Agastya News!
Latest news and important announcements!
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Dr. G. Madhavan Nair visited the Agastya Science Center in Bangalore on 30th December, 2011. He spent the morning exploring the Science Center. He also interacted with the Agastya staff during a highly interactive and interesting Q & A session.
Dr Madhavan Nair on his impressions on Agastya’s efforts - "Highly impressive set up. I appreciate the spirit and efforts behind [it]. It is a noble cause which will go a long way in spreading science among children. My sincere appreciation and heartiest congratulations to Prof [sic] Ramji Raghavan and his team and his team for the excellent effort."
A video of his visit can be found here.
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Dr. P.K. Iyengar Passes Away
Posted Dec 22, 2011
Dr. P.K. Iyengar, one of Agastya Foundation's Founder Trustees and leading lights passed away in Mumbai yesterday. Dr. Iyengar helped conceive Agastya's mission and vision and played a critical role in guiding its development. All at Agastya will deeply miss his creative ideas, brillaint counsel and warm presence.
'He introduced me and my colleagues at Agastya to new and radical ways of thinking about India's social and economic challenges. He was bold and courageous and prepared to support his views at the national level against the odds'. - Ramji Raghavan.
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Posted Dec 22, 2011
Dr. P.K. Iyengar, one of Agastya Foundation's Founder Trustees and leading lights passed away in Mumbai yesterday. Dr. Iyengar helped conceive Agastya's mission and vision and played a critical role in guiding its development. All at Agastya will deeply miss his creative ideas, brillaint counsel and warm presence.
'He introduced me and my colleagues at Agastya to new and radical ways of thinking about India's social and economic challenges. He was bold and courageous and prepared to support his views at the national level against the odds'. - Ramji Raghavan.
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December 13th, 2011 – December 14th, 2011
Agastya International Foundation, in partnership with IBM, organized a Mega Science Fair for the second consecutive year. The fair was held in the center of the city at White Petals, Palace Grounds. Sri Tushar Girinath., IAS (Commissioner for Public Instruction, Education Department, Govt. of Karnataka) inaugurated the Mega Science Fair in the presence of Ms. Mamtha Sharma (Manager – Corporate Citizens & Corporate Affairs, IBM India Private Ltd) and Mr Ramji Raghavan (Founder & Chairman, Agastya International Foundation). Over 9,000 students from 89 Municipal Schools of Bangalore benefitted from the 2 day event.
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Support Agastya at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon
The Standard chartered Mumbai Marathon is one of India's biggest sporting events. The event will take place on 15th January 2012 at Azad Maidan. Even bigger than that, is its role of being one of India's largest platforms for raising funds for charity. United Way of Mumbai is the charity partner of the event. Agastya International Foundation is proud to be associated with SCMM12. This event is a wonderful opportunity for you to extend support to the Agastya Movement. Run for us as a participant or donate to Agastya. Click for details.
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The Standard chartered Mumbai Marathon is one of India's biggest sporting events. The event will take place on 15th January 2012 at Azad Maidan. Even bigger than that, is its role of being one of India's largest platforms for raising funds for charity. United Way of Mumbai is the charity partner of the event. Agastya International Foundation is proud to be associated with SCMM12. This event is a wonderful opportunity for you to extend support to the Agastya Movement. Run for us as a participant or donate to Agastya. Click for details.
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On 9th January 2012, Agastya International Foundation launched a mobile lab sponsored by Synopsys in the presence of Mr. Bharathi BV (CRP). The mobile lab will operate in and around K R Puram, Bangalore.
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Chairman Ramji Raghavan honoured by CII, Coimbatore
Dec 02, 2011
The Coimbatore unit of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) celebrated honored 11 persons at its silver jubilee celebrations. Chairman Ramji Raghavan was honored as a “People’s Hero”. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation delivered the inaugural speech. Former Karnataka Lokayukta, Santosh Hegde delivered the keynote speech.
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Dec 02, 2011
The Coimbatore unit of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) celebrated honored 11 persons at its silver jubilee celebrations. Chairman Ramji Raghavan was honored as a “People’s Hero”. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation delivered the inaugural speech. Former Karnataka Lokayukta, Santosh Hegde delivered the keynote speech.
