The first anniversary celebration and science exhibition of “Isha Science Spark,” a special initiative launched by Isha Outreach for rural students, was held on Saturday at the Isha Natural Farming Campus in Semmedu, Coimbatore. Hundreds of students from nearby rural and tribal areas enthusiastically participated in the event.
The “Isha Science Spark” programme was designed to cultivate scientific curiosity among rural children and guide them towards higher education and careers in scientific research and related fields. Over the past year, rural and tribal students from villages surrounding Isha benefited from this unique educational initiative.
Throughout the year-long programme, students were introduced to various branches of science through innovative and engaging teaching methods. The sessions included video presentations, practical experiments, field visits, science-based educational films, game-based learning, quiz competitions and the preparation of science charts and models.
The programme covered subjects such as physics, microbiology, astronomy, soil science and marine science through practical demonstrations and interactive learning experiences. Students were also given opportunities to visit Isha’s soil laboratory to learn soil testing techniques directly and explore advanced microbiology equipment at Rathinam College laboratories.
In addition, students received career guidance about educational opportunities and employment prospects available in different scientific disciplines after school and higher studies.
Retired Group Head and space scientist Mahesh Narayanan from the ISRO Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre attended the event as the chief guest. Addressing the students, he encouraged them to focus on mathematics and science from an early age and develop innovative practical projects. He also explained that students who clear specific entrance examinations after Class 12 or engineering studies could pursue careers at ISRO while continuing higher education.
Dr. Manickam Ramasamy of Rathinam Educational Institutions, who participated in the event, praised the initiative and described it as a valuable opportunity for rural students. He announced that students completing the Science Spark programme would be offered free admission in science courses at Rathinam College for higher education.
Isha Vidhya Matriculation School Principal Thirumurai Savithri Anand, in her felicitation address, said that even urban students rarely get access to practical science education of such quality, and providing it free of cost to poor rural children was a remarkable achievement. She credited Sadhguru’s vision and the dedication of the Isha Outreach team for the success of the programme and assured full support from the school administration to expand the initiative in the coming academic year.
Earlier, Swami Chidakasha, Coordinator of Isha Rural and Tribal Welfare Department, delivered the welcome address. Saravanakumar, microbiologist and instructor of the Isha Science Spark programme, explained the activities and achievements of the initiative.
Certificates were distributed to students who successfully completed the one-year training programme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kanchana Munirathinam, software engineer at Wipro and researcher in astronomy.