Dr. Shreesha Bhat

Ganesh Hegde

Punit Ravindra

Shivakumari B.

Smrithi Hebbar

Akanksha Charitable Trust

Recognition from RDPR, Govt. of Karnataka for Grantha Mitra

Across 10 rural schools in Puttur, Team ACT runs a targeted academic intervention designed for one clear purpose: making sure students in grades 4-7 don't fall permanently behind on the fundamentals.

The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) Program focuses specifically on learners with baseline scores below 50%. Rather than a one-time push, it follows a structured Baseline-Midline-Endline assessment model -- tracking each student's progress at three points across the program, so teaching can adapt to where a child actually is, not where the curriculum assumes they should be.

This kind of foundational work rarely makes headlines, but it is the base everything else -- from ACT's Grantha Mithra initiative to its youth leadership programs -- is eventually built on. A student who can read confidently and do basic arithmetic by grade 7 has a real shot at everything that follows.

Closing the Learning Gap: Inside ACT's Foundational Literacy Program

In 2022, Akanksha Charitable Trust partnered with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department, Government of Karnataka, to launch Grantha Mithra -- a mentoring and skill-based initiative delivered through Arivu Kendras at the Gram Panchayat level.

What started as a single collaboration has since scaled to reach more than 110 Gram Panchayats. The model has been formally recognized by the Hon'ble Minister for Panchayat Raj and ITBT, Government of Karnataka, for its impact and community relevance -- a rare validation for a program that began with a small trust based in Puttur.

Grantha Mithra sits alongside ACT's broader body of work reaching more than 25,000 rural students and youth across five districts of Karnataka, supported by a network of 250+ volunteers. It is, in many ways, the clearest example of ACT's founding belief: that knowledge, shared consistently and structurally, compounds.

From One Trust to 110+ Gram Panchayats: The Grantha Mithra Story

What began in June 2025 as a small spark grew into a five-month initiative that Team ACT now describes as Dakshina Kannada's largest rural science initiative -- the CodeCraft Science Fair, run in partnership with CodeCraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

By its grand finale in November 2025, the programme had brought together students from over 46 schools, giving rural students hands-on exposure to science and technology that many would otherwise never encounter.

The Science Fair follows the same pattern as ACT's other flagship initiatives, from Belaku's hands-on Physics and Chemistry experiments to the Tech Spark Summer Camp's STEM immersion: practical, experiential learning delivered directly in rural schools, not as an occasional add-on but as a sustained, multi-month commitment.

How a Small Spark Became Dakshina Kannada's Largest Rural Science Fair

Support the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) Program, strengthening core literacy and numeracy skills among grade 4-7 students across 10 rural schools in Puttur, using a structured Baseline-Midline-Endline model for learners scoring below 50%.

Fund Foundational Literacy for Rural Karnataka

Grantha Mithra, run with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Karnataka, has already reached 110+ Gram Panchayats through Arivu Kendras. Help extend this recognized model to more rural communities.

Expand Grantha Mithra Across Gram Panchayats

Fund career counseling sessions run in collaboration with several colleges, helping rural students navigate the critical transition from school to career with guidance and support.

Support Career Counseling for Rural Youth

Support Team ACT's work wherever it's needed most across our education and youth programs.

Strengthen core literacy and numeracy skills among grade 4-7 students across rural Puttur schools.

Mentoring and skill-based activities delivered in partnership with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Govt. of Karnataka.

Guidance and support for students navigating the critical transition from school to career.

National and state-level youth conferences and workshops on Sustainable Development Goals and leadership.

Our recent initiative focused on distributing essential sanitary napkin menstrual kits to young girls residing in the slum areas of Uttam Nagar, Delhi. Recognizing the critical need for menstrual hygiene products and education, especially among underprivileged communities, our team organized a comprehensive distribution drive targeting government school students.The event successfully reached approximately 500 girls, providing them with not only the necessary hygiene products but also vital information on menstrual health. This effort aims to combat period poverty, reduce school absenteeism among girls, and promote a healthier, more dignified experience during menstruation.We believe that access to proper menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right, and through such initiatives, we strive to empower young girls, enabling them to attend school regularly and participate fully in their education and daily lives without hindrance.

Sanitary napkin menstrual kits distributed to 500 underprivileged girls in government schools, Uttam Nagar slums, Delhi.

Our recent drive in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, focused on a crucial aspect of girls' well-being: menstrual hygiene. We successfully distributed sanitary napkin menstrual kits to approximately 500 underprivileged girls attending government schools in the slum areas. This initiative was born from the understanding that lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products and education can significantly impact a girl's health, dignity, and educational journey.The distribution event was more than just handing out kits; it was an opportunity to engage with the girls and their communities about the importance of menstrual health. Our volunteers provided basic information and answered questions, helping to break down stigmas often associated with menstruation in many communities. We aimed to create an environment where girls felt comfortable and informed about their bodies.

