A new STEM program, Project Zūl, is bringing robotics and coding to students in Jammu and Kashmir, thanks to the vision of 17-year-old Arav Kaul, a Class 11 student from Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai.
Launched this spring, the initiative equips teens in grades 9 and 10 with hands-on skills in microcontroller programming, aiming to spark innovation in a region eager for technological growth.
The initiative has also received a commendation from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting its alignment with the region’s vision for technological transformation and youth empowerment.
Arav, an international robotics champion who has competed for India at global stages like FIRST, Robotex, and MakeX, kicked off Project Zūl to share his passion with students in the Union Territory, a place close to his heart due to his father’s roots there.
Over the past few months, he’s trained teachers from 15 government and private schools—both in-person and online—arming them with the know-how to teach robotics. He’s also handed out free Arduino kits, ensuring students have the tools to build real machines. His efforts have reached a cumulative student base of over 1000 students across the region.
The program, now in full swing, runs weekly sessions through March and April, guiding teachers and students through the basics of circuits, sensors, and coding, all the way to designing their own projects. A final showcase later this month will let them display their creations, from functional gadgets to innovative solutions.
“Robotics isn’t just about tech—it’s about solving problems and thinking creatively,” Kaul said, explaining his goal to make STEM accessible and fun. Teachers have embraced the training, calling it engaging and practical, and are now passing those skills on to their classrooms.
Miss Anupama Sharma from Jammu Sanskriti School commented, “We need more such projects to improve our technical and practical skills so that we can indulge our students in this in a better way.”
Miss Minakshi Gupta from DPS added, “I really enjoyed creating a circuit. It is really an amazing project that will give students a different approach to learning.”
The project started taking shape in February when Arav reached out to multiple schools across Jammu and Kashmir and lined up educators eager to join. The schools jumped at the chance, and since then, they’ve received kits, lesson plans, and ongoing support. For students, it’s a rare opportunity to bridge textbook theory with real-world tinkering.
Beyond the classroom, Project Zūl is building a ripple effect. Participating schools are fostering a culture of innovation, and Kaul hopes it’s just the beginning. He’s now calling for more partners—schools, tech-savvy educators, and community backers—to expand the effort. Laptops, learning spaces, and help promoting the showcase are on his wishlist.
For Arav, it’s personal. “My dad inspired me to start here,” he said. “I want these students to see what’s possible.” With sessions underway, more schools joining in, and a buzz growing, Project Zūl could be the spark that lights up STEM for a new generation in Jammu and Kashmir.
