Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Role in Educational Change

 In many remote corners of Maharashtra, the classroom experience for students has remained unchanged for decades. Chalk, blackboards, and rote memorization continue to dominate. While urban schools progress with technology and innovation, rural students are often left trying to understand complex concepts with limited resources. This unequal access to quality education sparked the formation of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation in 2023—a not-for-profit led by CA Abhay Bhutada that aims to change how rural students experience learning.

Through targeted programs, the Foundation is helping thousands of children explore science and innovation through hands-on methods, giving them not just education but curiosity, confidence, and a future.

From Finance to Philanthropy with a Vision

Abhay Bhutada is no stranger to success. Known for his career in building digital-first financial businesses, Bhutada made a conscious shift from finance to philanthropy after observing a serious gap between India’s growing economy and the lack of basic educational resources in villages.

Rather than setting up a typical charitable trust, Bhutada designed the Foundation with long-term thinking, operational efficiency, and measurable outcomes—similar to how one would build a high-performing business. His approach is rooted in creating systems that solve problems, not just offer temporary aid.

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LearnByDoing: A Program That Redefines Science Learning

The flagship initiative of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is “LearnByDoing.” This is more than just a campaign—it’s a full-fledged program focused on experiential learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Delivered in partnership with Sakar Eduskills, the initiative provides schools with Mini-STEM labs that are easy to install and operate.

The kits include real-world tools: solar energy models, electrical circuits, 3D printing basics, and simple robotic components. These kits are currently being used in over eight rural schools in the Pune district, including Bursewadi, Maval, and Dhanore.

A Noticeable Shift in Classrooms

Since these STEM kits were introduced, teachers have observed a real difference in how students respond to lessons. Instead of looking at diagrams in books, students now build, test, and explore the same concepts hands-on. This practical exposure leads to deeper understanding, stronger memory retention, and better engagement.

Learning has become more interactive and enjoyable. Students look forward to science classes, and even the quietest ones now participate in experiments and group projects.

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Equalising the Learning Experience Across Geographies

Private schools in cities often offer smart classrooms, digital tools, and personalized learning experiences. In contrast, rural schools are still catching up. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation believes that where a child is born should not determine the quality of education they receive.

Bhutada’s guiding thought—“Let every child experiment and discover science for themselves”—captures the essence of this mission. The Foundation ensures that science becomes a subject of action, not just information.

Going Beyond the Classroom

While the LearnByDoing initiative is central to the Foundation’s work, it’s not the only area of focus. The team understands that student growth is influenced by many factors beyond academics. That’s why the Foundation also supports wellness and hygiene awareness, clean drinking water access, scholarships, and inclusive sports activities.

These programs work together to create a more nurturing and supportive environment for each child. Education isn’t just about facts—it’s about preparing students to thrive in the real world.

Community First: A Unique Model of Engagement

One of the key strengths of the Foundation is how it includes the community in every step. From planning to implementation, teachers, principals, and even parents are actively involved. This helps make the interventions more culturally relevant and locally accepted.

Rather than being passive recipients, these communities become stakeholders. This approach leads to better ownership, more sustainable outcomes, and a stronger bond between schools and the people they serve.

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Steady Growth, Strong Impact

So far, the Foundation has touched the lives of over 50,000 students across Maharashtra. But expansion is never rushed. Each new school is carefully selected, and the program is tailored to suit its needs. This ensures that the quality of intervention is never compromised in the name of scale.

Bhutada’s team prioritizes doing a few things well rather than doing many things halfway.

Looking Ahead with Purpose

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation is showing that rural education reform is not only necessary but also possible with the right mindset, tools, and intent. By emphasizing quality, community inclusion, and hands-on learning, it is making science education more accessible, equitable, and effective for students in areas that have long been underserved.

This is not just charity—it’s change that’s built to last.