Prayoga Institute of Education Research

A proud and landmark moment-milestone for Prayoga Institute of Education Research. To see Anveshana and Prayoga’s work being highlighted on Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat on Sunday is deeply encouraging not just for us, but for the idea that research and inquiry must begin early in education. Anveshana has been working towards exactly this—enabling high school students to engage in real scientific research, ask questions, and explore solutions to real-world challenges. PM Sri Narendra Modi who spoke about Prayoga and Anveshana emphasised that ``Practice makes a man perfect, more practice leads to more knowledge.'' ``A Bengaluru-based unique education initiative Prayoga is focused on research and popularising science at the school level. Anveshana, engages students from Grades 9 to 12 across areas such as chemistry, earth sciences, and wellness, giving them opportunities for innovation. Through this, students gain hands-on experience in research and get a platform for publishing their work. During Pariksha Pe Charcha, some students shared that while they like science, they also have a sense of fear around it. In this context, Prayoga’s initiative is commendable, as it helps students connect with science and provides opportunities to demonstrate learning practically. When students do something on their own, curiosity develops naturally. Who knows-someone from such initiatives could go on to become a great scientist in the future, Sri Modi said about Prayoga's efforts at the national platform. Moments like these reinforce the importance of building an education system where students don’t just learn concepts, but apply, investigate, and innovate. This is a step forward for research-led learning in India. YT Link: youtu.be/LbC8YFdK2gE #MannKiBaat #Anveshana #Prayoga #EducationReform #STEM #Research #PMO

In Kalyana Karnataka, classrooms are gradually shifting from memorisation to exploration - and this change is being shaped by individuals working closely with schools. Kaveri Nelkod, who was working as a principal at a renowned institution in Bhalki, Bidar for three years, chose to step away from a conventional role to engage directly with teachers and students. Across Raichur, Kalburgi, Bidar, Koppal, Yadgiri, Bagalkot and Vijayapura schools, she supports classrooms in adopting hands-on, inquiry-based science learning making education more engaging and meaningful. Her work is part of a larger effort by Prayoga Institute of Education Research, supported by the @SBI_FOUNDATION and @SBIMF , contributing to UNSDG 4 (Quality Education) and UNSDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). A reminder that meaningful change often begins with one decision - to move closer to where it matters most. YT Link: youtu.be/IXAVnVYAjnw #KalyanaKarnataka #Classrooms #Explore #Kaveri #SeniorAcademicCoordinator #Principal #Raichur #Kalburgi #Bidar #Koppal #Yadgiri #Bagalkot #Vijayapura #Teachers #Science #Prayoga #SBIFoundation #SBIMutualFunds #Learning #UNSDG #Goals #SDG4 #SDG10 #Education #Kriya

On the third and final day of the National Conference on “Changes in the Hydrological Dynamics of Lakes and Reservoirs in a Warming Climate”, the closing thoughts only opened the participants’ ideas and imagination further, into lake exploration and sustainable futures. The day was marked by guest lectures and panel discussions followed by the valedictory ceremony. Shri. Salim Shaik, Senior Scientist, KSRSAC; Dr. T V Ramachandra, Chief Scientific Officer, Indian Institute of Science; Dr. Ramakrishna, Former Director, Zoological Survey of India; Dr. L Narasimha Murthy, Principal Scientist & Head, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, delivered insightful guest lectures. Members from the research and administrative fraternity engaged in meaningful dialogue on lake conservation, restoration strategies and sustainable water management during the panel discussion. The valedictory ceremony marked a fitting culmination. The importance of such a conference, particularly in initiating students into critical, real-world environmental discussions, stood out strongly. The value of wetlands and success stories from the past, as explained by Dr Ramachandra, served as a powerful inspiration for the participating student to take up the mantle of lake conservation and stewardship. Dr. A B Patil, advisor to the agriculture minister and Pramod Katti, director, EMPRI, delivered the concluding remarks. This initiative resonates with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 - Climate Action. YT Link:youtu.be/W571GYIDZDU #Prayoga #YUGA #NationalConference #Youth #GeoSciences #Ecology #Research #Climate #Lakes #Water #GlobalWarming #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #UNSDG #SDG13

