on creating an experiential learning hub. Our lab stations include two cabinets stocked with over 100 carefully curated items aligned with the science syllabus of each grade. Each station is equipped with essential tools and safety supplies, such as beakers, consumables, hand gloves, safety goggles, a first aid kit, magnets, and a hotplate, ensuring every student has access to hands-on materials for each session. This approach empowers teachers to take on a facilitator’s role, sparking curiosity and a deep interest in science among students – efforts that truly embody the spirit of quality education and helping students imbibe critical skills that are invaluable in real-life situations as well.”

The Lab Station was inaugurated at the Government High Public School in Bashettihalli, and the event saw the presence of government officials like the Block Education Officer of the Doddaballapura Taluk, Mrs Syeda Anisa along with the Cluster Resource Person, Block Resource Centre Officer, teachers from the school, along with representatives from Prayoga and Ajax Engineering.

“The Kriya project by Prayoga, implemented in our school, enables us to teach science to children through hands-on experiments, fostering a spirit of inquiry. It brings us great satisfaction to see children learning science with ease, actively engaging in experiments, and retaining concepts in the long term.” said Mr. Rajasekhar MS, Senior teacher, Government High Public School, Bashettihalli, expressing his gratitude.

“Prayoga has provided well-equipped lab stations, educational resources, and ongoing support to our school, offering a unique opportunity for both teachers and students to engage with science in a hands-on meaningful way.” said the Block Education Officer of Doddaballapura Taluk, Mrs Syeda Anisa.

Ajax Engineering is involved in the construction of roads, bridges, and building infrastructure across India. Mr. Manjunath, CSR Manager, Ajax Engineering said: “By creating more interest in science learning among children and teaching science in a more practical manner, our MoU with Prayoga is proving invaluable in developing scientific thinking in students.” While Ajax Engineering has previously undertaken to enhance the infrastructure, improve education quality, and foster overall development in schools, this is their first time partnering with Prayoga, where they have provided the necessary funds to facilitate the Kriya initiative at the government high school in Bashettihalli.

Looking forward, Prayoga hopes to further strengthen collaboration with corporate partners in building sustainable, scalable solutions for transforming the face of science education at the grassroots level. Efforts will further ensure that students get a quality science education and are equipped with skills and competencies for success in this increasingly demanding world. Prayoga continues to nurture scientific curiosity while developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration through such initiatives.

The post Prayoga inaugurates science lab station in government school in Bangalore rural through CSR partnership with engineering firm for experiential learning  appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.