"Rural education": the phrase conjures up unflattering images of broken blackboards and slates, lackadaisical teachers and students, rote learning and of outdated teaching techniques and suppressed creativity. Yet, these images are completely out of consonance with modern India and a knowledge-based society. This article describes a new model for education constructed by the "Agastya International Foundation." "Agastya" eschews chalk-and-talk, textbook-bound methods of teaching. Using project-based methods, they try to make learning creative and engaging, useful and relevant to the child's current and future context, visible and attractive to parents and community members and accessible at the village doorstep by the vulnerable and disadvantaged children. An example of "Agastya's" innovative approach is its "Mobile Lab," which takes learning to doorsteps in the village, day and night. Trained instructors get children to think and question as they play with low-cost experiments. "Agastya's" emphasis on experiential learning is raising the motivation levels of rural children in India. Through the "Young Instructor" program, 14-16 year olds get opportunities to teach scientific concepts to a thousand or more children and adults every day. Through peer-to-peer learning, they develop self-belief and communication and leadership skills. Learning and retention happen at a speed not achievable through traditional chalk-and-talk methods. (Contains 1 note.)