Mysore/Mysuru: Rotary Club of Mysore West felicitated K.S. Madhusudan, Primary School Teacher at Govt. Higher Primary School in Hinkal, Mysuru,  on receiving the National Teachers Award – 2025 from the President of India Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.

One among the 45 recipients, he was selected for the Award for transforming a Government Primary School  in Hinkal into a hands-on innovation hub where students experiment with robotics, drones, 3D printing and AI tools.

Club President Rtn. Devraj, Hon. Secretary Rtn. Rudresh, Rtn. (Prof.) K.C. Belliappa and Rtn. C.R. Hanumanth did the honours on behalf of the Rotary Club of Mysore West. Members of the Club and Teachers of Rotary Mysore West Schools attended the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Madhusudan focussed on his life’s mission of transforming Primary Education in the country. The idea was born out of his vision to create a space where innovation meets curiosity. He noticed that children understood concepts better when they experimented  created on their own.

Towards achieving the mission, he started in 2019 what he called a C-Lounge (Camp, Create, Celebrate) within the Govt. Primary School in Hinkal, from his own resources/funds to give students a hands-on  learning space beyond textbooks. 

He was able to set it up completely by 2023. The facility allows children to experiment with robotics, drones, and AI while working on real-world projects like grey water purification systems, etc. C-Lounge integrates  STEM education and ensures that every child, regardless of background, can bring their ideas to life.

Through this initiative his students participated and excelled in District, State and National level exhibitions, winning recognition for projects, sustainability and water purification.

His work transformed the lives of many students including those from rural and marginalised backgrounds. Under his mentorship children once at risk of dropping out continued their studies with confidence, while others have gone on to higher education and international careers in technology.

Despite limited infrastructure, he has creatively overcome challenges by re-purposing materials and building partnerships with NGOs and technology providers.

His vision is to expand C-Lounge into a Community Innovation Hub that will equip both students and village youth with 21st century skills.