Bangalore-based Prayoga Institute of Education Research was recently conferred with the Nexus of Good Annual Award for its impactful science education programme, Kriya, which intends to transform science learning in Karnataka and across the country.

In its third edition this year, the Nexus of Good Annual Awards is a platform celebrating exemplary individuals and organisations for impactful initiatives in governance, education and sustainability, inspiring replicable models of socio-economic progress. The Great Dalai Lama’s vision that “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness,” is the motivation and directive vision behind these awards.

Among the 21 honourees this year, Prayoga stood out for its grassroots-level work in empowering educators and students through innovative approaches to science education. Dr. H.S. Nagaraja, the institute’s guiding force, chief mentor and founder, and an eminent educationist, accepted the award at a ceremony at PHD House, New Delhi. The awardees were selected based on comprehensive criteria, including the initiative’s relevance in addressing contemporary challenges, its geographical and beneficiary reach, the measurable impact of the solution, the effectiveness of its methodology, and the degree of innovation demonstrated.

The Kriya programme is central to Prayoga’s mission and embodies the institute’s philosophy of inquiry-based education and has transformed science education in Indian schools by enabling experiential learning, impacting approximately over 7,000 students and 200+ teachers across 65 schools in Karnataka to approach science as a process of discovery, developing capabilities in students rather than encouraging rote memory of facts. The programme equips students and teachers with innovative methodologies that nurture curiosity and critical thinking, focusing on real-world problem-solving skills. Its impact extends to rural, economically weaker sections (EWS), and private schools, creating a lasting influence on the education ecosystem. The Nexus of Good movement challenges individuals and organisations to collaborate to solve problems affecting societies in innovative ways.

The awards were conceptualised and instituted by Anil Swarup, chairman of the Nexus of Good Foundation and a former civil servant in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). He has served as secretary to the Union government in multiple departments, including as former secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India. Anil is the author of multiple books including “Ethical Dilemmas of a Civil Servant”, “Not Just a Civil Servant” and “No More a Civil Servant.”

Commenting on the award, Dr. H. S. Nagaraja, founder and chief mentor, Prayoga said, “This award is a recognition of the work of many educators and community members who inspire students to take up and believe in education. The dedication and hard work of both our students and educators have been crucial in driving this change.We are truly grateful to Nexus of Good for its invaluable role in amplifying such impactful initiatives. A special thanks to Sri Anil Swarup and the esteemed jury for recognising the work we are so passionate about. This recognition fuels our resolve to continue shaping the future of education in India.”

The primary objective of the Nexus of Good movement, as part of which the awards have been instituted, is to bring together good people to identify, understand, appreciate, replicate, and scale good work being undertaken across society in the fields of social welfare, education, health and livelihood among others. The idea is to create an alternative narrative to the negativity that is pervasive in social media and other communication platforms, which deters impressionable young minds from positive action and change.

Anil Swarup, chairman of the Nexus of Good Foundation, said, “We all inherently know what is good and all good, positive work should be recognised. This was the inspiration behind the inception of Nexus of Good movement. Good should come together and speak up to prevent evil from flourishing. Sharing a positive story every time one sees something good will take the movement ahead.”

The Annual Awards, recognise exceptional contributions across various fields. This year, individuals and organisations have been chosen for their outstanding efforts in driving transformation in sectors ranging from good governance, environmental conservation, education and skill development, early childhood care and education, eco-restoration and cultural heritage, agriculture and data-driven governance, and STEM education and research. Past awardees have included initiatives like the Himmat programme, which empowers tribal women in Chhattisgarh, and MO SARKAR, an innovative citizen feedback system enhancing governance in Odisha. The portal www.nexusofgood.com, hosts hundreds of positive stories of such transformative programmes that benefit people.

Prayoga Institute of Education Research is a research institute working at the grassroots level to empower schools, teachers, and students, and resolve some of the most complex problems in Indian education through rigorous research and social impact initiatives to nurture the next generation of researchers. To learn more, visit https://www.prayoga.org.in/.

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