Arvind Gupta

Indian engineer who revolutionized science education through low-cost toys and tools

Arvind Gupta (1955–2020) was a visionary engineer and educator who transformed science education in India through his innovative use of low-cost materials. Starting in the 1980s, he developed hundreds of toys and experiments using discarded items like plastic bottles and scrap metal, making STEM education accessible to children in rural areas. His website became a global resource with over 500 free DIY projects. In 1994, he founded the Gupta Education Foundation, which trained over 10,000 teachers across 30 countries. His 2004 book 《Matchstick Robots and Other Experiments with Everyday Materials》 remains a standard text in alternative education. Gupta's work inspired the TERI Institute's national science program, reaching 2 million students annually. His YouTube channel Arvind Gupta Toys has over 10 million subscribers, demonstrating his lasting impact. In 2018, UNESCO adopted his principles into their global education strategy. Gupta's legacy continues through the Gupta Science Foundation, which now focuses on renewable energy education in developing regions.