Kodakandla, Telangana:
In a powerful example of youth leadership and global community engagement, Virat and Vivaan Ponugoti, Co-Captains of the BLAST Robotics Team under Keystone STEM Alliance Inc. (Pennsylvania, USA), conducted a high-impact Robotics Awareness Workshop for 165 girls at the Telangana Residential School and Junior College for Girls, Kodakandla. The initiative was organized as part of the team’s STEM2ignite Global Outreach Program, which focuses on expanding access to STEM education in underserved communities.
The interactive, hands-on workshop introduced Grade 8 and 9 students to the fundamentals of robotics, engineering, and real-world scientific applications. Students explored batteries, circuit boards, electrical engineering basics, and simple design principles through engaging demonstrations and guided activities.
“Our goal is to make STEM exciting, approachable, and empowering,” said Virat Ponugoti, Co-Captain of the BLAST Robotics Team. “When students get to touch, build, and experiment, they begin to see themselves as future engineers and innovators.”
Vivaan Ponugoti added, “Workshops like this help break barriers. We want every student—especially young girls—to feel confident that STEM careers are within their reach.”
A key highlight of the program was a telescope demonstration led by volunteers Chandu Poloju and Yeshwanth Poloju, who explained the working principles of telescopes and encouraged students to explore astronomy and space science.
“For many of these students, this was their first interaction with scientific equipment,” said Chandu Poloju. “Seeing their excitement reminded us how powerful early exposure to science can be.”
The workshop also featured an inspiring motivational address by Swapna TN, IT Program Manager at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), who urged students to dream big and pursue careers in technology and innovation.
“Your background should never limit your ambition,” Swapna TN told the students. “Believe in your abilities, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to step into fields like engineering, science, and technology. Your potential is truly limitless.”
School Principal Dileep Kumar Thammi expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, highlighting its long-term impact on students.
“Programs like this open doors for our girls,” he said. “Exposure to STEM at this age can change the trajectory of a young girl’s life, and we are grateful to the BLAST Robotics team and volunteers for bringing this opportunity to our campus.”
Special recognition was given to Dr. Kiran Dasari, whose coordination and community outreach were instrumental in organizing the workshop.
“Connecting global STEM initiatives with local schools is essential,” Dr. Dasari noted. “This program ensured that students who need such exposure the most were reached.”
The outreach reflects the broader mission of Keystone STEM Alliance Inc., a student-led nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania that works to expand access to STEM and robotics education both in the U.S. and internationally.
“We believe STEM education should be accessible to every child, regardless of geography or background,” said a spokesperson for Keystone STEM Alliance. “Through programs like STEM2ignite, we aim to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create pathways for future innovators.”
The workshop concluded with enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from students, many of whom expressed a newfound interest in robotics, science, and engineering. For the BLAST Robotics team, the event marks another milestone in their ongoing mission to inspire, educate, and uplift communities through the power of STEM.
