Bangalore, 04th March 2025: eVidyaloka, a pioneering NGO committed to transforming rural education in India, organized its annual National Student Innovation Challenge (NSIC)—a national-level competition empowering students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 to develop and implement innovative solutions that drive real change in their communities. With over 2,000 children having participated in NSIC over the years, this year marked the 8th season of the challenge, with 500 students registered. Finalist teams, each comprising a mix of rural and urban students, presented their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed jury members, highlighting real-world solutions to the challenges of their communities.
The event, held at the LTIMindtree campus in Hebbal, Bengaluru, supported eVidyaloka’s efforts to bridge educational gaps and encourage leadership among students. Powered by the LTIMindtree Foundation and aligned with the UN SDGs, the initiative brings together rural and urban students as a team to address real-world challenges. It promotes creativity, research-based learning, and teamwork while helping students develop leadership and social-emotional skills.
NSIC serves as a powerful catalyst for change, uniting students across geographical divides to create impactful, scalable solutions. Through mentorship from global volunteers, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills as they turn their ideas into tangible actions. This mentorship extends through the entire project lifecycle, offering invaluable guidance to address pressing community challenges.
The event was graced by distinguished Guests Mr. Ramesh Revuru, Global Head – Platforms & AI, Low Code, Ent Automation, Integration at LTIMindtree, Ms. Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director of Science Gallery, Bangalore, Ms. Brinda Poornapragna, CEO of eVidyaloka, Ms. Lalitha Holla, Principal CSR – South Zone at LTIMindtree Foundation, Ms. Jayarani Diwaker, Associate Principal at LTIMindtree Foundation officially inaugurated the event.
Ms. Swapna Ramkumar, Program Head of NSIC at eVidyaloka, provided insights into the program’s impact “It’s truly inspiring to see young changemakers coming together, breaking barriers, and taking the initiative to tackle important community challenges head-on.”
Ms. Brinda Poornapragna, CEO of eVidyaloka, emphasized, “The National Student Innovation Challenge is about more than just fostering creativity—it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility and empowering students as changemakers. We are shaping a future where innovation drives social transformation.”
Mr. Ramesh Revuru, Global Head – Platforms & AI, Low Code, Ent Automation, Integration at LTIMindtree, remarked his speech, “At LTIMindtree Foundation, we believe that digital tools are essential to unlocking the potential of young minds, enabling them to create a lasting impact in their communities. We are excited to partner with eVidyaloka and NSIC to equip students with the skills needed to drive positive change.”
Ms. Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director of Science Gallery, Bangalore remarked that every team here is a winner, as they ask very fundamental questions that are bound to bring about a positive change in us, the people around and the community as a whole.
About eVdiyaloka
eVidyaloka is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the educational landscape of rural India. Founded by former Microsoft India colleagues Satish and Venkat, the organization began its mission in January 2011. Leveraging technology and volunteerism, eVidyaloka addresses the critical challenges of teacher shortages and teaching quality in remote villages.
eVidyaloka operates through innovative programs such as Teach through Television (TTT) and Digital Classrooms, delivering education in native languages to children aged 10-15. The TTT program broadcasts educational content via local cable channels, reaching 3 crore views across 10 states. The Digital Classroom model connects global volunteer teachers with rural students, using technology to provide interactive and enriching learning experiences.
With the support of over 6,000 volunteers from 40+ countries and esteemed partners like Microsoft and Infosys, eVidyaloka has impacted over 2.5 million students, contributing significantly to rural education. The organization’s mission extends beyond education, aiming to empower rural communities and bridge the educational divide, shaping a self-reliant and prosperous future for India.
