Learning and Education
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"Basic education links the children, whether of the cities or villages, to all that is best and lasting in India," said Mahatma Gandhi. At no time have his words been more prophetic, than now. In a world where education has become the biggest differentiating factor, the Foundation offers an edge to deprived and rural students, through its activities
 In what is one of the largest rural education programs in the country, the foundation has donated 10,200 sets of books in Karnataka alone, and in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and Kerala, under its Library for Every Rural School project. Through this program, the Foundation has set up more than 10,150 libraries in rural government schools. A minimum of 200 books, depending on the strength of the school, is provided. Each set has around 200 to 250 books. The cost of each set ranges between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 3,000. Books on various subjects, including science, history, mathematics, general knowledge, grammar, literature, geography, vocational training and fiction have been donated to cater to the interests of students in all age groups
To simplify the standard of computer education for students in rural areas, a separate book has been written and is being distributed under the library project. This book has also been translated into Hindi, Tamil and Telugu
In another innovative project that facilitates higher learning, the Foundation has set up libraries in Hubli and Bangalore, that can be accessed by under-privileged students. These well-equipped libraries have the latest books prescribed in hi-tech streams like medicine and engineering. All a student has to do is pay a deposit of Rs 800 for unlimited use of the library through his or her education
To identify and help students in dire need, the Foundation works with Prerna, an NGO in Raichur and Bangalore, and Vidya Poshak in Dharwad, to distribute scholarships to poor students. With the help of these organizations, the Foundation reaches out to deserving students across Karnataka
The Foundation has also made donations towards the reconstruction of old school buildings. For instance, 14 government schools in slum areas of Hyderabad were reconstructed
The Foundation has also renovated the Gandhinagar, Kottara St. Peter's School and Kapikad Zilla Panchayat schools in Mangalore, Karnataka
It also contributes towards the construction of additional classrooms, school funds/corpus funds, school furniture, equipment and so on, especially in backward areas
The Foundation recently purchased an index Braille printer for the Sharada Devi Andhara Vikasa Kendra in Shimoga, Karnataka
The Foundation donated study material, including science kits, to 20 schools in rural Karnataka
Donations have also been made towards computer centers in rural areas of Karnataka
The Foundation works with various organizations in Maharastra, Tamil Nadu and Orissa, to facilitate the education of slum children in these states
The Foundation collaborated with the Center for Environment Education (CEE), Bangalore, for the orientation of teachers specializing in science and the environment. The Center developed training material on water. During the program, it linked the Science and Social Studies curriculum with the environmental perspective. Around 15 camps were held in various parts of Karnataka over the last 3 years. Totally, around 1,000 teachers were trained
It helps the Bangalore Association for Science towards the development and maintenance of the planetarium in Bangalore, including funding of the sky-theater program at the planetarium
The Foundation constructed a science center at a rural school in the Kolar District of Karnataka, a one-of-its-kind center in the entire district. It caters to the students of the school, as well as schools in the neighboring villages
It made a contribution to fund new self-employment courses at post graduation and post matriculation levels at the Nrupathunga Educational Institute in Hyderabad |
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Furniture was donated to this government school in South Karnataka. The school is near a river bed and becomes snake-infested during the rains, making it dangerous for the children to sit on the ground.
Former Governor of Karnataka, Ms S. Ramadevi (right) with Ms Sudha Murty, at the distribution ceremony of the 4501st library set up under the Library for Every School project. Initially, the Foundation went from school to school in rural areas, instituting libraries and donating books. Word spread and today, schools approach the Foundation! To follow up, the Foundation finds out how the libraries are being used, which books are being read and even conducts essay competitions.
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