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Agastya International Foundation and IBM host Mega Science Fair at Mumbai
November 30th, 2011 – December 2nd, 2011
Agastya International Foundation organized a three-day Mega Science Fair in partnership with Agastya International Foundation to encourage school children to explore the utility of science in everyday life. The fair was held from November 30th, 2011 – December 2nd, 2011 at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vidyalay, Near Dharavi Bus Depot, Mumbai. Dr. Srikumar Banerjee, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission inaugurated the Mega Science Fair in the presence of Ms. Virgina Sharma (VP- Marketing Communications & Citizenship, IBM India Private Ltd) and Mr. Ramji Raghavan (Founder & Chairman, Agastya International Foundation). Over 11,000 school children from the Municipal Schools of Mumbai benefitted from the 3 day event.
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November 30th, 2011 – December 2nd, 2011
Agastya International Foundation organized a three-day Mega Science Fair in partnership with Agastya International Foundation to encourage school children to explore the utility of science in everyday life. The fair was held from November 30th, 2011 – December 2nd, 2011 at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vidyalay, Near Dharavi Bus Depot, Mumbai. Dr. Srikumar Banerjee, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission inaugurated the Mega Science Fair in the presence of Ms. Virgina Sharma (VP- Marketing Communications & Citizenship, IBM India Private Ltd) and Mr. Ramji Raghavan (Founder & Chairman, Agastya International Foundation). Over 11,000 school children from the Municipal Schools of Mumbai benefitted from the 3 day event.
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On 21st November 2011, Agastya launched a mobile lab to spread science awareness in over 40 schools in Kharel. The mobile lab was inaugurated by Mr Jignesh Anilbhai Naik, in the presence of Mr Anilbhai Manibhai Naik, Mrs Gitaben Anilbhai Naik, Mrs Rucha Jignesh Naik, and L&T Charitable Trust team members.
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IMKC2011: Global Innovation Exchange
November 16 and 17, 2011, HICC Hyderabad
Agastya Chairman Ramji Raghavan was invited as a speaker at the innovation policy roundtable. The idea was to try and understand how innovation could be encouraged in our economy and society. The roundtable comprised 26 members representing government, academia, policy, industry and finance. Mr N Vaghul (Chairman, IKP Knowledge Park and Former Chairman, ICICI Bank) and Dr M K Bhan (Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India) chaired the sessions. Mr N Kiran Kumar Reddy (Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh) was the chief guest.
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IMKC2011: Global Innovation Exchange
November 16 and 17, 2011, HICC Hyderabad
Agastya Chairman Ramji Raghavan was invited as a speaker at the innovation policy roundtable. The idea was to try and understand how innovation could be encouraged in our economy and society. The roundtable comprised 26 members representing government, academia, policy, industry and finance. Mr N Vaghul (Chairman, IKP Knowledge Park and Former Chairman, ICICI Bank) and Dr M K Bhan (Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India) chaired the sessions. Mr N Kiran Kumar Reddy (Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh) was the chief guest.
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Agastya’s Rural Children Win at the INTEL/CII Science Fair
We, at Agastya International Foundation are overjoyed to share with you the news that Agastya’s Young Instructor Leaders (YILs) have once again proved themselves at the IRIS Science Fair.
Click here for more!
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We, at Agastya International Foundation are overjoyed to share with you the news that Agastya’s Young Instructor Leaders (YILs) have once again proved themselves at the IRIS Science Fair.
Click here for more!
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Dr. G.S. Rautela visited the Agastya campus on September 16, 2011. He spent the afternoon interacting with rural children and Agastya staff and visited Chintharapalayam village to watch a mobile lab night community visit, where he spoke and listened to village children and community members. " I am moved and impressed with the great progress that you have made in just ten years" said Dr. Rautela. In talking with Agastya staff, Dr. Rautela shared his vision for spreading science education in India.
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Agastya Mega Science Fair (Chennai) 2011
A Mega Science Fair was held in Chennai from the 3rd to the 5th of August 2011 at the Kandaswamy Naidu College. Over 15,000 children attended the fair and Agastya's innovative 'peer-teaching' methodology allowed these students to observe and learn from other students.
