Raichur District Begins its Kriya Journey: SBI Foundation and SBI Mutual Funds support Prayoga in implementing Kriya in 12 Government Schools

On June 17th, 2025, the Kriya initiative was formally launched for 12 government high schools in Raichur district, Karnataka. This expansion of Kriya to rural districts in Karnataka was a result of a collaborative effort between the SBI Foundation, SBI Mutual Funds and Prayoga, marking a significant step towards making science education experiential and rooted in real-world experiences for students in this aspirational district of Karnataka.

Teachers, school leaders, and community members gathered to celebrate this new beginning. From prayers to the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and speeches, every moment reflected the spirit of curiosity and learning. Representatives from the 12 schools, including Head teachers and Science Teachers, were present at the event.  

The event was graced by Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director, SBI Foundation, Dr. Eranna Kosagi, and Shri Vallish Herur of Prayoga. Mr. Muddanna Gouda, a dedicated teacher from Government Model Primary School, Station Baza, welcomed the gathering. Students Rekha, Rachan, Nikhath and Rathna sang a thoughtful prayer. 

The highlights of this event were the unveiling of Kriya Lab Stations given to the schools. Keys to these stations were handed over to the heads of the 12 participating schools—a symbolic gesture of trust and transformation. Kriya’s courseware, specially curated to enable experiential learning, was distributed to the students. 

Shri. Vallish Herur spoke passionately about the purpose of Kriya. He emphasised that it is much more than just providing science equipment, but a comprehensive effort to build an ecosystem that includes thoughtfully designed lab materials, grade-appropriate courseware that is engaging to students and facilitators, and continuous teacher support to the educators part of the program. 

Mr. Raghavendra, Head Teacher at GMPS Station Bazar, reflected on the visible shifts already happening in classrooms where Prayoga has been mentoring teachers. He shared how students were beginning to engage with science more meaningfully. Mr. Bande Nawaz, Head Teacher of GMHPS D. Yedlapura, echoed this with heartfelt gratitude, calling the initiative “a long-awaited gift” for rural schools.

Dr. Eranna Kosagi addressed the realities that schools in regions like Raichur face. He praised Prayoga for tackling not just infrastructural gaps but also the deeper issues around pedagogy and teacher support. “This is not a one-day event,” he said. “It’s the start of something that must continue, evolve, and grow with time.” He encouraged teachers to take ownership and lead the change from within.

The chief guest for this inauguration,  Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director, SBI Foundation, outlined the vision behind the ILM Project – Reimagining Science Education. He was impressed that Prayoga was reaching out to even the most remote corners, providing opportunities for students who typically lack access to quality education and technology. “This is exactly the kind of impact we want to make,” he said, recognising that the vision of Prayoga aligns perfectly with the SBI Foundation’s mission to support underserved communities. “Prayoga is the ideal partner for this mission,” he concluded, confident that together, they could make a lasting difference for students who need it most.

As the event concluded, what remained was more than just a celebration—it was confidence. Confidence that science education in Raichur is entering a new era. With Kriya, classrooms are becoming spaces where students don’t just learn science—they live it.

This initiative is a reminder that real change begins with collaboration, commitment, and care. And in Raichur, that change is already underway.

The support from SBI Foundation and SBI Mutual Funds was instrumental in bringing Kriya to life in Raichur. Prayoga deeply values this partnership, recognising it as more than just funding—it’s a shared mission to empower underserved communities through education. With this collaboration, Prayoga is committed to continuing its work, expanding its reach, and ensuring that every child, no matter where they are, has the opportunity to experience the joy and power of learning science.

With Supriya N and Sanjana Rangan