Meerut's Prashant Chaudhary Wins ₹10 Lakh National Award for Teaching Coding to 3.5 Lakh Rural Students

# Meerut's Prashant Chaudhary Wins ₹10 Lakh National Award for Teaching Coding to 3.5 Lakh Rural Students **NEW DELHI, November 2, 2026:** Technology educator Prashant Chaudhary has received the fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for his contribution to rural development through technology education. Chaudhary, who founded the CodeYogi Foundation, was awarded ₹10 lakh for his initiative to make coding and artificial intelligence education accessible to students in rural communities. ### Reaching Students Through Smartphones The CodeYogi initiative uses smartphones to teach technology skills, allowing students to learn coding without requiring expensive computers, specialised laboratories or access to trained teachers. According to the reported figures, the programme has reached more than 3.5 lakh students across nine states and 120 districts. ### From a Village Near Meerut to IIT Delhi Chaudhary was reportedly the first person from his village near Meerut to enter the Indian Institute of Technology. After gaining experience in the technology sector, he turned his attention towards improving access to digital education for students from underserved communities. His initiative focuses on making technology learning accessible through familiar devices and instruction in Indian languages. ### Recognition for Rural Development The fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize was presented to Chaudhary at a ceremony in New Delhi on October 31, 2026. The award recognises contributions to rural development and initiatives that improve opportunities for communities across India. ### Technology Education for the Next Generation The achievement highlights how digital tools can help students from rural areas explore coding, artificial intelligence and other technology skills. The initiative also demonstrates the importance of accessible learning resources in reducing the digital education gap between urban and rural communities.