The inauguration was by Mr. K. Balachandran, Managing Director, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited in the presence of Mr. Girish Vasudevan, Location Head (Chennai), IBM India Pvt. Ltd and Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chairman, Pachaiyappa’s Trust. Guests included scientists, educators, corporate and senior government representatives.
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A Mega Science Fair was held in Chennai from the 3rd to the 5th of August 2011 at the Kandaswamy Naidu College. Over 15,000 children attended the fair and Agastya's innovative 'peer-teaching' methodology allowed these students to observe and learn from other students.
The inauguration was by Mr. K. Balachandran, Managing Director, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited in the presence of Mr. Girish Vasudevan, Location Head (Chennai), IBM India Pvt. Ltd and Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Chairman, Pachaiyappa’s Trust. Guests included scientists, educators, corporate and senior government representatives.
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July 11, 2011
Agastya Foundation participated in the INSPIRE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2011 conducted by Mirinda House (Delhi University) on 11th & 12th July, 2011. The workshop was very successful. Children from the best schools in Delhi participated and the feedback from the students was very positive.
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Agastya Foundation Appointed Member of the Karnataka Innovation Council
June 11, 2011
Bangalore: The State Government has constituted a 20-member Karnataka State Innovation Council, headed by H.P. Khincha, chairman, Department of Electrical Engineering, IISc., Bangalore. The Karnataka Knowledge Commission, headed K. Kasturirangan, has recommended the constitution of the council in the State. Agastya International Foundation has been appointed as a member of the Karnataka Innovation Council.
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June 11, 2011
Bangalore: The State Government has constituted a 20-member Karnataka State Innovation Council, headed by H.P. Khincha, chairman, Department of Electrical Engineering, IISc., Bangalore. The Karnataka Knowledge Commission, headed K. Kasturirangan, has recommended the constitution of the council in the State. Agastya International Foundation has been appointed as a member of the Karnataka Innovation Council.
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May 28, 2011
Agastya International Foundation participated at the South Asian Youth Conference held at IIM Bangalore on the 28th of May 2011. The SAYC is a conference gathering young people from SAARC countries on the issues of Youth and Development. The main aim of SAYC is to gather together young people from the SAARC region and to inspire them take action on issues such as poverty, climate change, peace, democracy and human rights. Agastya's Mobile Lab attracted special attention by some visiting dignitaries including Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi
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May 6, 2011
Five New Mobile Labs Launched by Bharat Electronics Limited were inaugurated at the Agastya Kuppam Campus on the 6th of May 2011. Present from BEL were Mr. H S Bhadoria, Director (BC), Shri M S Venkatesha Murthy, Executive Director (HR) and Mr.Shivkumaran.
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Strategy and Goals for 2011-16 - Offsite Meeting
May 6 & 7, 2011
Strategy and Goals for 2011-16 - Offsite Meeting
May 6 & 7, 2011
Agastya conducted an extensive review of its strategy and goals for 2011-16 at an offsite on the Kuppam campus. Participants included Trustees (Dr. VK Aatre, Mr. Srihari, Ramji Raghavan and Mahavir Kumar), Advisory Council members (R. Krishnan, M. Shivkumar, Parthan, Harish Bhat, KG Narayanan, MA Ramaswamy, M.G Subramaniam, Ram Ramadorai) and Agastya staff led by K. Thiagarajan and Ajith Basu. The discussion reviewed Agastya's performance (2007-11) and projections through 2016. Participants discussed Agastya's strengths and areas for improvement as well as critical challenges related to staff training, people, content, delivery, fundraising and partnerships to achieve nationwide scale.
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Workshop on Leadership with Morgan Stanley India
April 20, 2011
Workshop on Leadership with Morgan Stanley India
April 20, 2011
Agastya Chairman Ramji Raghavan was invited to talk on Leadership to the MD and Executive Directors of Morgan Stanley India's Technology Group. Click here for a copy of the presentation. (PowerPoint 70KB).
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Agastya signs MOU with Government to help create School Science Education Ecosystem in Karnataka
March 31, 2011
Agastya signs MOU with Government to help create School Science Education Ecosystem in Karnataka
March 31, 2011
Chief Secretary of Karnataka announces the MOU in the presence of APJ Abdul Kalam at the Agastya Creativity Conclave. Click here for more!
