Inauguration of Advanced STEM Lab in Delhi to Enhance Digital Education
Launch of the STEM Lab at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya
On August 6, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, along with Shikhar Dhawan, Chairman of Da One Group and Founder of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, and Ravi Kunwar, CEO of HMD India and APAC, officially opened a cutting-edge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Lab at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Pitampura.
This initiative, backed by Human Mobile Devices (HMD) as part of their CSR efforts, represents a significant advancement in technology-driven education within Delhi's government schools. It aims to provide immersive, application-based STEM learning experiences to over 2,500 students, as stated in a recent announcement.
The establishment of the lab is a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Da One Group and the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi, which focuses on enhancing digital education in government schools.
This initiative aligns with the Delhi Government's ongoing commitment to digital inclusion and technology-enhanced learning, contributing to its broader goal of developing future-ready classrooms throughout the capital.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta expressed, “The Delhi Government is dedicated to ensuring that every child in our government schools has access to quality education and sports, along with modern facilities, enabling them to reach their full potential and achieve greatness like Shikhar Dhawan. The launch of this STEM Lab is a crucial step in that direction, and I hope it paves the way for many more such initiatives in our schools.”
She further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation and HMD in partnering with the Delhi Government to make this project a reality. “When governments, organizations, and industries unite to invest in social causes, they create a meaningful and lasting impact,” she added.
Shikhar Dhawan remarked, “The champions of tomorrow are nurtured in today’s classrooms. At the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, we believe that investing in our children and their future is essential.”
He continued, “Digital Shiksha was established with this belief, and the launch of this STEM Lab signifies the next step in that journey. Every child deserves the chance to learn, explore, and innovate, and I am thankful to the Government of Delhi and HMD for collaborating with us to create opportunities for thousands of young minds.”
Ravi Kunwar, CEO and Vice President of HMD for India and APAC, stated, “At Human Mobile Devices, we believe that technology can drive meaningful change by providing access to quality education for everyone. HMD is proud to partner with the Government of Delhi, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership, and the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation to support the next phase of the Digital Shiksha initiative. We hope this STEM Lab inspires students to embrace innovation, develop future-ready skills, and prepare for a digital world.”
Since its inception in 2022, the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation's Digital Shiksha initiative has enhanced learning environments in Delhi Government schools through Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs), smart devices, and a licensed K-12 digital curriculum, benefiting over 25,000 students nationwide.
The opening of the STEM Lab at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya marks the next phase of Digital Shiksha, transitioning from digital classrooms to dedicated experiential learning spaces, as per the announcement.
This STEM Lab allows students to delve into robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, and hands-on science modules, fostering curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving through experiential learning.
The initiative showcases the collective commitment of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, HMD, and the Government of Delhi to equip students with essential skills for the future while enhancing the digital education landscape in government schools.
The STEM Shiksha program is spearheaded by Sophie Dhawan, COO of Da One Group, and Anshita Gupta, CEO of Da One Group, who continue to oversee the Foundation's educational initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Founded in 2022 by Arjuna Awardee and Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation is dedicated to improving access, opportunities, and quality of life for underserved communities.
The foundation operates across various sectors, including education, healthcare, hunger eradication, livelihood development, and sports, through long-term, scalable, and measurable programs. Its flagship initiatives include Digital Shiksha, Youngistaan, and Livelihood On Wheels.