Hewlett-Packard India and Rotary International District 3190 have announced the expansion of Project SANKYA to include the creation of a virtual network connecting schools, teachers and children.

The backbone of SANKYA is an HP-Rotary hub that will connect numerous government and unaided schools through computers deployed under HP's reuse program. This knowledge centre will facilitate the dissemination of information and knowledge to thousands of school-going children.

Plans involve connecting over 500 schools to the knowledge centre in the first phase of the project itself.  The proposed initiative will utilise the existing computer network and will include creating pre-recorded virtual class room sessions delivered by some of the best teachers available. Additionally, the project will also identify and deploy laboratory simulation packages that will either compensate the lack of good laboratory infrastructure in many schools or supplement existing infrastructure in others.

Bina Raj Debur, country manager, Corporate Marketing, HP India, said, "HP is committed to making the benefits of technology accessible to all people as a means to live, work and thrive. Through SANKYA, we hope to promote educational opportunities and strengthen organisations like Rotary that are addressing long-term societal needs."

"There is a large section of children, who do not have access to a standard school environment with good teaching facilities," said Rtn Mohan Ramanathan, chairman, Sankya. "Sankya will bring in a sea change in their learning, awareness and behaviour. Sankya provides the ideal environment where the government, industry and NGOs can collaborate".

HP India has been actively involved in programmes that reinforce its commitment to increasing access to information technology, environmental responsibility and social investment in the community. HP believes that education is essential to economic development and to creating prosperous communities.