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Agastya Creativity Conclave
March 31, 2011
Agastya Creativity Conclave
March 31, 2011
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Agastya at the Harvard Business School
March 26, 2011
Agastya at the Harvard Business School
March 26, 2011
Ramji Raghavan presented Agastya's work at the Harvard India Conference held at the Harvard Business School. The visit was sponsored by Deshpande Foundation. The Harvard Business School is doing a case study which references Agastya's work, especially its scale and innovation. Mr. Raghavan also met with faculty and students from Boston University, Ohlin College and other institutions, all are keen to establish links with Agastya Foundation. Click here for a letter from Carmen Mariano, President of Williams School..
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Jignyasa 2011
Agastya International Foundation’s Hubli Center conducted Jignyasa 2011, a Mega Science Expo with a focus to educate and inspire disadvantaged school going children of North Karnataka. Click here for more!
Jignyasa 2011
Agastya International Foundation’s Hubli Center conducted Jignyasa 2011, a Mega Science Expo with a focus to educate and inspire disadvantaged school going children of North Karnataka. Click here for more!
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HP Blog Posting About Agastya!
Jim Vanides, a contributing author for the blog, “Guide to Digital Learning Environments” recently wrote about the Agastya International Foundation. In an email to Agastya he said, 'This blog receives over 10,000 views a month. Since it was my turn to post a blog today, I took the opportunity to share your film – and your inspiring example…'. The blog can be viewed at http://www.guide2digitallearning.com/node/1054
HP Blog Posting About Agastya!
Jim Vanides, a contributing author for the blog, “Guide to Digital Learning Environments” recently wrote about the Agastya International Foundation. In an email to Agastya he said, 'This blog receives over 10,000 views a month. Since it was my turn to post a blog today, I took the opportunity to share your film – and your inspiring example…'. The blog can be viewed at http://www.guide2digitallearning.com/node/1054
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Karnataka's Chief Secretary Visits the Agastya's Campus
Feb 16, 2011
Karnataka's Chief Secretary, Mr. S.V. Ranganath visited the Agastya's Campus in Kuppam on February 16, 2011. Mr. Ranganath interacted with rural children and government school teachers, and was particularly impressed with the hands-on learning sessions with low-cost materials, the Discovery Center and the campus eco-restoration project. He was accompanied by the Education Secretary and the State Project Director (SSA) for Karnataka.
Karnataka's Chief Secretary Visits the Agastya's Campus
Feb 16, 2011
Karnataka's Chief Secretary, Mr. S.V. Ranganath visited the Agastya's Campus in Kuppam on February 16, 2011. Mr. Ranganath interacted with rural children and government school teachers, and was particularly impressed with the hands-on learning sessions with low-cost materials, the Discovery Center and the campus eco-restoration project. He was accompanied by the Education Secretary and the State Project Director (SSA) for Karnataka.
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Dr. Abdul Kalam refers to Agastya Foundation's Work
Dec 7, 2010
Former President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam referd to Agastya Foundation's work in his inaugural address to the International Conference on Public Communication of Science & Technology in New Delhi. Click for PDF of his speech referencing Agastya International Foundation.
Dr. Abdul Kalam refers to Agastya Foundation's Work
Dec 7, 2010
Former President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam referd to Agastya Foundation's work in his inaugural address to the International Conference on Public Communication of Science & Technology in New Delhi. Click for PDF of his speech referencing Agastya International Foundation.
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Mega Science Fair in Bangalore from 29 Nov - 3 Dec, 2010
Dec 4, 2010
Mega Science Fair in Bangalore from 29 Nov - 3 Dec, 2010
Dec 4, 2010
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China Association for Science and Technology Visited the Campus
Nov 18, 2010
China Association for Science and Technology Visited the Campus
Nov 18, 2010
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Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited Sponsors Mobile Science Lab
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited Sponsors Mobile Science Lab
Agastya’s role is to complement the existing state primary and secondary education school system to upgrade its quality.
