The Fascinating World: Bringing Stars to your Door Steps

Mr. Dinesh Badagandi, Founder & CEO, Tare Zameen Par & Varnaaz Technologies

 

Education is not just about books and classrooms; it's about experiences that help children develop practical knowledge and skills. It's about inspiring them to dream big and empowering them to stand on their own feet. Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust (STZPT), a non-profit organization, is contributing uniquely to three pillars of learning - Immersive, Experiential and Inspirational (IEI). Tare Zameen Par (TZP) is transforming the way education is imparted in rural areas of India through its innovative programmes. It has tied up with the government of Karnataka and reaching out to schools in rural areas, making it possible for underprivileged children to develop practical knowledge and skills through immersive and experiential learning. “Digital Mobile Planetarium”, “Mobile Science Lab” and Highly Appreciated “Spark of Curiosity” Initiative - Provide an immersive and experiential learning for students to understand the complex concepts of science, astronomy, and space. Interaction with scientists from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and games like KBC is used to boost children's confidence and interaction, making the learning process equally inspirational. The foundation believes in nurturing the curiosity and creativity of children, enabling them to unleash their true potential and create a better future for themselves and their communities.

 

Tare Zameen Par aims to provide accessibility to rural kids who are mostly deprived of the magic of what a Planetariums and Science Centres Demonstrate. TZP works through its mobile science lab- A customized vehicle carrying innovative science kits and exhibits that can explain around 100 science experiments to students with practical learning experience-to provide students with a visual immersive learning experience, thus creating awareness about what technology holds for them.

 

 

Their Digital Mobile Planetarium is a one-of-its-kind mobile inflatable dome that has an advantage of portability and can easily be installed even in the remote places. With its portable nature, it can reach the last mile, the most remote areas where children do not have access to such resources.

 

 

Tare Zameen Par Digital Mobile Planetarium

 

Mobile planetarium is creating an Immersive and fun learning environment at the school premises, & create curiosity about Astronomy and Science subject to the students, so that students take interest in learning subjects planetarium can be set up at any place within 30 minutes this has a spherical shape inflatable dome with Fish-Eye lens projector created by air filling.

 

Mobile Science Lab

 

Tare Zameen Par’s Mobile Science Labs bring hands-on science experiments and learning opportunities to students who are deprived of science centres. Science concepts can be understood more effectively through experiments than mugging up textbooks. But far-flung schools neither have a well-equipped laboratory nor a good teacher to explain the words in depth through experiments. Therefore, TZP have successfully conceptualized and delivered Mobile Science Labs.

 

Students get to see a demonstration of applied science through experiments covering refraction, reflection, solar energy, and its applications. These experiments are designed to spark the curiosity of children and inspire them to learn science concepts and explore the wonders of science. Students participate in competitions like quizzes that build their interest to learn by enjoying it.

 

Spark Of Curiosity

 

The foundation's pet project, "Spark of Curiosity," or “ Kutuhalada Kidi” in the local language, a year-long programme in partnership with Synopsys Inc India, aims to bridge the education gap between urban and rural by providing rural students with the opportunity to learn science and maths in a fun and interactive way. It combines the three pillars of learning – IEI-Immersive, Experiential, and Inspirational with fun activities. SOC Initiative designed to build an interest in learning science and math by introducing Hands-on learning or experiential learning to the remote area students. And make them learn and understand the concepts more deeply. The project includes programs like Immersive Planetarium shows, Hands-On learning Classes, Origami, Offline and Online Classes, Teacher Training, career guidance, counselling sessions, and Virtual interaction with Eminent scientists such as Former Chairman, Dr. Kiran Kumar. The planetarium shows are designed according to academic syllabus to give immersive learning experience of astronomy and science.

 

 

It has different shows for different age groups. The "Spark of Curiosity" initiative goes beyond traditional teaching methods, fostering a love for learning and instilling essential skills that empower students to thrive in the modern world. Through planetarium sessions, students learn about the different constellations and planets in our solar system and understand their significance. Spark of curiosity initiative helps in developing practical skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills.

 

Tare Zameen Par initiative has received numerous awards and accolades for its pioneering initiatives, including recognition from prestigious organizations such as ISRO and NASA. It has also received appreciation from the Renowned scientist Sri. Kiran Kumar Former Chairman ISRO, Prof, UR Rao Former Chairman ISRO, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former Director Bhabha.

 

Atomic Research Centre. The Spark of Curiosity initiative received appreciation from Maharaja and Maharani of Mysore, and Synopsys Inc India joined hands with trust in providing quality IEI learning experiences to remote area students. Synopsys India has been driving its CSR initiatives toward ensuring access to quality education and nutrition for underprivileged children. Tare Zameen Par, in collaboration with Synopsys Inc. India, has made significant strides in enhancing education for students in remote schools of Mysuru and Kolar districts. During the AY 2021-22 and 22-23, 3,000 students have been empowered through this initiative. Building upon this success, TZP is now determined to extend its impact further by targeting 4,000 rural students for their SOC initiative during the current academic year, 2023-2024. Synopsys contributions have enabled Tare Zameen Par to bring science education to the doorsteps of rural students and create a platform for them to develop their curiosity and passion for science.

 

 

Tare Zameen Par who works and Synopsys encourages it, aim to stimulate students in remote areas, enabling them to satiate their curiosity, expand their knowledge, and potentially become eminent scientists like Sir CV Raman, UR Rao, and CNR Rao. Dr. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO.

 

In 2017, The founder presented this project at ELEVATE 100, an initiative by the Department of Information Technology and Biotechnology, Govt. of Karnataka. The project was awarded a cash prize of 30 lakh. Fast-forward to today, Tare Zameen Par has achieved a significant milestone - being recognized as the official partner of ISRO for their space outreach program (Space Tutor). TZP has achieved the humongous feat, reaching out to and impacting over 14 lakh students, from over 7000 rural schools across India. Within Karnataka, TZP is hoping to expand its fleet aided by KSTePS and is also working out ways to reach rural students in other states via Govt. partnerships or CSR Programmes.

 

In a country like India, where education is considered the cornerstone of development, millions of children from rural areas are still deprived of quality education. Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust addresses this major gap by providing quality education to rural children and has been working towards creating a learning environment that is Immersive, experiential, and inspirational. TZP is on a mission to leave no rural student behind. With a laser-sharp focus on reaching the last mile, the foundation is determined to bring every underprivileged student and community to the forefront. The trust is making great strides in creating a positive impact on the lives of millions of children and their communities.

 

 

We want to make education fun and accessible to children in rural areas. We aim to ignite the spark of curiosity in them and help them discover their true potential. We aim to expand our reach to more and more villages, schools, and children, and get people to join hands to make this project a success.