A host of interesting and in-depth presentations on the ecosystem, rejuvenation of water bodies and related topics marked the second day of the 3-day Lake Conference at Prayoga Institute of Education Research. In all, the focus led to one key question— what does it really take to restore and sustain our lakes? The sessions explored this through diverse, yet interconnected perspectives. Dr. Aravind N A, Senior Fellow - 1 Convenor, Suri Sehgal Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation, ATREE,  spoke about life beneath the surface, highlighting the importance of conserving lake biodiversity and understanding ecosystems that are often overlooked. Dr. Ajit Singh, Principal Researcher – Earth Sciences at Prayoga, discussed lake and groundwater rejuvenation, emphasising the deep connection between surface water bodies and what lies below. Ms. Rashmi Kulranjan, Hydrologist and Research Associate at WELL Labs, Bengaluru, presented strategies for lake rejuvenation in Bengaluru, bringing in practical insights from urban water systems. Shri K V Prakash, Founder Director, Adachi Svipegreen Pvt. Ltd., shared his perspective on the sustainable use of lakes, focusing on balancing ecological needs with human use. Along with the subject matter expert sessions, Earth Science enthusiasts also presented their research. Together, these sessions moved the conversation from understanding lakes to actively thinking about their restoration, management and long-term sustainability. YT Link: youtu.be/vwbpaxV_pdw

With YUGA-DI came the beginning of our YUGA The much awaited project of Prayoga Institute of Education Research YUGA was launched on Tuesday amidst a huge fanfare and by some of the who’s who in the environment-ecology space. YUGA - Youth for Understanding of Geosciences and Action – saw the unveiling at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan by scientists and administrators - Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Director, NIAS, Former Secretary, MoES, GoI; Dr. Ashok M Raichur, Secretary, KSCST; Shri Srinivasulu, DG, EMPRI, GoK; Prof A H Rajasaab, Chairman, KSTA; Prof. Ashok S Alur, Vice Chancellor, Kodagu University, Prof. Vikram Vishal, IIT-B among many others. The event marked the beginning of a critical national initiative to engage youth in climate-responsive geoscience action. The programme launch was accompanied by the commencement of the 3 day national conference on "Changes in the Hydrological Dynamics of Lakes and Reservoirs in a Warming Climate" The session unfolded through a formal inauguration and a series of insightful addresses by eminent speakers, highlighting the ecological and socio-environmental significance of water systems. This initiative resonates with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 - Climate Action. YT Link: youtu.be/mrOsI_DqKzA #Prayoga #Yuga #NationalConference #Youth #GeoSciences #Ecology #Research #Climate #Lakes #NewInitiative #Hydro #Reservoirs #Water #Action #BharatiyaVidyaBhavan #Warming #GlobalWarming #ClimateAction #UNSDG #SDG13

The second session of the Lake Conference brings together expert discussions, Dr. H. Honne Gowda, the former director of KSRSAC, spoke on how drone-based surveys are being used to map and analyse lake morphology and aquatic vegetation with greater precision. Dr. Vikram Vishal from dept of Earth Sciences, IIT Bombay examined the hydro-mechanical factors that influence the stability of lakes—an aspect critical to their long-term sustainability. Dr. Priyanka Jamwal, fellow at the Centre for Environment and Development ATREE, discussed the opportunities and challenges of introducing floating solar systems on lakes and reservoirs. Together, these sessions offered a closer look at how technology, science, and environmental considerations intersect in understanding and managing lake ecosystems. YT Link: youtu.be/c-EoEW25sVQ #YUGA #LakeConference #Prayoga #Sustainability #ScienceInAction

Lakes aren’t simple. The questions shouldn’t be either. 3 days. Experts. Students. Real conversations. #YUGA #LakeConference

From this week’s From the Mentor’s Desk, our mentor and founder, Dr. H.S. Nagaraja, reflects on the power of curiosity. What if every “why” a child asks could change the world? Curiosity is where learning begins—but too often, it is silenced instead of nurtured. When encouraged, it can grow into ideas, innovation, and even transform communities, just like a simple question once did for a village and its mangoes. The next time a child asks “why,” pause—because within that question might lie the beginning of something extraordinary.