Empowering Girls Through Hygiene

The provision of sanitary napkins directly addresses period poverty, a significant barrier to education for many girls. Without access to these products, girls often miss school during their menstrual cycles, leading to academic setbacks and increased dropout rates. By ensuring they have the necessary supplies, we are helping them maintain consistent attendance and focus on their studies without interruption.This initiative contributes to the overall well-being of the girls, fostering a sense of confidence and normalcy during a natural biological process. We are committed to continuing our efforts to support the health and education of young girls in vulnerable communities, believing that every girl deserves the chance to thrive without the added burden of inadequate menstrual hygiene.

Impact on Education and Well-being

Sanitary Napkin Distribution for Girls

Our organization successfully conducted a comprehensive free health camp in Uttam Nagar, providing essential medical services to the underprivileged community. The camp focused on early detection and prevention of common health issues, ensuring that vital health screenings were accessible to those who need them most. We believe that access to basic healthcare is a fundamental right, and initiatives like this help bridge the gap for marginalized populations.During the camp, a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers worked tirelessly to serve the attendees. Services included blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, and electrocardiograms (ECG) – all provided completely free of charge. These screenings are crucial for identifying conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart irregularities, which often go undiagnosed in underserved communities due to lack of resources and awareness.The response from the community was overwhelming, with over 500 individuals benefiting from the free check-ups and consultations. Many attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to receive medical attention without the burden of cost. This event not only provided immediate health benefits but also raised awareness about the importance of regular health check-ups and a healthy lifestyle among the residents of Uttam Nagar.

A free health camp offering BP, sugar, and ECG tests benefited over 500 underprivileged individuals in Uttam Nagar.

The health camp in Uttam Nagar offered a range of vital diagnostic services, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, and ECGs. These services are fundamental for detecting prevalent non-communicable diseases early, which is critical for effective management and prevention of severe complications. Our medical team ensured that each beneficiary received personalized attention and, where necessary, advice on follow-up care and lifestyle modifications.The provision of free ECGs was particularly impactful, as cardiac health screenings are often expensive and inaccessible for low-income families. Identifying potential heart issues early can be life-saving, and this service was greatly appreciated by the community. Our aim was to provide a holistic health assessment, empowering individuals with knowledge about their health status.

Comprehensive Health Screenings

The event saw a remarkable turnout, with over 500 underprivileged individuals from Uttam Nagar availing the free medical services. This high level of participation underscores the significant need for accessible healthcare in the area. Our volunteers played a crucial role in managing the crowd, assisting beneficiaries, and ensuring the smooth operation of the camp from registration to consultation.Beyond the immediate medical benefits, the camp fostered a sense of community and care. It provided a platform for health education, with doctors offering advice on diet, exercise, and hygiene. The positive feedback from beneficiaries reinforced the importance of such initiatives in building healthier, more resilient communities and demonstrating our commitment to their well-being.

Community Engagement and Impact

Free Health Camp in Uttam Nagar

A two-day Skill Edge Career Readiness Bootcamp covering interview skills, professional communication, resume building, LinkedIn, AI tools, career opportunities, internships, and email etiquette.

Career Readiness Boot Camp

A transformative workshop conducted at Government High School, Naravi.

Empowering Minds & Shaping Futures at GHS Naravi

A two-day experiential learning robotics workshop at Kumaraswamy Vidyalaya.

Robotics Workshop at Kumaraswamy Vidyalaya

A two-week immersive STEM learning initiative for students.

Tech Spark Summer Camp

A visual transformation of Government School, Balanja, through educational wall art.

Educational Wall Art Initiative at GHPS Balanja

ACT's free Bharatanatyam training programme for talented students, culminating in a stage performance.

Nritya Vaibhava: From a Dream to Center Stage

The grand finale of a five-month science innovation programme that began in June 2025.

Celebrating Innovation: The CodeCraft Science Mela Grand Finale

A two-day wall painting initiative transforming Government School, Balanja.

Painting Hope: A Colorful Transformation at Government School, Balanja

This program offers free computer education to underprivileged children residing in slum areas of Uttam Nagar, empowering them with essential digital skills for a brighter future.

Computer Education for Slum Children

A targeted academic intervention strengthening core literacy and numeracy skills among students in grades 4-7 across 10 rural schools in Puttur, using a structured Baseline-Midline-Endline assessment model for learners scoring below 50%.

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) Program

Conducted in collaboration with several colleges, providing guidance and support to students as they navigate the critical phase of choosing a career path.

Career Counseling Sessions

A national-level conference focused on the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations, where participants engage with like-minded peers working toward a prosperous, sustainable future.

National Youth Conference

Practical, hands-on Physics and Chemistry experiments through small experimental set-ups, helping students experience what they've been studying and explore Biology concepts directly.

Belaku

Started in collaboration with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department of the Government of Karnataka, providing mentoring and skill-based activities to strengthen foundational skills at the Gram Panchayat level.

Grantha Mithra

A two-day workshop for students and teachers covering personality development, health issues, and related topics, benefiting both groups directly.

Prerana

Tata Consumer Product

CommScope

Tata Consultancy Services

CodeCraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Vantiva India Pvt. Ltd

Medallia India Pvt Ltd

GetixHealth India Pvt Ltd

Programs focused on foundational literacy, numeracy, scholarships and access to quality education.

Programs that build leadership, career readiness and life skills among youth.

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