My Mentoring Journey

 

A Brief Background

As an Industrial Engineer with a background in Management Services and productivity improvement, I've had the privilege of working with Bharat Electronics Limited in Bangalore and Ghaziabad. My journey took a fulfilling turn when I became a Mentor of Change with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) for Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). I've been mentoring students from prominent schools like Airforce School Hebbal Bangalore, KV IISc, and KV BEML Kolar, focusing on mindset transformation, confidence building, brainstorming, and creative problem-solving.

Inspiration to Become a Mentor of Change

My experience at Bharat Electronics Limited ignited a passion within me to nurture creative problem-solving skills. I realized that creativity is an innate human essence, and young minds are brimming with potential waiting to be tapped. This epiphany sparked a desire in me to guide young minds in unlocking their creative potential. When I was selected as a Mentor of Change in 2022, I was thrilled to interact with young children and inspire them to think creatively.

First Experience in an Atal Tinkering Lab

My journey as a Mentor of Change took an exciting turn when I visited KV BEML Kolar, despite the school being far from my residence in Bangalore. Upon meeting the Principal, Ms. Rubina, I was struck by her enthusiasm and support for the ATL program. Although she shared that the school was facing challenges with their ATL In-charge having left and lacking a regular science teacher, I was undeterred. Instead, I saw an opportunity to make a difference. During my 60-minute talk to students and teachers, I witnessed a magical transformation. The students' eyes lit up as they began to understand the possibilities of innovation and creativity.

The Mentoring Journey

Engaging with Students

I started my journey by conducting upskilling sessions in creative thinking, questioning, and design thinking. These sessions, held via Google Meets, were designed to foster a culture of innovation and creativity among students. With the support of RMOC Dhariwal ji, we organized regular online sessions that encouraged students to participate and showcase their talents. As students started participating in online sessions, I noticed a significant shift in their confidence and mindset.

Key Projects and Innovations

Some notable projects I've mentored include:

- *Innovative Product Design*: Students designed and developed innovative products, such as assistive devices for people with disabilities.

- *Environmental Sustainability*: Students explored sustainable practices and developed projects focused on reducing waste and conserving resources.

- *STEM Education*: Students participated in robotics and coding competitions, developing essential skills in programming and problem-solving.

Breakthrough Moment

One breakthrough moment that stands out was when a student, with my guidance, successfully designed and implemented a project that showcased their understanding of scientific principles and creativity. Witnessing their confidence grow as they presented their work was truly fulfilling.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Biggest Challenges

Mentoring students comes with its challenges, such as:

- *Limited Resources*: Students often face constraints in accessing resources, including technology and infrastructure.

- *Mindset Shift*: Encouraging students to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills can be a challenge.

- *School Constraints*: Working within the school's schedule and curriculum can be limiting.

Overcoming Challenges

To overcome these challenges, I've learned to:

- *Be Flexible*: Adapt to the students' needs and learning styles.

- *Encourage Creativity*: Foster a culture of creativity and experimentation.

- *Build Relationships*: Establish strong relationships with students, teachers, and parents to ensure support and motivation.

Lessons for New Mentors

My experience has taught me that mentoring is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about inspiring and empowering young minds. As a mentor, it's essential to be patient, flexible, and supportive. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of our students and help them become the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Impact and Success Stories

Success Story

One of my students, who was initially hesitant to participate in class, gained confidence through our mentoring sessions. With my guidance, they developed a project that won a national innovation challenge. This success not only boosted their confidence but also opened doors to new opportunities in STEM fields.

Quantifiable Data

Out of 30 students I mentored, 5 won national innovation challenges, and 10 took up STEM fields in higher studies. These results demonstrate the impact of mentoring on students' lives and their future prospects.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Advice for Aspiring Mentors

As a mentor, I've learned that empowering young minds requires patience, creativity, and dedication. My advice to aspiring mentors would be to:

- *Be Passionate*: Share your knowledge and experience with enthusiasm and patience.

- *Empower Students*: Encourage students to take ownership of their learning and projects.

- *Stay Updated*: Continuously update your skills and knowledge to stay relevant.

Future of Mentorship in India

The future of mentorship in India looks promising, with initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs and Mentor of Change program. I believe that mentorship can play a vital role in shaping the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. By providing guidance, support, and resources, mentors can help students unlock their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Why More Professionals and Experts Should Step Up

I strongly believe that more professionals and experts should step up to mentor students. By doing so, they can:

- *Share Their Expertise*: Share their knowledge and experience with the next generation.

- *Inspire and Motivate*: Inspire and motivate students to pursue their passions and interests.

- *Make a Difference*: Make a positive impact on the lives of students and contribute to the development of the country.

By working together, we can create a brighter future for our students and our nation. I urge all professionals and experts to consider becoming mentors and join the movement to empower young minds and shape the future of India.

RAJ KUMAR DHAM 

Regional Mentor of Change with NITI Aayog , Atal Innovation Mission for Atal Tinkering Labs in Schools