About

The roots of the Science & Innovation Activity Centre (SIAC) lie in the inspiring journey of the Agricultural Development Trust (ADT), Baramati, founded in 1971 by Hon. Sharad Chandraji Pawar. The story began much earlier, when famine and drought plagued Baramati in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Limited irrigation projects such as the Nira Left Bank Canal and the Bhatghar Dam benefited only a few villages, leaving many others in distress. Humanitarian efforts by CASA volunteers Miss Hessel Skues and Miss Edna Wazar brought immediate relief, while Sharad Pawar envisioned long-term solutions through water conservation. His pioneering “Food for Work” initiative in 1967 led to the construction of percolation tanks, transforming water availability across the region.
Building on these foundations, ADT expanded rapidly with international support and the adoption of modern irrigation, mechanization, and scientific farming. Under the leadership of Appasaheb Pawar, the Trust established a 110-acre demonstration farm, promoting fertigation, horticulture, and sustainable practices. Over time, the Trust diversified into dairy, poultry, nurseries, agri-processing, and women’s education through the Shardanagar Education Complex, which today educates thousands of girls.

At ADT, we believe that empowering farmers, educating youth, and fostering innovation are the pillars of sustainable progress for our communities and the nation.

Carrying forward this legacy, Rajendra Pawar and Sunanda Pawar have further expanded ADT’s vision into education, technology, and global collaborations. It is from this tradition of resilience and innovation that SIAC has emerged.
Today, SIAC acts as a hub for STEM education, entrepreneurship, and innovation, offering facilities such as AR/VR labs, robotics, 3D printing, and the Innovation Hub. Its mission is to ignite curiosity, supplement classroom learning, and empower students, teachers, and entrepreneurs to think creatively and solve real-world challenges.
From famine relief to future-ready learning, SIAC represents the evolution of a community’s vision — turning adversity into opportunity and progress.