A 17-year-old student from Mumbai has launched a transformative initiative in Jammu and Kashmir to foster interest in robotics and coding among school students, bridging the gap between theory and practice in science and technology education.
Arav Kaul, a student of Dhirubhai Ambani International School and an internationally acclaimed robotics champion, has spearheaded 'Project Zul' — a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programme designed to ignite curiosity and innovation among students in Classes 9 and 10.
“The initiative seeks to foster innovation and technological growth in the region, empowering young minds with practical knowledge for the future,” Arav said
He explained that the programme offers hands-on experience in microcontroller programming and aims to demystify robotics for students, particularly in government schools.
Arav’s efforts have found appreciation at the highest level, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha commending the project during a recent meeting. The Governor described the initiative as being in harmony with Jammu and Kashmir’s aspirations for youth empowerment and technological advancement.
"Robotics is more than technology — it’s about problem-solving and creative thinking," Arav said, underlining his objective of making STEM education accessible and engaging. He has so far conducted teacher-training sessions in 15 schools — both government and private — through in-person and online formats, equipping educators to deliver the content effectively in classrooms.
Teachers have responded enthusiastically to the programme.
“We require more such initiatives to enhance our technical and practical capabilities, enabling us to better engage our students,” said Anupama Sharma of Jammu Sanskriti School. Minakshi Gupta from Delhi Public School added, “I found creating circuits incredibly rewarding. This project offers students a unique approach to learning.”
What sets Project Zul apart is its resourcefulness. Arav has distributed Arduino kits free of cost to ensure students have the necessary tools to build functional machines. These kits, which enable students to experiment with sensors, circuitry, and embedded coding, have reached over 1,000 students across the region.
“Since its inception, I have conducted comprehensive training sessions for teachers from 15 government and private schools, both in-person and online, empowering them to teach robotics effectively,” Arav said.
Sessions held through March and April cover everything from fundamental circuit building to more complex programming. A final showcase is scheduled later this month, where students will present their own inventions, ranging from functional devices to imaginative solutions addressing real-world problems.
"The groundwork for Project Zul began in February when Arav reached out to multiple schools across Jammu and Kashmir, garnering enthusiastic participation from educators,” the report added. “Schools eagerly accepted the opportunity, receiving kits, curriculum plans, and ongoing guidance. For students, this initiative provides a rare chance to bridge theoretical knowledge with hands-on experimentation.”
Beyond academic achievement, Arav hopes to cultivate a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among the region’s youth. The programme's success has already prompted him to seek new partnerships — with schools, educators, donors, and technologists — to extend its reach further.
He is currently calling for donations of laptops, dedicated learning spaces, and volunteers to support the upcoming innovation showcase.
For Arav, whose father hails from Jammu and Kashmir, the project carries a personal resonance. “My father inspired me to begin here,” he said. “I want these students to see the endless possibilities.”
With growing school participation and a positive reception from educators, Project Zul appears set to kindle a long-lasting enthusiasm for STEM among the young learners of the Union Territory.
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