Fostering Innovation in Young Minds in India m: The Role Of Tinkering Labs

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  Fostering Innovation and Creativity in Young Minds: The Role of Atal Tinkering Labs

Raj Kumar Dham MOC NITI Aayog AIM (Atal Innovation Mission ) for Atal Tinkering Labs in Schools


As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it's clear that innovation and creativity will be essential skills for success. However, our traditional education system often focuses on rote learning and standardization, leaving little room for creativity and innovation. 

The Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) is a program by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) to encourage innovation and  entrepreneurship in schools, It's a key part of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) .It is aimed to fulfill PM Narender Modi's dream of making India fully developed by 2047 (Viksit Bharat@2047) by empowering young minds to nurture a culture of innovation & entrepreneurship in the country.


About AIM

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is Government of India’s flagship initiative to create and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the length and breadth of our country. AIM’s objective is to develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of the economy, provide platforms and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, and create an umbrella structure to oversee the innovation & entrepreneurship ecosystem of the country.


That's why the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) initiative is a game-changer for India's education landscape. By providing a platform for hands-on learning and innovation, ATLs are empowering young minds to think creatively, design innovatively, and develop solutions to real-world problems.


The Impact of ATLs

The numbers speak for themselves:


- Over 10,000 ATLs established across India

- 35 States and union Territories spanning 722 districts.

-  1.1 crore + students impacted

- 6200+ Mentors of Change for mentoring

- 1.6 Lakh m+ projects developed by students


But beyond the numbers, it's the stories of innovation and creativity that truly inspire. From developing low-cost prosthetic limbs to creating sustainable solutions for waste management, ATL students are tackling real-world problems with ingenuity and passion.

In the 2024-25 School Challenge ATL Marathon itself : No Schools  participated 54,415, No of Teachers registered 1,03, 901, No of Teams registered 1,92,508, No of Students participation 6,67,002, No of Ideas Submitted , 1,01,296 . The figures speak of the impact of ATL in nurturing innovation, and cultivating entrepreneurship. 

Activities in Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL)

Students in ATL engage in a wide array of activities designed to foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills. These activities often revolve around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts and utilize m

 Fostering Innovation and Creativity

So, how can we foster innovation and creativity in young minds? Here are a few strategies:


1. Encourage hands-on learning: Provide opportunities for students to experiment, design, and build.

2. Foster a culture of experimentation: Encourage students to take risks, try new things, and learn from failures.

4. Develop Culture of Innovation and entrepreneurship amongst young students in schools.

3. Provide access to cutting-edge technology: Leverage tools like 3D printing, robotics, and AI to inspire innovation.

4. Develop essential skills: Focus on skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Also soft skills and digital skills are not only important but essential. 

5. Inculcate Curiosity, questioning , and Confidence : Help students to solve local problems.

My Personal Experiences as a MOC (Mentor of Change :

As a Mentor of Change for Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) for over four years, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of hands-on learning and innovation. I've seen students grow from curious explorers to confident problem-solvers, tackling real-world challenges with creativity and passion. From selecting topics and defining problems to designing prototypes and pitching solutions, the ATL program has empowered students to take ownership of their learning and develop essential skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

What's truly remarkable, however, is the impact that ATL has had on the students' entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset. Many have gone on to develop innovative products and services, with some even securing patents and launching their own startups. Others have created impressive websites, e-books, and other digital resources, showcasing their technical skills and creativity. As a mentor, it's been incredibly rewarding to see students grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who are equipped to make a positive impact in the world. The ATL program has truly unleashed the potential of these young innovators, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of their journey.

 Conclusion

As we look to the future, it's clear that innovation and creativity will be essential drivers of success. By supporting initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs, we can empower young minds to think creatively, design innovatively, and develop solutions to real-world problems. Let's continue to nurture this spirit of innovation and watch as our youth become the change-makers of tomorrow!. I learn that AIM is planning to set up many more ATL labs in the schools. 

Share Your Thoughts

What more can be done to inspire school children to look around and observe the problems being faced by the people in different areas like education, agriculture, tourism, environment etc. Would you love to get involved in fostering innovation in young minds.


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Raj Kumar Dham

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Dr. K.N Krishna Swami : Ph.D (IISc). Retired professor of Management studies IISc. He is now founder member of Atmabodh and is doing research in developing methods for self transformation. R.K Dham : D.I.I.Sc. MD(AM). Managing trusty at Institute of health and Cosmic harmony, founder member of Atmabodh. Healer and motivational trainer. He is also a certified Yoga teacher from Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar. Actively involved with the NGO “People’s trust” working on overall rural development. Dr. Pallavi Nayyar: MBBS, DPM (CMC Vellore), FRANZCP, Director Geriatric psychiatry Gold Coast Australia

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