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Agastya International: A Success Story for Scaling and Replicating a Social Enterprise
Give2Asia recently sat down with Agastya founder, Ramji Ragahavan, for an interview. Give2Asia, a US 501(c)3 public charity, promotes and inspires philanthropy by delivering services that meet the needs of donors and the Asian communities they care about. Click for the interview!
Agastya International: A Success Story for Scaling and Replicating a Social Enterprise
Give2Asia recently sat down with Agastya founder, Ramji Ragahavan, for an interview. Give2Asia, a US 501(c)3 public charity, promotes and inspires philanthropy by delivering services that meet the needs of donors and the Asian communities they care about. Click for the interview!
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State Bank of India donates Mobile Science Lab to Agastya!
July 1, 2010
State Bank of India donates Mobile Science Lab to Agastya!
July 1, 2010
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Agastya Foundation & the Hewlett-Packard Catalyst Initiative
Agastya Foundation is collaborating with Hewlett-Packard on a new program called the HP Catalyst Initiative. Click for more. . .
Agastya Foundation & the Hewlett-Packard Catalyst Initiative
Agastya Foundation is collaborating with Hewlett-Packard on a new program called the HP Catalyst Initiative. Click for more. . .
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Trustee Sri. K V Raghavan Passes Away
June 13, 2010
Trustee Sri. K V Raghavan passed away today in Bangalore, India. He was the father of Ramji Raghavan, Chairman of Agastya Foundation. Sri. K V Raghavan was instrumental in guiding and helping Agastya from its inception to its growth in the recent years. Click for more. . .
Trustee Sri. K V Raghavan Passes Away
June 13, 2010
Trustee Sri. K V Raghavan passed away today in Bangalore, India. He was the father of Ramji Raghavan, Chairman of Agastya Foundation. Sri. K V Raghavan was instrumental in guiding and helping Agastya from its inception to its growth in the recent years. Click for more. . .
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Case Study - Dropout Student
June 5, 2010
Read about Agastya Foundation's efforts to mainstream dropout students and one recent case study from Agastya's Kodathanapalli dropout centre.
Case Study - Dropout Student
June 5, 2010
Read about Agastya Foundation's efforts to mainstream dropout students and one recent case study from Agastya's Kodathanapalli dropout centre.
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Ramji Raghavan Visits China at the invitation of Ashoka & Jet Li One Foundation
May 5, 2010
Ramji Raghavan discusses ‘the story of Agastya Foundation’ with students, current and prospective social entrepreneurs, business people, journalists and others at the eight venues in China. Click for more. . . (PDF 65KB)
Ramji Raghavan Visits China at the invitation of Ashoka & Jet Li One Foundation
May 5, 2010
Ramji Raghavan discusses ‘the story of Agastya Foundation’ with students, current and prospective social entrepreneurs, business people, journalists and others at the eight venues in China. Click for more. . . (PDF 65KB)
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Representatives from the Institute of Engineers Visit Campus
April 28, 2010
Representatives from the Institute of Engineers Visit Campus
April 28, 2010
Here they are seen in the Discovery Center planning a practical curriculum.
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Agastya Annual Meet 2010
April 17, 2010
Agastya Annual Meet 2010
April 17, 2010
Click here for a panaromic group photograph of Agastya instructors and staff.
(Click to zoom after window opens).
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Support Agastya at Sunfeast W10K 2010
April 10, 2010
The Sunfeast World 10K Bangalore 2010 is one of the world's most prestigious 10km runs. This event is a wonderful opportunityfor you to do your bit for charity. The event symbolizes community spirit and melts all barriers. Bangalore cares is the official charity partner to this event. Run for an NGO as a Care Participant or Donate to an NGO! Click for details!
Support Agastya at Sunfeast W10K 2010
April 10, 2010
The Sunfeast World 10K Bangalore 2010 is one of the world's most prestigious 10km runs. This event is a wonderful opportunityfor you to do your bit for charity. The event symbolizes community spirit and melts all barriers. Bangalore cares is the official charity partner to this event. Run for an NGO as a Care Participant or Donate to an NGO! Click for details!
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Bust of Srinivasa Ramanujan at IITM, Chennai. India.
April 1, 2010
Bust of Srinivasa Ramanujan at IITM, Chennai. India.
