The Pingal Program is one of Ashraya’s flagship initiatives aimed at fostering education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) for students. The program is designed to prepare students, especially in under-resourced schools, for a technology-driven future by providing them with hands-on experience in these critical fields. The goal is to empower students with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century, while also providing teachers with the tools and knowledge to deliver modern, engaging education.

Key Features of the Pingal Program:

1. STEM Education

• The Pingal Program focuses on introducing students to essential STEM subjects, fostering their interest in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. This is done through interactive lessons, project-based learning, and activities that make complex concepts easy to understand and apply in real-world contexts.

2. Robotics

• A key component of the Pingal Program is robotics education. Students are provided with robotics kits and are taught how to build and program robots. This hands-on approach enables them to develop technical skills such as coding and mechanical design while also encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• The Pingal Program introduces students to the basics of AI, helping them understand the future impact of AI technologies and giving them a foundation in one of the most rapidly growing fields. Through the program, students learn how AI systems work and how they can be applied to solve everyday problems.

4. Project-Based Learning

• Pingal encourages students to apply the concepts they learn through projects. Whether building robots, creating algorithms, or developing AI models, these projects are designed to spark curiosity and give students practical experience. It allows students to become innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.

5. Teacher Training and Support

• Teachers play a central role in the success of the Pingal Program. Ashraya ensures that teachers receive comprehensive training on how to integrate STEM, robotics, and AI education into their classrooms.Teachers are equipped with the skills and resources needed to deliver engaging and effective lessons, making the program sustainable

6. Digital Tools and Resources

• The Pingal Program is supported by digital learning tools and resources, including customized curriculum content and educational modules that align with global standards. These tools help schools integrate technology into everyday learning, ensuring students have access to up-to-date and relevant information.

7. Impact and Reach

• The Pingal Program has been successfully implemented in numerous schools, particularly in underserved regions across India. Schools supported by Rotary International and other partners, as well as schools in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu, and Maharashtra, are benefiting from the program. In these areas, Pingal has created a tangible shift in the way students engage with STEM and technology.

8. Integration with Other Programs

• Pingal works in synergy with Ashraya’s other educational programs, such as the One Tablet Per Child (OTPC) initiative, to create a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem. Together, these programs ensure that students not only have access to the hardware (tablets and robotics kits) but also the educational content and mentorship required to excel in a technology-driven world.

9. Focus on Future Skills

• By introducing students to robotics and AI at an early stage, the Pingal Program prepares them for the jobs of the future. It nurtures a deep understanding of technology that is critical in the 21st century and beyond, ensuring students are equipped with the skills required to thrive in modern economies.

10. Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

• The Pingal Program is built to create a sustainable change in schools. Ashraya works closely with educators and institutions to provide continuous support and updates to the program. This ensures that the benefits of STEM, robotics, and AI education are felt for years to come, making a lasting impact on both students and teachers

The Pingal Program represents a significant step forward in Ashraya’s mission to transform education and empower students with the tools and skills needed for a bright, technology-oriented future. By focusing on STEM, robotics, and AI, the program is shaping the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Ashraya’s Pingal Program is focused on transforming the way students and teachers engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), robotics, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) education. The program is designed to equip schools, particularly those in under-resourced areas, with the tools, curriculum, and training required to foster 21st-century skills in students, preparing them for a technology-driven future.

Key Elements of Ashraya’s Work on the Pingal Program:

1. STEM and Robotics Curriculum Development

• The Pingal Program offers a comprehensive STEM curriculum that integrates robotics and AI, ensuring that students receive hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. This curriculum covers various subjects, including coding, engineering principles, and artificial intelligence, designed to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Teacher Training and Capacity Building

• A major component of the Pingal Program is teacher empowerment. Ashraya provides extensive training to teachers on how to deliver STEM and robotics education effectively. This includes workshops, seminars, and hands-on training sessions where teachers learn to use robotic kits and other digital tools. These trained teachers become the drivers of innovation in the classroom, fostering an environment of creativity and learning.

3. Implementation in Schools

• The Pingal Program has been deployed in multiple schools across different regions. This includes both Rotary International-supported schools and other underserved institutions in areas like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. Schools in these regions have benefited from a structured program that introduces students to robotics and AI through engaging, project-based learning.

4. Project-Based Learning and Innovation

• Under the Pingal Program, students participate in real-world projects, applying STEM concepts to design and build robotic systems. These projects not only enhance students' technical skills but also encourage teamwork, creativity, and innovative thinking. Some schools involved in the program have completed robotics projects that demonstrate significant learning achievements.

5. Yavatmal Project Impact

• In Maharashtra's Yavatmal district, the Pingal Program has been a key part of Ashraya’s digital learning ecosystem, implemented in six schools with over 150 hours of training conducted. Five robotics projects have been completed, showcasing the hands-on learning experiences students are gaining under the supervision of educational leaders like Shri Bhaurao Chauhan Ji, Assistant Commissioner Social Welfare. The successful implementation of this program in Yavatmal has inspired further expansion to other districts and schools.

6. Focus on AI and Emerging Technologies

• In addition to robotics, the Pingal Program emphasizes the importance of AI literacy for students. AI is one of the most critical fields of the future, and through Pingal, Ashraya introduces students to AI concepts, helping them understand how AI technologies function and how they can be applied to solve complex problems. This exposure gives students a competitive edge and prepares them for future career opportunities in tech fields.

7. Resources and Tools for Schools

• Ashraya equips schools with the necessary tools and materials to facilitate STEM and robotics education. This includes robotic kits, AI learning modules, and digital resources that align with global education standards. By providing these resources, Ashraya ensures that even students in remote areas have access to modern education.

8. Pingal’s Role in the Digital Learning Ecosystem

• The Pingal Program is a part of Ashraya’s broader effort to create a complete digital learning ecosystem in schools. It works alongside other initiatives like the OTPC (One Tablet Per Child) program to ensure that students have access to both the hardware (such as tablets and robotics kits) and the curriculum required to excel in digital and technological subjects.

9. Program Reach and Expansion

• Ashraya is continuously expanding the reach of the Pingal Program. In partnership with Edufront Technologies, the Pingal Program has become a core offering in schools across several regions, with future plans to scale the program further. Following a successful pilot phase, Edufront is set to support thousands of students through its initiatives, which include the Pingal STEM and AI curriculum.

10. Fostering a New Generation of Innovators

• The Pingal Program is designed not only to teach students about STEM and AI but also to inspire them to become future innovators. The program encourages students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and develop a love for science and technology. By focusing on project-based learning, Ashraya ensures that students are not just passive recipients of information but active creators and problem-solvers.

10. Fostering a New Generation of Innovators

• The Pingal Program is designed not only to teach students about STEM and AI but also to inspire them to become future innovators. The program encourages students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and develop a love for science and technology. By focusing on project-based learning, Ashraya ensures that students are not just passive recipients of information but active creators and problem-solvers.

11. Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

• The Pingal Program is built to have a sustainable, long-term impact on the schools and communities it serves. By continuously training teachers, updating curriculum content, and providing necessary resources, Ashraya ensures that the benefits of the program extend well beyond its initial implementation. The program is creating a lasting foundation for future STEM education in underprivileged schools.

Through the Pingal Program, Ashraya is fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement in schools, empowering both students and teachers to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. By focusing on skills like coding, robotics, and AI, Ashraya is preparing a generation of students who will be equipped to excel in tomorrow’s tech-driven world.