Mangaluru: In order to ignite scientific curiosity among rural children, who are also first-generation learners, a charitable trust, with the help of an IT firm based in the city, launched ‘Code Craft Science Mela-Empowering Rural Talents Through Science’.In a region where science exhibitions are rarely accessible to rural govt and aided schools, this mela aims to be a breakthrough. It aims for 600 models to be presented across rural taluks in the coming days in the district.It is organised by Akanksha Charitable Trust, in partnership with CodeCraft Technologies, under their CSR initiative. Jobin Joseph PJ, programme coordinator from CodeCraft Technologies, addressing the reporters on Thursday, said the mela plans to reach over 35 rural schools and more than 8,000 students across Dakshina Kannada. The mela provides a vibrant platform for students to design and present working science models under the theme ‘Science for a Better Life’.The mela has already been started in several schools with positive outcomes. Joseph said that it was launched a few weeks ago, and so far, competitions were held in 30 schools with 600 student participants. About 60 winners were already selected for the upcoming district-level event. “We have witnessed collaboration between school staff, local education officials, and community volunteers to make the mela a successful one,” he added. “We believe access to quality education is not a privilege, but a right. Equal education lays the foundation for a just and empowered society, enabling every child—regardless of background—to thrive.”The mela was inaugurated at a school in the quiet village of Kadandale. On that day, 37 exhibits came alive, with models that spoke of clean energy, simple machines, water filters, disaster warning systems, and more. Each project reflected a unique spark of creativity, nurtured not in private labs or elite classrooms, but in modest village schools. The mela will culminate in a grand finale at the district level, where outstanding models will be awarded scholarships and recognition, not just for innovation, but for courage, effort, and potential, according to Shreesha Bhat, founder and managing trustee of the trust. “The mela is a joint effort to empower rural children with opportunities they truly deserve. By making science engaging and approachable, we are sowing seeds of curiosity that will grow into lifelong learning,” he added.Govt and aided rural schools in Dakshina Kannada can register a week in advance by contacting 88619 32512 / 94837 68512.