April 1, 2010
The event was presided over by Prof. M.S. Ananth, Director of IIT, Madras and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman of MSSR Foundation unveiled the statue. Mr. Ramji Raghavan, Chairman of Agastya Foundation gave a special address.
Mr. Raghavan also announced a competition for IITM students to create low cost science experiments to add to the ones the Agastya Foundation uses to educate children in rural India with their mobile vans. This competition is sponsored and supported by the MurthyNayak Foundation, Baltimore, USA.
Click here for a brief article 'Celebrating a Genius' by Ramji Raghavan.
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Agastya Foundation & Institute of Engineers (Karnataka State Centre) Q & A Session
March 9, 2010
Agastya jointly with Institute of Engineers (Karnataka State Centre), Bangalore conducted a Q & A Session lead by Dr. T Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India on March 9, 2010.
Agastya Foundation & Institute of Engineers (Karnataka State Centre) Q & A Session
March 9, 2010
Agastya jointly with Institute of Engineers (Karnataka State Centre), Bangalore conducted a Q & A Session lead by Dr. T Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India on March 9, 2010.
During this session Dr. T Ramasami gave wonderful insights into how education has really evolved from its inception thousands of years ago to date. He talked about the difference between deductive and inductive logic, and how the combination of the two could help create new ways of thinking and learning. It was indeed a very interactive Q&A session which had Agastya staff, private and public school students, teachers and NGOs participating. In the form of a travelogue, his lucid presentation kept the audience glued to their seats.
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Bust of Srinivasa Ramanujan at Cambridge, UK
February 24, 2010
A bust of Srinivasa Ramanujan, gifted by Agastya Foundation to Cambridge University is now on display at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Cambridge. All at Agastya are delighted that the memory of an Indian hero, who astonished and inspired so many with his genius, has found a prominent place at his alma mater. A replica of the Ramanujan bust designed by Agastya Foundation can be seen at TIFR - Centre for Applicable Mathematics, Bangalore. Ramanujan (22 December 1887 – 26 April 1920) was an Indian mathematician and self taught genius who, with almost no formal training in pure mathematics, made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series and continued fractions. Click for more on Wikipedia.
Click here for a brief article 'Celebrating a Genius' by Ramji Raghavan.
Bust of Srinivasa Ramanujan at Cambridge, UK
February 24, 2010
A bust of Srinivasa Ramanujan, gifted by Agastya Foundation to Cambridge University is now on display at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Cambridge. All at Agastya are delighted that the memory of an Indian hero, who astonished and inspired so many with his genius, has found a prominent place at his alma mater. A replica of the Ramanujan bust designed by Agastya Foundation can be seen at TIFR - Centre for Applicable Mathematics, Bangalore. Ramanujan (22 December 1887 – 26 April 1920) was an Indian mathematician and self taught genius who, with almost no formal training in pure mathematics, made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series and continued fractions. Click for more on Wikipedia.
Click here for a brief article 'Celebrating a Genius' by Ramji Raghavan.
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IRIS 2009 Awards!
February 23, 2010
IRIS National Science fair was conducted at Ahmedabad from 25th to 28th, November, 09. IRIS – Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science is India’s largest research based science fair initiative for students. Out of 82 projects, the Agastya students won 8 National awards, 6 Subject category awards and 12 won Special awards. Click here for the complete report.
IRIS 2009 Awards!
February 23, 2010
IRIS National Science fair was conducted at Ahmedabad from 25th to 28th, November, 09. IRIS – Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science is India’s largest research based science fair initiative for students. Out of 82 projects, the Agastya students won 8 National awards, 6 Subject category awards and 12 won Special awards. Click here for the complete report.
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An Indian Yatra (Journey)
February 10, 2010
From Mumbai’s Dharavi to the Himalayas, Agastya Mobile Labs engage 55,000 children and teachers in the joy of hands-on learning!
Traveling over 6200 KMs in six weeks (November – December, 2009) Agastya Mobile Labs created a wave of enthusiasm for hands-on science in science fairs by engaging 49000 children and 6000 teachers and adults from five Indian states - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi and Rajasthan. Visitors to the fairs included the media, the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Minister of Science & Technology, Chief Secretary and other officials from the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Click here for a picture album!
