IAS officer Dr. Sarveshwar Bhure has embarked on a path to empower the underprivileged girls in Raipur district through economic empowerment. With this aim, he recently unveiled ‘Coding Pathshala,’ a transformative coding and artificial intelligence (AI) training programme, in the district. Inspired by the remarkable work of Navgurukul, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing advanced programming and AI training in underserved communities, Dr. Bhure wants to break the chains of poverty, empower the girls, and also fuel software startups in the region.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Bhure who is the District Collector, Raipur gave details about the coding initiative.
CODING PATHSHALA
The idea for Coding Pathshala came from a conversation with a fellow IIT Delhi alumnus, who introduced Dr. Bhure to Abhishek, the co-founder of Navgurukul. Witnessing the impactful work done by Navgurukul, Dr. Bhure felt compelled to bring similar opportunities to the girls of Raipur. The programme’s goal is not only to provide cutting-edge technical education but also to enhance communication skills, English proficiency, and overall personality development among the participants.
ADMISSION & CURRICULUM
The officer informed that the admission to Coding Pathshala involves a rigorous three-stage process, including a written screening test, an academic interview, and a culture-fit interview. “To ensure the success of the graduates, we are committed to providing post-training support, including internship and 100% job placement,” he said.
The curriculum focuses on software programming and web development, aligning with industry needs. The teaching methods are innovative, with each girl receiving a personal laptop for tailored learning. Graduates from prestigious institutions like IIT and NIT have been roped in to teach specialized modules, enhancing the overall learning experience.
“Coding Pathshala addresses the gender gap prevalent in the technology industry by providing opportunities and skills to underprivileged girls,” Mr. Bhure shared. By empowering these young minds, the program aims to increase their representation in the technology sector, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTION
However, the initiative faced some challenges, primarily in creating awareness about the programme and authenticating its credibility, especially since it is a residential initiative. “Also, to put merit first, we had to screen nearly 5000 students across multiple sessions. This also became an uphill task,” Dr. Bhure said.
Overcoming these hurdles required a collaborative effort involving various governmental bodies, including the Collector office, Nagar Nigam Commissioner office, and the ZP office. The support of Block Education Officers and employment officers was crucial in ensuring the success of the programme.
REPLICATION
Dr. Bhure’s initiative also paves the way for replication in other districts of Chhattisgarh. He said that the key lies in collaborative efforts between local authorities, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, coupled with dedicated resources and unwavering commitment.
With Coding Pathshala leading the way, the future of underprivileged girls in Raipur and, potentially, across the state looks brighter, as it promises economic independence and a path towards a thriving career in the technology sector.
