Aikyam Clubs from two schools from the Hippocampus Learning network in Karnataka, India, have earned international recognition in the 2026 Ciena Solutions Challenge Awards for student-led sustainability and community innovation projects

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.

Students from Shri Sharada Public School earned recognition for a project that tested local lake water quality, raised awareness about waterborne diseases, and engaged community stakeholders and local authorities to advocate for safer drinking water access. The initiative highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and public health in rural communities.

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.

As part of the AIKYAM initiative, students from Aikyam Club Vidyakula Hippocampus International School visited Yediyur Lake to lead a community awareness and environmental cleanup drive.

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.