For 16-year-old Aarush Pancholi, a native of Gujarat studying in Dubai, a volunteer visit to Kerala turned into a defining moment. During a trip with his robotics institute, he visited Jyothis Special School and Therapy Centre in Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, where the struggles of children with learning and developmental disabilities deeply moved him.

Back in Dubai, the Class 11 student decided to act. Through the Safe Foundation — a non-profit he founded in 2022 — Aarush raised ₹10 lakh to set up a smart learning lab at the school. The facility, launched in October, integrates Virtual Reality (VR), interactive classrooms, and other digital tools that help children enhance their motor and cognitive skills.

"It was during that visit that I realised how privileged I am and how much responsibility we have to support those who don't share the same opportunities," Aarush told Onmanorama. "It's not just about Kerala or India — it's about helping children everywhere.''

Aarush, originally from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, has been studying and living in Dubai, where he is part of Unique World Robotics, a STEM education centre that promotes hands-on learning. The idea for the smart lab took shape during a volunteer project his team undertook in Kerala between July and August. "I had visited schools before, but this was my first time at a special school," Aarush recalls. "In regular schools, we provide robotics kits. But here, we wanted to do something that could truly make a difference.''

Encouraged by his mentors, parents, and peers, Aarush led a crowdfunding campaign through the Safe Foundation, raising ₹13 lakh with contributions from students and families across Dubai. Of this, ₹10 lakh was used to build the new lab at Jyothis School.

The Smart Learning Lab is designed for children with autism, down syndrome, and other developmental challenges. It combines VR, smart classroom features, and an interactive wall that turns lessons into multi-sensory experiences. Students can explore nature, social situations, and science concepts in 3D — activities that improve focus, reduce anxiety, and boost confidence. Teachers can customise lessons using visuals, sounds, and touch-based tasks while tracking individual progress.

"For children with visual impairments, we've included sound-based cues," says Aarush. "The idea is to make every wall interactive and every activity joyful." Installed with the support of Unique World Robotics, the lab supports communication, focus, and sensory development while providing teachers with tools for inclusive education.

Bansan Thomas George, founder and CEO of Unique World Robotics, says the initiative grew from his students' curiosity. "One of our students suggested supporting schools that lack access to modern learning tools. We started visiting Kerala during summer breaks to set up labs and provide coaching in regular schools — the first one was in Varkala," he says. "When we later visited Jyothis School and understood the children's needs, we realised how much immersive technology could help in therapy and learning.''

The school began using the lab just a week ago. "Some students have already shown great interest, while others are still exploring," says Father Vinod Esow, director of Jyothis School. "We're introducing it gradually, as a reward for students who complete their daily lessons. Since it's a virtual setup, we're also studying its effects closely to ensure children don't develop overdependence.''

Arush now plans to expand the Safe Foundation's reach globally, aiming to support 50 to 100 schools — starting with India. Backed by his parents, Pallav and Aashita Pancholi, and sister Ishani, he hopes to inspire other young people to contribute. "In the UAE alone, there are over 1,300 schools and more than a million students. If each of us helps a little, we can bring real change," he says.