Mumbai: Around 200 girls from 68 schools in rural parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka participated in the Women in Science and Engineering from Rural Parts of India (WiSE) 2025 programme held at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) from May 25 to 31.
IIT-B launched the WiSE programme in 2023, led by Professor Rajesh Zele, to support rural schoolgirls in exploring careers in science and engineering.
The students stayed at Hostel 10 on IIT-B campus and followed a structured schedule of sessions and practical activities. The programme was supported by over 70 student volunteers and sponsored by the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society and IIT-B.
Each day began with talks by professionals from various fields. Speakers included stuntwoman Geeta Tandon, Army officer Major Mohini Kulkarni, Olympian Aparna Popat, Judge Laxmi Rao, psychiatrist Dr Jahanvi Kedare, researcher Kalyani Deopujari, and others who spoke about their career paths and personal experiences.
In the afternoons, students participated in Break-Make-Program (BMP) activities using kits developed by aiCAS Lab. They worked on basic electrical circuits, FM radios, sensor-based systems, and later assembled a remote-controlled Crab Rover Robot, introducing them to concepts in electronics and mechanical engineering.
The girls also viewed student-led projects such as prosthetic robotic arms, autonomous underwater vehicles, and bacterial growth-based illustrations. On May 30, the students organised a felicitation event with cultural performances to thank volunteers and organisers.
IIT-B Director Professor Shireesh Kedare addressed the students, stating, “If you think with your hands and act from your brain, nothing is beyond your reach.”
To ensure continued support, IIT-B will mentor the participants through online platforms and hold quarterly follow-ups involving teachers and parents. The technical kits used during the programme have been provided to the participating schools to extend the programme’s reach.
