Aikyam founders Padma Sanampudi and David Gilson recently led in-person training sessions and workshops to launch the updated Aikyam Experiential Program (AXL 2.0) at three partner locations in India

This year, students from grades 5 through 9 at nine different Hippocampus Learning Centre schools showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills in the annual Ciena Solutions Challenge. Guided by school facilitators and mentored by Aikyam USA, a total of 145 students participated in the Aikyam Experiential Learning program.

Shri Sharada Public School (SSPS) has launched the Aikyam Experiential Program (AXL), engaging over 70 students from grades 6 to 8 across 7 teams. AXL is a structured, student-led program, guided by facilitators and rooted in design thinking, community engagement, and civic responsibility.

Seven community projects ideated and implemented  by students participating in Aikyam Clubs at Hippocampus Learning Center schools were selected by Ciena Networks USA to be featured on their UNSDG Solutions Challenge gallery. These projects covered a wide range of topics such as preventing water pollution, eliminating use of plastics, improving healthcare facilities in rural areas, reducing unemployment in rural communities, preventing road accidents, eliminating use of artificial fertilizers.

Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025, a state level event was held in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Hari Priya, a student of Bapatla Women’s Engineering College was selected to participate, representing her district.

For the second consecutive year, Hippocampus Learning Centres, in collaboration with Aikyam USA, has launched the Aikyam Experiential Learning program (AXL) in nine rural schools across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, India. The Aikyam Class of 2025 includes over 150 students and 16 facilitators across 14 teams. These student-led teams are addressing critical societal issues, including water and soil pollution, road safety, protection from wild elephants, prevention of infant mortality, and promotion of health and nutrition.

Professors and students of Bapatla Engineering and Pharmacy colleges participated in a two-day educational workshop on soft skills, conducted by representatives of Aikyam, U.S.A. Dr. T. E. Gopala Krishna Murthy, the principal of Bapatla College of Pharmacy College led the workshop, with Dr. Sheikh Nazir, the principal of Bapatla Engineering College, as the chief guest on the first day. The workshop emphasized the growing importance of soft skills and communication skills in the global context, highlighting the potential for students to secure future job opportunities with a strong focus on innovation and leadership.

A mere five months after launching the Aikyam Experiential Learning program, six teams comprising students from grades 5 through 9 at Shri Sharada Public School in Karnataka submitted entries to the annual Ciena Solutions Challenge. Over 60 students participated in the program, guided by seven facilitators and mentored by Aikyam USA.

With support from Sreerangam Educational & Charitable Trust, LV Prasad Eye Hospital, and Hippocampus School Rangapur, a free vision screening event was held on September 13, 2024. Medical personnel from LV Prasad Hospital conducted screenings for students, teachers, and staff. Those in need received additional tests and free prescription eyeglasses.

NATCO School of Learning (NSL), located in Ponnur, Andhra Pradesh, India, was among the 18 schools worldwide that  received the 2024 Ciena Sustainability Award. NSL's student project, CURE, was focused on eliminating the use of plastic products in their community. This project was also featured on Ciena Solutions Challenge gallery.