Going the Extra Mile: Volunteer Teachers Powering Young Innovators at BRAINIAC

eVidyaloka|February 2025

Innovation thrives when passion meets mentorship. At eVidyaloka, Volunteer Teachers don’t just educate—they empower students to think, create, and solve real-world problems. This commitment is evident in the journey of students preparing for BRAINIAC, an AI-powered innovation challenge.

BRAIN (Building AI Readiness in Indian Schools) is an initiative designed to introduce students in rural India to Artificial Intelligence and its real-world applications. Through interactive learning and hands-on projects, students develop foundational AI literacy, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. The program ensures that young minds are not just learning about AI but are actively using it to tackle challenges around them.

BRAINIAC is a first-of-its-kind platform that encourages students to showcase their ability to apply their AI learning to real-world problems. It provides a stage where innovation, creativity, and mentorship come together, empowering students to think beyond textbooks and create AI-driven solutions.

These Volunteer Teachers initially signed up to teach online, bridging the digital divide for students in remote schools. Yet, when faced with challenges, they or their family members have gone beyond their original commitment—visiting students in remote locations, overcoming logistical hurdles, and ensuring that young innovators get the support they need.

Mentorship Beyond Distance: Sairam’s Commitment at ZPHS Chandradana, Telangana

At ZPHS Chandradana, two students, under the mentorship of Volunteer Teacher Sairam, embarked on an ambitious AI project titled "Diet Plan for Girl Students Using AI." Their goal was to develop a personalized nutrition plan to promote the health and well-being of young girls.


As the submission deadline approached, Sairam noticed his students needed additional support to refine their work. Without hesitation, he traveled nearly 80 kilometers to the school, ensuring they had everything they needed to complete their project with confidence. His visit was more than just logistical help—it was a symbol of belief in his students’ potential.

Thanks to this extra effort, the students not only completed their submission but also gained a deeper understanding of AI, mentorship, and perseverance.

Empowering Young Innovators: Devender’s Impact at ZPHS Kandukur, Telangana

At ZPHS Kandukur, Volunteer Teacher Devender played a crucial role in mentoring students for BRAINIAC. From the initial brainstorming to final execution, he ensured they grasped complex AI concepts with clarity and confidence.


The students selected the theme "AI for Environment Protection," focusing on how technology can drive sustainability. Their innovative project proposed AI-driven solutions to tackle environmental challenges. However, as the deadline approached, Devender realized they needed more hands-on guidance to refine their ideas into a structured submission.

Without hesitation, he traveled to the school, dedicating his time to working alongside the students in person. His patience, support, and deep involvement not only boosted their confidence but also ensured they successfully completed their project on time. The students' excitement and gratitude spoke volumes about the impact of his entorship, proving how a passionate Volunteer can bridge the gap between learning and real-world application.

A Brother’s Selfless Journey: Anjum’s AI Project Support at GMHPS Kunchuru, Karnataka

Meanwhile, at GMHPS Kunchuru, two students were preparing for their AI Project Phase 3 submission with an exciting concept—"Smart Street Light." Their mentor, Volunteer Teacher Anjum, guided them through the project but soon realized that essential sensors were missing.

Given the school's remote location, sourcing the required components proved to be a major hurdle. The Field Coordinator tried multiple avenues, but with the deadline fast approaching, the situation became urgent. That’s when Anjum’s brother, Kalandhar, stepped up in an extraordinary way.


Traveling over seven to eight hours from Bengaluru to Vijayanagara district, Kalandhar delivered the sensors—ensuring the students had everything they needed to complete and submit their project successfully. In an inspiring display of selfless support, he made the journey back the same day, demonstrating the lengths to which the eVidyaloka community goes to uplift young minds.

More Than a Competition — A Lesson in Dedication

These stories aren’t just about project submissions. They highlight the spirit of mentorship, perseverance, and going the extra mile—values that define BRAINIAC and the Volunteer Teachers of eVidyaloka.

The BRAIN initiative ensures that students in remote schools are not just learning AI but applying it in meaningful ways. With dedicated mentors guiding them, these students are breaking barriers and proving that innovation knows no boundaries.

As these young innovators step forward with their projects, they carry with them not just technical knowledge but also the invaluable lesson that true learning is powered by support, resilience, and the belief that no challenge is too big to overcome.

Stay tuned as we celebrate more stories of determination and ingenuity at BRAINIAC.

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