"I believe intelligence is developed and not inherited. Activity based thinking is the source of intelligence. Good education has to be based on diverse experiences and for this, real life is the best educator. "
- Dr.S.S Kalbag
Welcome to Vigyan Ashram ! We are working for ‘Rural Development through Education System (RDES)’.Education, Technology development and Entrepreneurship Development are our focus areas or work.
Highlights from the Last 3 Years
“What You Can Learn at Vigyan Ashram”
Diploma in Basic Rural Technology (DBRT)
- Affiliated with NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling)
- Minimum qualification: 8th standard
- Hostel accommodation and limited scholarships available
- “Earn-and-learn” model — students build and work on real projects
- Ideal for youth who prefer learning by doing and want to build self-reliant careers
School-Based Programs (IBT, STEM, Learning by Doing)
- Includes IBT, STEM activities, and Low-Cost Makerspaces
- Aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF 2023
- Training and curriculum support for teachers
- Helps schools improve learning outcomes and engagement for all students
Design Innovation Centre (DIC)
- In collaboration with Savitribai Phule Pune University
- Mentorship and portfolio-building opportunities
- Fellowship options for selected participants
- Ideal for those who want to build solutions with real impact
Fab Lab (Digital Fabrication Lab)
- Part of Fab Academy, a global network launched by MIT (USA)
- Tools include 3D printers, CNC machines, and electronics kits
- Open to students, interns, and independent makers
- Ideal for makers and tinkerers interested in technology and design
Startup Sarathi – Entrepreneurship Development Program
- Help with planning, training, registration, funding, and marketing
- Ongoing mentorship through the startup journey
- For anyone ready to launch or grow a rural enterprise
Short-Term Courses
Explore quick, hands-on courses in food processing, bakery, composting, solar energy, and more—customisable to your skill level and learning goals, perfect for anyone looking to gain practical, job-ready skills in a short time.
Updates
April 2025
Solar Dome Dryer field trial @ Nandurbar
Field trial of the solar dome dryer began on 3rd April at Malpada hamlet, Molgi village (Nandurbar, Maharashtra) in partnership with REEDs Foundation. We demonstrated drying of 35 kg Mahua flowers in 2 days, achieving 37–40% moisture removal. Farmers were satisfied with its efficiency and quality. The dryer will now be tested on other NTFP items like raw mango and Mahua fruits. Prior to this, research interns Rutika and Akshay conducted trials at Pabal using tomato and onion. Results showed 94.39% and 87.07% water removal, respectively, over 3 days.
March 2025
RuTAG Smart Village Centre (RSVC) inauguration
The Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) Smart Village Centre – RSVC was inaugurated on 5th March in Dhamari village, Pune. Established by Vigyan Ashram with support from M/S Agro-Ranger Trust and funding by La-Foundation, the RSVC promotes rural technology like solar dryers, biofertilizers, and more. Dr. Sapna Poti inaugurated the centre, with a video message from Prof. Ajay Sood and dignitaries in attendance, highlighting its significance for local farmers.
February 2025
Faculty Development Program (FDP) at Patkar College, Mumbai:
Vigyan Ashram organized a five-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) at Patkar-Varde College, Goregaon (Mumbai), from 4th to 8th February, in partnership with the Maharashtra State Faculty Development Authority (MSFDA). Led by Dr. Yogesh Kulkarni, Mr. Ranajeet Shanbhag, and Dr. Arun Dixit, the FDP involved 27 faculty members from diverse disciplines, covering ‘Design Thinking, Innovations, and Entrepreneurship’ through engaging hands-on sessions to help participants integrate these practices with college curriculum
January 2025
Dr. Kumud Bansal Award for ‘कहाणी पाबळच्या विज्ञान आश्रमाची’
The Marathi book ‘कहाणी पाबळच्या विज्ञान आश्रमाची’ was honored with the Dr. Kumud Bansal Award by Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan, Mumbai, for narrating the impactful journey of Vigyan Ashram. The award was presented on 5th January, with Dr. Yogesh Kulkarni accepting it in the presence of MP Smt. Supriyatai Sule, celebrated Marathi writer Mr. Sunilkumar Lavate, and Dr. Vasant Kalpande. This recognition celebrates the book’s contribution in documenting the evolution, vision, and grassroots innovations pioneered by Vigyan Ashram in rural education and development.
November 2024
Social Innovator Fellowship for BSF Technology
Mahesh Shinde, a DIC fellow at Vigyan Ashram, was selected for the Schaeffler India Social Innovation Fellowship 2024 for his innovative work in Black Soldier Fly (BSF)-based bio-waste recycling. His startup, Pratheen Eco Solutions LLP, is working to commercialize the technology. Mahesh was selected from 276 entries across 25 states, and is among 10 fellows to receive ₹1.5 lakh and incubation support from IIM Ahmedabad. We thank Eaton India Foundation and DST-SEED for their support in the development and field testing of this technology.
October 2024
Inauguration of Advanced Mechanical & Electrical Workshop
An Advanced Mechanical & Electrical Workshop and audio-visual classroom were inaugurated at Vigyan Ashram on 7th October by dignitaries from Mahle Engineering, including Mr. Milind Godbole, Ms. Shibi Mathew, and Mr. Ashutosh Deshpande. With CSR support from MAHLE Engineering Services India Pvt. Ltd., the facility now includes a 3D welding table, fabrication tools, CNC turning machine, and powder-coating setup. The electrical lab received new tools and furniture, and a conference room was also established. We thank Mahle Engineering for their continued support.
Our Partners
