"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
Diploma in Basic Rural Technology (DBRT)
DBRT (Diploma in Basic Rural Technology) is a one-year hands-on skill development program by Vigyan Ashram, Pabal, designed for students who prefer learning-by-doing. Affiliated with NIOS, it covers practical skills in agriculture, engineering, energy, home & health, and environment, enabling self-employment and rural entrepreneurship. With a focus on earn-and-learn, students work on real-life projects like welding, carpentry, plumbing, and electronics, making it an ideal program for those seeking practical knowledge over traditional academics
Program for Schools
Vigyan Ashram follows a hands-on, practical learning approach that’s natural and effective. It reduces dependence on rote learning and helps even those who struggle with books. Many dropouts at our Pabal campus have become successful innovators through this method. We work to bring this approach into schools to make education more inclusive and engaging. It builds intelligence, teamwork, creativity, and other essential 21st-century skills.
Design Innovation Center (DIC)
The Design Innovation Center (DIC) at Vigyan Ashram, Pabal, is a dynamic space dedicated to developing appropriate technologies for rural needs through an interdisciplinary and hands-on approach. Supported by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), the center is equipped with tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and electronics labs. DIC nurtures techno-socio entrepreneurship by encouraging students and innovators to design, prototype, and implement solutions in agriculture, healthcare, energy, and rural development, fostering sustainable innovation with real-world impact
FAB Lab
The Fab Lab (Fabrication Laboratory) at Vigyan Ashram, Pabal, is a state-of-the-art digital fabrication facility that enables students, innovators, and rural entrepreneurs to build prototypes and develop creative solutions. Established with support from MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms, it is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, PCB milling machines, and electronics workstations. The Fab Lab promotes “learning by doing” and encourages innovation in engineering, automation, and rural technology, helping individuals turn ideas into reality while solving real-world problems.
Entrepreneurship Development Program (Startup Sarathi)
EDP (Entrepreneurship Development Program) – Startup Sarthi is an initiative by Vigyan Ashram, Pabal, designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in rural areas. The program provides training, mentorship, funding guidance, and hands-on experience to help individuals turn their ideas into successful businesses. It covers key aspects like business planning, market research, financial management, and product development, focusing on self-employment and rural entrepreneurship.
Updates
February 2025
Faculty Development Program (FDP) at Patkar College, Mumbai:
Vigyan Ashram conducted a five-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) at Patkar-Varde College, Goregaon (Mumbai), from 4th to 8th February, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Faculty Development Authority (MSFDA). The training was led by Dr. Yogesh Kulkarni, Mr. Ranajeet Shanbhag, and Dr. Arun Dixit from Vigyan Ashram. A total of 27 faculty members from various disciplines—Engineering & Technology, Social Science & Humanities, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Commerce & Management, and Language-Literature—attended the program. The training focused on the ‘Design Thinking, Innovations, and Entrepreneurship’ methodology developed by Vigyan Ashram, with participants learning the steps involved in design thinking and exploring its integration with college curriculum through hands-on activity sessions.
January 2025
Dr. Kumud Bansal Award for ‘कहाणी पाबळच्या विज्ञान आश्रमाची’
The Marathi book ‘कहाणी पाबळच्या विज्ञान आश्रमाची’ (Story of Pabal’s Vigyan Ashram) was honored with the Dr. Kumud Bansal Award by Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan, Mumbai, for its contribution in narrating the impactful journey of Vigyan Ashram. The award ceremony was held on 5th January, where Dr. Yogesh Kulkarni accepted the award in the esteemed presence of Hon. MP Smt. Supriyatai Sule, celebrated Marathi writer Mr. Sunilkumar Lavate, and Dr. Vasant Kalpande. This recognition highlights the book’s role in documenting the evolution, vision, and grassroots innovations of Vigyan Ashram.
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.
September 2024
BSF Larvae Process 14.47 Tons of Waste at Rajgurunagar
Under the BSF-based waste management initiative, 14.47 tons of wet garbage were processed at the Rajgurunagar Municipal Council (RMC) dumping ground by Mahesh Shinde. RMC officials appreciated the efforts and supported plastic waste segregation and site improvements. Measures like rat control using tin sheets and an automated compost sieving machine were implemented. In September, 83.4 kg BSF larvae were moved to the breeding chamber to enhance egg production and scale up waste processing capacity.
December 2024
Solar Dome Dryer Showcased at National Conclave
Vigyan Ashram participated in the National Conclave on Rural Technology held from 9th–11th December at Narmadalaya (Madhya Pradesh). The team showcased the Solar Dome Dryer for red chili drying, along with innovations like the AKXY home composter, microbial consortia, and millet-based food products. Dr. Yogesh Kulkarni presented on ‘Technology Acceleration for Rural Innovation’. The Solar Dome Dryer received 3rd prize in the ‘Upcoming Technology Innovation’ category for its effective live demonstration and potential in rural food processing.
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