What if science classrooms were built on curiosity instead of memorisation? Across Karnataka, a shift is slowly taking shape. Through Prayoga, teachers are being equipped to move beyond textbooks, bringing science alive through experiments, questions and discussion. In Raichur district, recent teacher training has become a space not just for learning new methods, but for rethinking what a science classroom can be. This shift is building more than knowledge. It is building curiosity. Confidence. And the ability to think. Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 9 and 10), this effort is supported by @SBI_FOUNDATION and @SBIMF . Because when learning is experienced, it stays. YT Link: youtu.be/p8GuAqTzKPE #TEP #Teacher #Raichur #Students #Learn #Science #Training #Pedagogy #Education #Prayoga #Bangalore #UNSDG #SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG10 #SBIF #SBIMF #Empowerment #Program

At Government Model Higher Primary School, Station Bazar, Raichur, a science lesson on pollution did not remain a lesson. It became an experience. A teacher placed two toy cars before the class. One represented a fuel-based vehicle. To make pollution visible, a small incense stick was attached. As the car moved, smoke slowly rose into the air. Beside it, an electric car moved quietly without smoke. In that moment, what is usually invisible became visible. What is often memorised became understood. But the real impact of this learning lies beyond the classroom. This is where learning moves beyond the lab - into observation, into awareness, into everyday life. Such experiences are reshaping how science is understood. This contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - SDG 4 (Quality Education) by making learning meaningful and lasting and to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by building early environmental awareness. YT Link: youtu.be/nrA8nmY4Xkk #Prayoga #BeyondTheLab #Raichur #GMHPS #StationBazar #Car #Pollution #Dhoop #Agarbhatti #IncenseSticks #Smoke #Environment #Experience #Science #Learning #UNSDG #SDG13 #SDG4 #World #Real #TextBook

Water may be invaluable—but supplying it over long distances comes at a huge cost. As Bengaluru faces recurring summer shortages, Dr. Ajit Singh, Principal Researcher, Earth Sciences at Prayoga  explores how peri-urban lakes can help cities store rainwater, recharge groundwater, and strengthen water security. Leading up to the 3-day conference “Changes in the Hydrological Dynamics of Lakes and Reservoirs in a Warming Climate”, organised by Prayoga from 24–26 March 2026. In alignment with United Nations SDG 6 – Clean Water & Sanitation, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities and SDG 13 – Climate Action. YT Link: youtu.be/hEUAW5IdLhA #Bengaluru #WaterCrisis #LakeRestoration #UrbanHydrology #ClimateAction #SDG6 #SDG11 #SDG13

Teenagers today face a world of instant food and instant cravings. But a group of young researchers asked a different question: Can the herbs in our kitchens support gut health? #Anveshana students studied 17 Indian herbs — and found several that help nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Science meets tradition. YT Link: youtu.be/NfjnaMTw-VA

In this week's blog written by our mentor Dr. H.S. Nagaraja, He illustrates the question "how does curiosity turn into innovation?" by telling us about a very inspiring story. Inspired by the charcoal-powered ironing carts in her neighborhood, 14-year-old Vinisha Umashankar began asking questions about their environmental impact—and eventually designed a solar-powered alternative. Her journey from simple observation to building a working prototype, supported by the National Innovation Foundation, shows how open inquiry and scientific thinking can empower young learners to create practical solutions for real-world problems.

Introducing the National Conference on Changes in the Hydrological Dynamics of Lakes and Reservoirs in a Warming Climate and the Anthropocene, hosted by Prayoga. Across India, lakes quietly sustain our lives—recharging groundwater, supporting agriculture, nurturing biodiversity, and moderating local climates. Yet many are slowly changing, with shrinking shorelines, declining water levels, and ecosystems under increasing pressure from urbanization and a warming climate. These shifts often happen quietly, until the loss becomes impossible to ignore. This conference brings together scientists, researchers, and environmental practitioners to examine how lakes and reservoirs are responding to these changes—and what it means for the future of ecosystems and water security in India. YT Link: youtu.be/-Yh4mEprJks Register now on : prayoga.org.in

Sometimes the best learning happens when students think together. In Kriya classes, ideas are explored, tested, and shared turning problem-solving into an enjoyable experience. YT Link: youtube.com/shorts/LV-dyo4… #Kriya #LearningTogether

