Indian students need to look beyond academic achievements

The purpose of education has often been questioned at various levels and very few young adults have the vision to make learning beneficial for society.



At 16, Gitanjali Rao from Colorado is an innovator, scientist and author who was the first-ever kid to appear on the cover of Time magazine at 15. Born to Indian techies from Nagpur- Ram Rao and Bharathi Rao who moved to the US in the 90s - Gitanjali got inclined towards scientific innovation at the age of 4 and by 10, she developed a device called Tethys, a sensing unit to check the presence of lead.



Speaking to Education Times, on the sidelines of the recently concluded WISE 2021 in Doha, where she was invited to talk about her work, Gitanjali underlines the need to connect Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education with society. “The biggest challenge in STEM learning is that we do not yet realise its full potential. It is not just robotics or coding, but the application of science in the basics of life.” Achiever of Laureate of the Young Activists Summit at UN Geneva, Gitanjali invented Apps and authored books at a young age.



The teenager who hates to be known as a ‘prodigy’ has fought the bouts of self-doubt while trying to achieve her dreams at a young age.



While there is a huge demand for STEM learning in India, the outcome is limited. “Most students in India are motivated towards studying Science and technology. However, unlike the US, where there is a stronger sense of support, students in India have limited help and guidance to drive their passions," says Gitanjali.



Underlining the demand to enhance the participation of women in the world of science, Gitanjali points at the need for a shift in the mindset. “From what I have seen in the schools, the girls are highly stigmatised and have to deal with the strong boundaries set by the society. When one looks closely, we find that STEM is considered a male-dominated subject. While the thought process is gradually changing and we are noticing growth, several spots are still left behind. By creating equal opportunities for girls, the STEM sector will be transformed.”



Lack of role models is yet another reason that female students do not think of breaking the barriers beyond a limit. “The change can be brought about by introducing more role models in the society. Women need a conducive environment to prove themselves, but for that, they must first break the shackles existing in their minds. They need to compete and get inspired from the role models out there,” adds Gitanjali, who has been trying to connect science with every concept of life and smash the stereotypical image of a scientist, while holding workshops in India, Afghanistan, America and other countries.



“We need to connect STEM with all the other streams including Arts, History, Music, or Dance. Science is not just about what the scientists do in the research labs or how they are shown in the media. This will serve the purpose of disciplining all the sectors because science is everywhere and meant for everyone,” she adds.



Indian students have the pressure to study science and technology-related courses, yet the glaring gaps in developing a scientific temper can be noticed. “The reasons could be because of the exams and marks-oriented education system. The intense tension of scoring well in the exams leave no room to explore the passion and hobbies of the youngsters,” adds Gitanjali, who credits her achievements to the unique parenting pattern in the family. She and her younger brother spend very little time scrolling through the gadgets, as her parents focus more on planning holidays and exploring the world. Having travelled across 24 countries has given Gitanjali a unique perspective of the world.



“I will continue to run my innovation workshops. It is important to be there for the students who have the passion but do not know where to start. Every single student I have interacted with have unique creativity and strive to solve problems.”



Several Indian students have produced incredible ideas and they could be the poster child of innovation. “The reason they have not been able to do that is due to lack of resources, but I tell every student that one does not necessarily need a 3D printer or expensive equipment. All they need is a piece of paper, a pencil, and imagination.”

Check AP SSC Result 2026 online on TOI
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!