Dear Friends!

Getting a decent education is a fundamental right of every child! Unfortunately, that is not the fate of all children in various parts of the world. My name is Dr. Kartika Padhan, PhD, currently working as a scientist in biomedical research in USA. Growing up in a rural village- Gania Pali, in Odisha, India, I have experienced the kind of challenges students face in underprivileged areas. As a child, oftentime I had to work with my family in our farm to provide for my education. I couldn’t afford tuition or a good school which the wealthier kids had access to. Several of my friends faced similar problems as me, even worse. For students coming from scheduled tribes and castes, especially from remote areas, there was additional challenge due to lack of awareness. In addition, science schools in my area didn’t have the necessary resources to teach the fundamentals. Most students had difficulty developing clear understanding of science because of a lack of scientific resources in the school needed to teach basic concepts. Even today, the situation in rural area has not improved much. So, as an underprivileged kid myself, I know the struggle for which I made a mission to fix. I always thought of developing a science school where underprivileged kids get the opportunity to access quality education in science.

One of my aims is to develop a novel teaching method called C-CAT (Connect the Curriculum through Application in Technology) by which students can see the application of things they read in books with technology or real world. For example, while teaching trigonometric function in mathematics, if we show the use of clinometer and angle in measuring height of mountain, then this type of approach will develop curiosity and creativity among students. In addition, I want to provide fundamental science classes with hands on experiments like generating electricity, launching model rockets, arranging seminars, awareness camps, science fairs and field trips. These activities help in boosting scientific temperament among students.

Dear Friends, I wish to open a science school where underprivileged kids get to see a bright future. However, being the sole breadwinner for my family of four and utilizing hard-earned saving which was earmarked for my kids’ education, it is very challenging task to run an academy or school. Without your help it is impossible for me to move forward in this mission. Please donate and circulate it among your friends. Any amount will be a great help and will be used to build the school building and its infrastructure including a well-equipped laboratory, a science museum, and a library. Gradually I aim to extend scientific research program at the school for further development. This has been my lifelong dream and mission to give back to my roots. The problems that I have faced should not be there for future generations to see. Thank you for your support and care!