Param Foundation: Driving Subject Fluidity and Innovation in India’s Educational Transformation

Param Foundation: Driving Subject Fluidity and Innovation in India’s Educational Transformation

 By Inavamsi Enaganti, Director, Param Science Centre; Ganesh Prasad, Deputy Director Science Centre; and Debayan Ghosh, Head of Marketing, Param Foundation 

India is on the brink of significant transformation, and learning is playing a critical role in this journey. The Param Foundation is at the forefront of this change, with a focus on experiential design, hands-on learning, and fostering innovation. Central to our efforts is driving subject fluidity through the Param Science & Cultural Centre (PSCC) — a space that integrates science, art, history, and culture into one immersive learning environment. By working with local communities and nurturing entrepreneurial ventures, we aim to drive innovation across multiple fields and create a lasting impact.

Building a Multidisciplinary Learning Hub

The Param Foundation was established with a goal to create a space where knowledge could flow seamlessly across different fields. Traditional education often isolates subjects, but we set out to dismantle these silos and promote a multidisciplinary approach. At the heart of this vision is providing learners with hands-on experiences that encourage critical thinking, problem- solving, and collaboration across diverse areas of knowledge.

Our motivation is simple: to drive innovation and creativity through real-world learning. Education should allow individuals to explore, experiment, and make meaningful contributions to society. Whether through scientific discovery, cultural immersion, or creative expression, we are focused on developing the problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow.

The Param Experience Centre: Transforming Learning Through Immersive Experience

The Param Experience Centre embodies this vision. It’s a one-of-a-kind facility where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of interactive learning that spans multiple disciplines. This centre is designed to engage individuals with immersive experiences that cut across science, history, and the arts, providing something for everyone.

At Param Experience Centre, we bring learning to life through three distinct verticals: Science, History, and Culture, each designed to provide immersive, hands-on experiences.

Param Science Centre is dedicated to making science a lifestyle through immersive, interactive experiences. Its vision is to build a global community that lives and breathes science by encouraging curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. With a mission to weave science into daily life, Param offers engaging exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities. Inspired by the Pancha Bhootas, Param embraces values like integrity, quality, and innovation while partnering with top institutions and industries to create a dynamic ecosystem. The flagship Param Science Experience Centre in Bengaluru, along with mobile and city centres, will redefine how people view science. By fostering community-driven innovation and offering access to underprivileged students, Param aims to inspire the next generation innovators.

The History vertical offers immersive displays that bring key historical milestones to life, complemented by captivating narratives and documentaries that highlight significant moments from both Indian and world history. In the Culture vertical, dynamic live performances celebrate the diversity of Indian traditions through music, dance, and theatre, while cultural exhibits and workshops offer deep dive into the rich heritage of India and the world.

Together, these verticals create a holistic learning environment that fosters curiosity, exploration, and discovery.

The Param Experience Centre, which is set to open in 2025 on Magadi Road, Bengaluru, will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• A 3000-seat auditorium with exclusive VIP lounges, fully accessible spaces for the differently-abled, and modular high-tech stages with retractable seating for 1100 seats.
• A triple-height atrium, banquet halls, and flexible indoor and outdoor dining areas with a capacity to accommodate up to 1000 people.
• Cutting-edge technology, including movable acoustic partition walls, a plug-and-play sound system, and concealed service trenches.
• One of the highlights of the PSCC is its auditorium’s roof, an impressive hyperbolic paraboloid shell structure spanning 100 metres by 75 metres. With a thickness of just 50mm, this innovative design utilises the latest construction technology to create a lightweight yet incredibly strong structure. The roof not only demonstrates advanced engineering but also reinforces the centre’s forward-thinking approach to architecture and design.

Working with Communities and Building Partnerships

A key pillar of the Param Foundation is community involvement. We believe that for our programmes to be truly effective, they must be rooted in the communities we serve. By collaborating with local schools, organisations, and individuals, we ensure that our initiatives are both relevant and impactful.

Our ongoing efforts to partner with prestigious institutions such as ISRO and IITs give our programmes a unique edge. While ISRO offers invaluable insights into space science, IITs provide research opportunities and mentorship that enrich our innovation labs. These collaborations are key to ensuring that the Param Experience Centre stays at the forefront of education and innovation, continually evolving to deliver the most cutting-edge experiences for our visitors.

Committing to Sustainability

Sustainability is one of our core values at the Param Experience Centre. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint by using low-cost, biodegradable materials wherever possible. Our operations adhere to the principles of “reduce, reuse, and recycle,” and we enforce a strict no-plastic-waste policy.

Visitors are encouraged to engage with our sustainability initiatives through educational programmes on environmental responsibility and the installation of recycling stations throughout the centre. Sustainability is an integral part of our operations.

Supporting Entrepreneurs

In addition to our educational initiatives, the Param Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our Innovation and Incubation Lab offers emerging entrepreneurs access to the tools, technology, and mentorship they need to bring their ideas to life. This space allows for experimentation, prototyping, and collaboration, providing a comprehensive environment for innovation.

We also connect entrepreneurs with industry mentors who offer guidance on product development, business strategy, and scaling their ventures. Additionally, Param facilitates collaborations between start-ups and research institutions, enabling entrepreneurs to tackle real-world challenges and foster progress in fields such as science and technology.

Facing Challenges and Looking Forward

Bringing the Param Experience Centre to life has not been without its challenges. One of our biggest hurdles has been securing the necessary funding to realise the full potential of the centre. Fundraising has been a key focus, and we continue to seek support from donors, corporate sponsors, and collaborators.

Another challenge has been building a network of like-minded organisations and individuals who share our vision. For the centre to remain a leader in education and innovation, we need to continuously expand our network of collaborators.

Looking ahead, we have ambitious goals. By 2025 and beyond, we plan to expand the Param Experience Centre to other parts of India, and eventually, internationally. We believe the transdisciplinary model we’ve built has global relevance, and we aim to make it accessible to a wider audience.

At the same time, we are committed to evolving the centre’s programmes and exhibits to stay ahead of technological advancements and societal needs. Our focus is on positioning the Param Experience Centre as a leader in immersive, hands-on learning.

Shaping the Future

India is on the cusp of immense growth, and the Param Foundation is proud to be part of this journey toward educational and societal transformation. The Param Experience Centre is a hub of creativity, collaboration, and learning. By empowering communities, supporting entrepreneurs, and embracing sustainability, we are building a foundation for a better future. Param Foundation aims to create a transformative impact in every individual’s life, by creating a collaborative community of innovation and creativity. Apart from providing a platform for talented individuals, our learning ecosystem also empowers teachers and trains aspiring students through our 360-degree learning ecosystem.

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: inspire curiosity, drive innovation, and create opportunities for individuals to thrive in an increasingly complex world.