Humble Beginnings in Kota

The story of the ISCI Foundation began not with grand plans but in the unassuming environment of an engineering college in Kota, Rajasthan. The year was 2009, and three ambitious students—Sweta, Mohit, and Sony—were immersed in their studies. Sweta and Sony pursued Electronics and Communication Engineering, while Mohit specialized in Mechanical Engineering. Kota, renowned as a hub of academic excellence, was where dreams took shape for many students. However, amidst the rigorous academic schedule, the trio noticed cracks in the system—cracks that would ultimately inspire their life's work. Their computer lab became a microcosm of a larger problem. While working on assignments, they discovered that nearly 80% of their peers were handling a computer for the first time. Basic tasks were a struggle for many, and fundamental concepts, which should have been second nature by then, were glaringly absent.One striking incident involved a simple programming assignment to determine whether a given year was a leap year. While the task seemed straightforward to some, many classmates didn’t even understand the concept of a leap year. This wasn’t just a programming gap; it exposed a deep-rooted flaw in the educational foundation of these students.

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The Mathematics Epiphany

Mohit, often seen as a free spirit when it came to academics, offered a fresh perspective on education. Mathematics, often dreaded by students, was not his forte in the traditional sense. After every exam, he would humorously predict his failure, only to scrape by with boundary marks. Yet, Mohit's understanding of math transcended grades—it was about applying it to solve real-life problems. His philosophy was simple: "If you can frame the right equation, any mathematician can solve it for you." This ability to identify practical applications of abstract concepts would later influence ISCI Foundation's approach to education—learning by doing and solving real-world problems.

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The Entrepreneurial Spark

In their third year, the trio ventured into uncharted territory. They decided to form a company—an audacious move in 2009, when entrepreneurship was still an unconventional choice for engineering students. Their mission was to train fellow students to use engineering knowledge to address real-world challenges.

This endeavor was not without resistance. Professors doubted their motives, parents worried about their stability, and societal norms questioned their unconventional approach. Yet, Sweta, Mohit, and Sony stood firm, united by a vision that would soon transcend the confines of engineering education.

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The Shift in Focus

Over time, their focus expanded. They realized the challenges they observed weren’t limited to higher education but were rooted in the very foundation of India’s education system. The traditional model was designed to produce students who could ace exams but often failed to equip them with practical skills or foster curiosity.

Disillusionment, boredom, and disengagement were pervasive. Students were losing faith in the relevance of their education. It was clear: a radical shift was necessary marking HERE ;

The Birth of ISCI Foundation

By 2018, the trio had nurtured a new vision—a fully residential school unlike any other. The school would immerse students in real-life problems as the starting point of their learning journey. Mentors would guide them through challenges, and only then would classroom concepts be introduced, ensuring relevance and fostering creativity. The school was to be named the Indian School of Creative Innovation, a nod to their dream of redefining education. To meet legal requirements, they established ISCI Foundation as a non-profit organization in September 2019. At the time, this was merely a formality to facilitate their school’s operations. Little did they know, ISCI Foundation would take on a life of its own.

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Pandemic: A Catalyst for Change

In 2020, as the world grappled with the pandemic, the plans for the residential school came to a halt. With schools across the globe struggling to stay afloat, launching a new educational institution seemed unwise. 

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Expanding Horizons: From Education to Empowerment

ISCI Foundation began addressing broader societal issues, starting with educational initiatives but quickly expanding to include healthcare, environmental sustainability, and community welfare. Their programs ranged from health awareness camps and menstrual hygiene education to tree plantation drives and book distribution in underserved areas. The Challenges Along the Way :-

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• Financial Constraints

Starting an NGO without prior experience and limited resources posed a monumental challenge. They relied on personal savings, donations, and the goodwill of friends and family to fund their initiatives.

• Skepticism and Doubt

Society's skepticism about their motives and abilities was a constant obstacle. Many questioned their lack of experience in the non-profit sector. However, the trio's resilience and commitment silenced critics over time.

• Navigating Uncharted Territory

The administrative and legal aspects of running an NGO were unfamiliar terrain. From understanding compliance requirements to establishing a sustainable operational model, every step involved a steep learning curve.

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The Evolution of ISCI Foundation

What began as a vision for a school evolved into a mission to uplift and empower communities. Today, ISCI Foundation’s work spans multiple domains:

• Education: Bridging gaps in foundational knowledge and fostering creativity through workshops and STEM programs.

• Healthcare: Conducting anemia awareness drives, health camps, and menstrual hygiene programs.

• Environment: Organizing tree plantation drives and promoting urban greenery.

• Community Welfare: Distributing clothes, food, and books to underprivileged communities.

A Beacon of Hope

The story of ISCI Foundation is a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and perseverance. From humble beginnings in Kota to navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Sweta, Mohit, and Sony turned obstacles into opportunities, creating an organization that embodies their belief in the transformative power of education and community-driven initiatives.

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The Road Ahead

ISCI Foundation is not just an organization; it is a movement—one that aims to inspire others to take action, regardless of their background or experience. With branches across Gwalior, Morena, Daman, Vapi, Agra, and Dholpur, the foundation continues to expand its reach, touching lives and transforming communities.

Their journey reminds us that real change begins with a simple idea, nurtured by determination and the courage to dream big. As ISCI Foundation moves forward, it remains steadfast in its mission: to build a more equitable, innovative, and compassionate world, one initiative at a time.