Bridging Rural Roots with Future Tech
What happens when tradition meets tech? Magic.
And that’s exactly what Akal Academy, a network of 130 value-based schools across rural Punjab, is creating. In an epic move to future-proof young minds, the academies have launched an ambitious Artificial Intelligence (AI) education program—right in the heart of Punjab’s villages.
Backed by global AI trailblazer Dr. Sandeep Singh Sandha, a US-returned genius with roots in Punjab, the initiative was officially blessed by Dr. Davinder Singh, President of Kalgidhar Trust, during a special ceremony in village Jiwan Arian.
Empowering the Future: From Grade VII to XII
Starting in the academic year 2025–26, more than 15,000 students across 100+ Akal Academies will dive into futuristic fields like AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, Drones, and 3D Printing. This next-gen curriculum isn’t just about theory—it’s real-world, hands-on learning with one-on-one mentorship from none other than Dr. Sandha, an IIT Roorkee alumnus and Ph.D. holder in AI from UCLA.
Think of it as coding + creativity + compassion. The perfect blend for today’s young changemakers.
Mentored by a Silicon Valley Pro
“We’re beyond grateful to Dr. Sandha for choosing to guide our students in emerging tech,” said Dr. Neelam Kaur, Advisor for Education and Health, Kalgidhar Trust. “This collaboration aligns beautifully with our mission to combine spiritual values with practical, future-forward education.”
With over a decade in Silicon Valley, Dr. Sandha has led high-impact AI research at Amazon, IBM, Oracle, ARM, and more. One of his biggest tech flexes? The Mango Library—a tool that’s now used in commercial CPUs powering smartphones like Samsung and iPhone.
Yep, the guy who helped build the tech in your phone is now building futures in Punjab.
From Silicon Valley to Sangrur: A Journey of Purpose
After achieving global recognition, Dr. Sandha chose to come back to his roots in January 2025. His goal? Simple but powerful—to bring world-class AI education to village classrooms through his Punjab AI-Excellence Programme. He’s not just mentoring school kids, but also advising IITs across India on how to make AI more accessible.
In a heartfelt chat with Dr. Davinder Singh, he said:
AI is the future—and Punjab’s students deserve to be part of it. Whether it’s farming, healthcare, or education—AI is shaping everything. We can’t afford to wait.
The Power Couple Fueling Dreams
And he’s not doing it alone. His wife, Dr. Inderjot Kaur, a Ph.D. and postdoc from Mississippi State University, is also on a mission. She’s helping rural students crack their path to international education and universities abroad. Together, this dream duo left behind high-paying jobs in the US to give back to their homeland.
Rural Classrooms, Global Vision
With this initiative, Akal Academies are rewriting the story of rural education. Imagine kids controlling drones, programming robots, and dreaming of tech careers—all while staying grounded in their values and culture.
This is not just education. This is a revolution. And it’s only just beginning.
Who says only cities get the cool stuff? Thanks to Akal Academies and visionaries like Dr. Sandha, Punjab’s rural youth are stepping into the future—with tradition in their hearts and technology in their hands.
Be a Part of the Change!
Volunteer With Us
Are you passionate about education, technology, or making a difference in rural lives? Join hands with Akal Academies as a volunteer and help us mentor the next generation of tech leaders rooted in values. Whether you’re an educator, techie, student, or simply someone who cares—your skills can spark a revolution.
Become a Volunteer: https://barusahib.org/
Enroll Your Child at Akal Academy
Looking for a school that blends value-based education with futuristic learning like AI, Robotics, and more?
Akal Academy is the place where dreams meet discipline and innovation thrives in every classroom.
Admissions Open for 2025–26
Grades: Nursery to XII, visit your nearest Akal Academy campus!
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