Lighting Up Young Minds: A Science Revolution in Hyderabad’s Slums

Hyderabad, October 23, 2025: In a remarkable step toward inclusive education, Hyderabad has inaugurated its first-ever science centre exclusively for government school students from slum areas. Named the Sir CV Raman Akshaya Vidya Science Centre, it was officially opened at Tadbund in the Secunderabad Cantonment by Brigadier S Rajeev, President of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB).

A Hub for Hands-On Learning

The science centre is a joint initiative by the Akshaya Vidya Foundation and the Secunderabad Cantonment Board. It aims to spark scientific curiosity among underprivileged students from Classes VI to X through practical, experience-based learning.

The foundation has transformed an old government school building into a vibrant learning hub featuring science labs for physics, chemistry, and biology. Classrooms have been redesigned with modern learning tools, colourful science-themed art, and digital teaching aids.

Empowering Future Innovators

With a budget of around ₹1.5 crore, the centre is expected to benefit nearly 15,000 students within the next three years. Trained facilitators will guide students through interactive experiments aligned with their curriculum, ensuring they gain deeper conceptual understanding and develop confidence in science subjects.

Bridging the Education Gap

According to T. Varaprasad, founder of the Akshaya Vidya Foundation, this initiative is designed to bridge the educational gap between privileged private school students and children from economically weaker backgrounds. The foundation plans to replicate this model in other parts of Hyderabad’s urban slums in the coming years.

A Step Toward Equal Opportunity

The inauguration of the Sir CV Raman Akshaya Vidya Science Centre stands as a powerful example of how partnerships between civic bodies and NGOs can bring quality education to marginalized communities. It reflects Hyderabad’s growing role as a city that values innovation not just in technology but also in social empowerment.

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