An Indian Yatra (Journey)
February 10, 2010
From Mumbai’s Dharavi to the Himalayas, Agastya Mobile Labs engage 55,000 children and teachers in the joy of hands-on learning!
Traveling over 6200 KMs in six weeks (November – December, 2009) Agastya Mobile Labs created a wave of enthusiasm for hands-on science in science fairs by engaging 49000 children and 6000 teachers and adults from five Indian states - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi and Rajasthan. Visitors to the fairs included the media, the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Minister of Science & Technology, Chief Secretary and other officials from the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Click here for a picture album!
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MIT & Low Cost Experiments
January 13, 2010
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA is organizing a competition for its undergrad students to design 10 low cost experiments/models for Agastya. Winners get a free trip to India!
The experiments must be low cost, lightweight, durable, dust resistant and easily fixable. The focus should be on scientific principles customizable by the teacher and students and should be activity orientated – not just for observation. Preferred not to require power for mobile science experiments and experiment cannot last longer than 3-4 hours. The entries will be judged on completeness, ease of understanding, replication & scalability.
MIT & Low Cost Experiments
January 13, 2010
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA is organizing a competition for its undergrad students to design 10 low cost experiments/models for Agastya. Winners get a free trip to India!
The experiments must be low cost, lightweight, durable, dust resistant and easily fixable. The focus should be on scientific principles customizable by the teacher and students and should be activity orientated – not just for observation. Preferred not to require power for mobile science experiments and experiment cannot last longer than 3-4 hours. The entries will be judged on completeness, ease of understanding, replication & scalability.
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Tata Jagriti Yatra 2009 Visits Agastya Campus!
December 31, 2009
Tata Jagriti Yatra is an annual train journey that takes hundreds of India's highly motivated youth (and international students) between 20 - 25 and experienced professionals on an eighteen day national odyssey. The aim is to awaken the spirit of entrepreneurship - both social and economic - within India's youth by exposing them to individuals and institutions that are developing unique solutions to India's challenges. Agastya was among 11 such ventures selected to host these youngsters.
Tata Jagriti Yatra 2009 Visits Agastya Campus!
December 31, 2009
Tata Jagriti Yatra is an annual train journey that takes hundreds of India's highly motivated youth (and international students) between 20 - 25 and experienced professionals on an eighteen day national odyssey. The aim is to awaken the spirit of entrepreneurship - both social and economic - within India's youth by exposing them to individuals and institutions that are developing unique solutions to India's challenges. Agastya was among 11 such ventures selected to host these youngsters.
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Agastya students win prizes at the 2009 IRIS-Intel National Science Fair
November 26-28, 2009
The Agastya prize winners are:
Team 1: Ms. Supriya and Ms. Dharani of Grade 8 for their project " The Best Oil for Lamp" (Medal + Certificate)
Team 2: Hari Krishna and Murali Krishna of Grade 9 for their project "Conservation of Energy Through Dry Leaf pads (Special Mention Award)
Agastya students win prizes at the 2009 IRIS-Intel National Science Fair
November 26-28, 2009
The Agastya prize winners are:
Team 1: Ms. Supriya and Ms. Dharani of Grade 8 for their project " The Best Oil for Lamp" (Medal + Certificate)
Team 2: Hari Krishna and Murali Krishna of Grade 9 for their project "Conservation of Energy Through Dry Leaf pads (Special Mention Award)
- 82 teams selected from 1200 contestants across India competed in the finals.
- 5 Agastya teams (among 6 from Andhra Pradesh) competed in the finals.
- 26 teams and 10 students across India won prizes.