Sustainable development begins in the quietest places. Classrooms where curiosity is encouraged and questions are explored with confidence. At Upper Government Model Higher Primary School, Nelahal and Chiksugur, in Raichur, students are strengthening more than their understanding of science. They are building analytical thinking, observation skills and the ability to connect theory with real-life challenges. When children investigate how water can be made safer, they begin to understand the science behind public health, environmental responsibility and community well-being. What may appear as a simple classroom activity is an introduction to systems that safeguard millions of lives. This approach directly advances: SDG 4 – Quality Education, by promoting inquiry-driven, experiential learning rather than passive memorization and SDG 6 – Clean Water & Sanitation, by strengthening awareness of the science behind water purification and safety. Through Prayoga’s Kriya Initiative, supported by SBI Foundation and SBI Mutual Funds, science classrooms across Kalyana Karnataka are evolving into spaces of exploration and critical thinking. Because sustainable futures are not built only through infrastructure. They are built through informed minds. @SBI_FOUNDATION @SBIMF YT Link: youtu.be/oM8wi-borHQ #Prayoga #Kriya #Raichur #KalyanaKarnataka #SBIFoundation #SBIMutualFunds #Science #Filtration #Development #Karnataka #Quality #Education #Water #UNSDG #Learning #Curiosity #Innovation #Explore #Nelahal #Bangalore #Chiksugur

Did you know white light contains Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red - each colour with a different wavelength? In a classroom experiment, students created a colloidal solution using water and milk to observe how light scatters. Here, Blue light disappeared quickly and red light travelled farther. This simple observation reveals a powerful concept: shorter wavelengths scatter more strongly than longer wavelengths. Learning like this advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: UNSDG 4 – Quality Education and UNSDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. YT Link: youtu.be/9ecvvm0_YnE #Prayoga #BTL #BeyondTheLab #VIBGYOR #Violet #Indigo #Blue #Green #Yellow #Orange #Red #Colours #Wavelength #Dark #Classroom #Students #Light #Torch #Scatter #Curiosity #Science #Observe #Question #Experiment #Education #UNSDG #Thinking #Learners

In the heart of Kalyana Karnataka, there are teachers whose dedication rarely makes headlines, yet their commitment shapes the future every single day. Meet Taradevi, a science teacher at Karnataka Public School, Government Model Higher Primary School, Matamari near Raichur. She is also a committed educator under Prayoga’s Kriya Initiative, bringing experiential science learning into her classroom. But her work begins long before she enters the school gates. Every morning, she travels nearly thirty kilometers from Raichur to Matamari and the same distance back home. Sixty kilometers, every single day. There is no simple commute. If she boards the train, she arrives far too early. If she waits for the bus, she risks being late. So, she adapts. Most days, she relies on a combination of buses and shared autos. On some days, when transport is unavailable, she walks several kilometers rather than miss school. Because for her, showing up is not optional. Inside her classroom, science is not about memorizing definitions. Through the Kriya Initiative by Prayoga Institute of Education Research, supported by the SBI Foundation and SBI Mutual Funds, learning becomes hands-on and meaningful. Her daily journey reflects something powerful. She believes that every child deserves quality and experiential education. She travels the extra distance so her students can go further in their learning journey. YT Link: youtu.be/WSwkmY035hk @SBIMF @SBI_FOUNDATION #Journey #KalyanaKarnataka #Raichur #Tara #Matamari #Kilometers #Transport #Auto #Bus #Prayoga #Kriya #Science #SBIFoundation #SBIMutualFunds #SBIF #SBIMF #Experiential #Classroom #Memorise #Commitment #Education #Research #Experiment #Clarity #Confidence #Commute #Karnataka

Science took centre stage on February 28 as National Science Day 2026 was celebrated at Prayoga Institute of Education Research with energy, curiosity and collaboration. What was an employee engagement initiative for the team at Omnicom Global Solutions turned into a vibrant, out-of-the-classroom learning experience for students of DAV Public School and Om Shantidhama Gurukula. The Prerana event, with the spirit of #OneDayForChange from the professionals, had everyone coming together around lab tables and activity stations — united by exploration. From isolating DNA from bananas and experimenting with redox reactions to investigating light phenomena and discovering number patterns through interactive mathematical games, the day blended chemistry, biology, physics and math into lived experiences. More than a celebration, it was a reminder that partnerships can transform learning — advancing United Nations SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by making experiential science engaging, inclusive and impactful. YT Link: youtu.be/hQ0f_-YX340 #Prayoga #Prerana #NationalScienceDay #STEMLearning #ScienceEducation #SDG4 #SDG17 #QualityEducation #PartnershipForTheGoals