Social Impact

Zilla Parishad Primary School, Sudamwadi, has emerged as an inspiring example of how technology, institutional collaboration and social commitment can transform rural education. With the joint support of MIT, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar; Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University; and the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission, Government of Maharashtra, a modern computer laboratory was established to provide rural students with access to digital education and practical computer skills.

The initiative draws inspiration from Dr. Y. A. Kawade Sir, whose consistent encouragement and emphasis on the importance of rural education have guided MIT’s commitment to taking knowledge and technology beyond its campus. His vision reinforces the belief that children in rural communities deserve the same opportunities, educational resources and exposure to modern technology as students in urban areas.

The laboratory is based on the research project “Diskless Client Using Open Source Technology for School Education,” undertaken by Dr. B. S. Sonawane, Associate Professor, and Dr. Smita L. Kasar, Professor and Head, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, MIT. It consists of one central server and ten client computers. Initially, Linux and Ubuntu operating systems were implemented through diskless technology, allowing client computers to function without individual hard disks. This reduces hardware dependency, maintenance requirements and repair costs, making the model affordable, sustainable and particularly suitable for rural schools.

Windows facilities were subsequently introduced on all client computers to give students experience with a commonly used operating environment. Students now receive hands-on exposure to both open-source technologies and Windows, enabling them to develop practical and relevant digital capabilities.

The laboratory was inaugurated on 15 July 2023 by Dr. Pramod Yeole, then Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, in the presence of Prof. Munish Sharma, General Secretary, GS Mandal (MIT). It has remained regularly operational since its inauguration. MIT faculty members and students periodically visit the school to offer computer education, technical guidance and practical support. School teachers are also trained through a Train-the-Trainer model, enabling them to independently conduct computer classes and ensuring the long-term continuity of the programme.

The social impact of the initiative is clearly visible. School enrolment increased from approximately 110 students in 2023 to around 315 students in 2026. The school now attracts children from nearly 15 surrounding villages, with approximately 180 students travelling daily through two school buses and two Trax vans. Improved transportation and technology-enabled education have expanded access to quality learning for children who might otherwise have limited educational opportunities. The project has also strengthened parents’ confidence in government schooling, increased community participation and helped reduce the perceived educational gap between rural and urban areas.

Recognising this positive transformation, the Government of Maharashtra provided a new school building at an approximate cost of ₹1.37 crore, significantly improving the school’s infrastructure.

The school’s academic progress has been equally remarkable. In the “Mee Dnyani Honar” examination, which had more than eight lakh participants across Maharashtra, six Sudamwadi students secured positions among the state’s top ten meritorious students.

The Sudamwadi initiative is therefore much more than a computer laboratory. It is a replicable model of social and educational transformation that demonstrates how appropriate technology, trained teachers, continuous mentoring, institutional cooperation and community trust can empower rural students and create sustainable, high-quality learning opportunities.

For further details, you may also contact Prof. Babasaheb Sonawane at +91 98817 49819.