Shiksha Sopan
Shiksha Sopan, a registered NGO based at IIT Kanpur, is dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities through holistic education. Rooted in the principles of Shiksha (education), Sanskar (values), and Swavlamban (self-reliance), the organization focuses on providing quality science education to students from classes 6th to 12th, primarily from economically weaker sections.
Working in collaboration with government schools across Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Fatehpur, Orai, Kannauj, and nearby districts, the initiative aims to strengthen laboratory facilities and promote hands-on learning. Regular teaching sessions help students grasp scientific and mathematical concepts to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence among students, build a foundation, understand the basics of engineering, and enhance overall academic performance all in Hindi, to ensure accessibility. This effort not only improves educational outcomes but also promotes long-term growth and self-reliance.
Inauguration of Vigyanalaya at Opportunity School, IIT Kanpur
The inauguration of Vigyanalaya, a state-of-the-art science laboratory at Opportunity School, IIT Kanpur, was held on 20th April 2024, marking a significant step in the school’s journey towards scientific learning. It was a dream project of Prof. H C Verma and Late Prof. Sameer Khandekar, to establish an applied science laboratory at Opportunity School. The lab was inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, in the presence of distinguished guests including Prof. S. Ganesh, Prof. Sudeep Bhattacharjee, and Padma Shri Prof. Verma. The lab is mainly set up with the generous support of Shiksha Sopan and Kewal Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
A paper recycling unit was introduced at Vigyanalaya to foster sustainability, where students created quality recycled paper while engaging in eco-friendly, hands-on learning. Over the past few months, Vigyanalaya and Shiksha Sopan have hosted a series of impactful events that reflect their expanding role in science education and outreach. The journey gained momentum with Vigyateet, an experimental science summer camp held in May–June. Around the same time, a vibrant science show at Ganeshwar Temple drew strong community engagement, and the First Sunday Club continued its regular teacher training sessions. Early June saw a collaborative visit by SINSME Foundation and Antariksha India to Sopan Ashram, furthering efforts in space science awareness. One of the major highlights was the National Workshop of Utsahi Physics Teachers (NWUPT-2024), a prestigious gathering of educators. In July, renowned academician Prof. Venkatraman Gopalan visited Vigyanalaya, followed by multiple school visits, including ITI Bilhaur, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya, and Seth Anandram Jaipuria, Lucknow. Science shows and hands-on workshops were conducted in Varanasi, various schools in Kanpur, and Wisdomwood Public School, igniting scientific curiosity among students. The season culminated with NAEST-2024, a national experimental skill test, held in September, along with the JAM-NGPE preparation course, which supported aspiring students preparing for advanced science examinations.
Science Lab Activities
Through these hands-on science lab sessions, students from classes 5 to 7 developed a deeper understanding of real-world scientific concepts. They learned how to test nutrients in food, group and separate materials based on properties, measure temperature and observe heat transfer, and identify acids and bases using natural indicators. Younger students explored measurement techniques, practiced estimation, understood magnetism, and even calculated speed through fun experiments like magnetic car racing. Overall, these activities helped build observation skills, logical thinking, and a scientific mindset in an engaging and interactive way.
Societal Impact
In the last two years, the initiative has impacted nearly 10,000 students and 150+ teachers by making science more accessible, practical, and engaging. Expert visits, hands-on demos, and workshops like Science vs Magic built scientific curiosity and critical thinking. Teachers grew through First Sunday Club, while students prepared for national exams via NAEST and JAM-NGPE. Real-world exposure came through industry visits, and events like Batashe and Chat built strong community bonds. With active participation from rural schools and under-resourced students, this journey continues to bridge the gap between science, society, and opportunity.
