It's been six years since Synopsys India first partnered with Parikrma Humanity Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to build and sponsor the first comprehensive science education program offered at the Parikrma Centre Schools in Bangalore, India. Parikrma was established in 2003 to provide children from the most impoverished regions in India with a top-class English education to enable them to compete equally with children from more privileged backgrounds. Parikrma manages four Centers for Learning for 1200 children coming from 28 slums and four orphanages.

Synopsys chairman and CEO, Aart de Geus initiated the Parikrma Koramangala School in a traditional diya or candle lighting ceremony on July 10, 2006.

(L-R) Preeti Mrurgesan (Synopsys Universe 2 U Coordinator), Sharat Kaul (WWS Account Manager, Synopsys India), Pradip Dutta (Managing Director, Synopsys India), Shukla Bose (Parikrma Founder and CEO), and Aart de Geus (Chairman and CEO, Synopsys) take questions from students at the Parikrma Koramangala School.

Synopsys Universe 2 U Science at Parikrma Program
In 2008, the Synopsys Universe 2 U Science at Parikrma program was created. This science education program is consistent with Synopsys' commitment to inspiring and fostering the next generation of technologists through hands-on, interactive learning.

Through the Universe 2 U program, Synopsys technologists actively participate in teaching the curriculum, which includes astronomy, astrophysics and the impact of human intervention on Earth, to the students in Standard Two to Ten at the Parikrma Centers. Clubs are also a large part of the program and as of 2011 there are three science clubs in place – Space Club, Nature Club and Electronics Club. The goal for 2012 is to add two additional clubs – Geography and Mechanics. The ultimate goal of Universe 2 U is to encourage learning and a love of the sciences, as well as provide the children with the skills and cutting-edge knowledge needed to compete for high-value jobs in the rapidly growing technology industry.

Dr. Chi-Foon Chan (President and COO, Synopsys) visits the Synopsys-sponsored classroom at Parikrma where thirty children receive a free and complete education.

"Synopsys is dedicated to advancing science education to contribute to the growth and development of students who will form the high-tech workforce of tomorrow," said Dr. Pradip K. Dutta, managing director, Synopsys India. "The Universe 2 U initiative supports Synopsys' global citizenship mission of giving back to local communities to improve the well-being of the local economy and the people in it."