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MOU with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Karnataka: Agastya has signed an MOU with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Karnataka to launch another 15 mobile labs and 13 science centers. SSA will underwrite the operating cost of the program. Agastya's coverage will increase to 24 educational districts (out of a total of 33) and its target audience will increase to nearly 9 million children in Karnataka. Number of mobile labs and science centers across Agastya will increase to 49 and 28. - Posted Nov 19, 2009
MOU with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Karnataka: Agastya has signed an MOU with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Karnataka to launch another 15 mobile labs and 13 science centers. SSA will underwrite the operating cost of the program. Agastya's coverage will increase to 24 educational districts (out of a total of 33) and its target audience will increase to nearly 9 million children in Karnataka. Number of mobile labs and science centers across Agastya will increase to 49 and 28. - Posted Nov 19, 2009
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Intel-IRIS National Science Competition in Ahmedabad: Ten rural children (5 teams) from Agastya have entered the final round of the Intel-IRIS National Science Competition in Ahmedabad. 82 teams were selected from 1000 project team submissions across India - ranking Agastya among the highest for number of finalists from a single institution, and for being one of few rural institutions to qualify. In 2008, two Agastya teams qualified for the final round in Kolkata and one team, led by Ms Rani and Ms Roja, won the Special Award. Posted Nov 08, 2009
Intel-IRIS National Science Competition in Ahmedabad: Ten rural children (5 teams) from Agastya have entered the final round of the Intel-IRIS National Science Competition in Ahmedabad. 82 teams were selected from 1000 project team submissions across India - ranking Agastya among the highest for number of finalists from a single institution, and for being one of few rural institutions to qualify. In 2008, two Agastya teams qualified for the final round in Kolkata and one team, led by Ms Rani and Ms Roja, won the Special Award. Posted Nov 08, 2009
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Former President Abdul Kalam visited the Agastya Mobile Lab on October 12, 2009 at the Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad. Dr. Kalam interacted with staff and children and remarked on the growth in the number and range of Mobile Lab science experiments, since his last visit to the Mobile Lab in 2006. He signed a map of the Agastya campus. Dr. Kalam's visit was followed by an Agastya science fair for 2500 children near the Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad.
Our thanks to Prof. Anil Gupta of IIM-A for organizing the Mobile Lab visit to Ahmedabad.
Former President Abdul Kalam visited the Agastya Mobile Lab on October 12, 2009 at the Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad. Dr. Kalam interacted with staff and children and remarked on the growth in the number and range of Mobile Lab science experiments, since his last visit to the Mobile Lab in 2006. He signed a map of the Agastya campus. Dr. Kalam's visit was followed by an Agastya science fair for 2500 children near the Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad.
Our thanks to Prof. Anil Gupta of IIM-A for organizing the Mobile Lab visit to Ahmedabad.
PHOTOS: Above left - manju explains a model. Above right - Ranganathan describes the campus.
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Two significant government initiatives we are delighted to note:
1. The Government of Karnataka has decided to expand Agastya's proven model in 9 districts to the remaining 20 districts, a decision whose benefits will reach an additional 3 million children. Several organisations have come forward to participate in the expansion (see attached article in The Hindu).
2. The Tamil Nadu Government has launched 17 mobile science labs, the benefits of which should reach several million children in Tamil Nadu.
To meet different needs, Agastya is enhancing its mobile science concept: a) Under a Karnataka Science and Technology Academy-sponsored program Agastya will be providing its 'Lab-in-a-Box' to schools that have been visited by the Agastya Mobile Lab and b) Agastya has launched an 'Autorickshaw Mobile Lab'.
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1. The Government of Karnataka has decided to expand Agastya's proven model in 9 districts to the remaining 20 districts, a decision whose benefits will reach an additional 3 million children. Several organisations have come forward to participate in the expansion (see attached article in The Hindu).
2. The Tamil Nadu Government has launched 17 mobile science labs, the benefits of which should reach several million children in Tamil Nadu.
To meet different needs, Agastya is enhancing its mobile science concept: a) Under a Karnataka Science and Technology Academy-sponsored program Agastya will be providing its 'Lab-in-a-Box' to schools that have been visited by the Agastya Mobile Lab and b) Agastya has launched an 'Autorickshaw Mobile Lab'.
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Friends of Agastya met on March 13, 2009 at Synopsys. Pictures (PowerPoint) and a description (Word) of the event are available by clicking.
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Two Agastya Young Instructor Leaders were among only 24 students to win this prestigious INTEL-IRIS National Science Award, while competing with a 1000 projects from across India.
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Agastya Chairman, Ramji Raghavan has been elected a Senior Fellow by Ashoka: Innovators for the Public (www.ashoka.org). Based in Washington, DC, Ashoka recognizes individuals every year, who have already created widespread impact, for their innovative, system changing solutions to society’s most urgent problems.
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