Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 24: Pragaash 2024, showcasing the innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of youngsters, was held today with the assembly of over 200 young innovators from Kashmir.
The event featured a series of student-led projects developed in Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) addressing critical issues ranging from environmental sustainability to agricultural efficiency, using technology and design thinking.
During the event, over 75 different projects were showcased by more than 200 students and over 100 educators, including model teachers, who contributed to building the innovation ecosystem in the region.
Notable projects included a prototype for detecting toxic gas from gas bukharis, an apple grading system, Agro Rattan-a robotic farmer, a smart water meter, and a suicide prevention fan.
The event was organized by SED in collaboration with NITI Aayog, UNICEF, and Pi-Jam Foundation, with the objective of fostering a thriving innovation culture and creating a conducive ecosystem for students and tech enthusiasts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the large gathering of principals, chief education officers, lecturers, chief masters, teachers, and young minds, Sakina Itoo stressed the importance of nurturing the creativity and mindset of young school-going children to bring about transformative change in Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-economic fabric.
The event was also attended by the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakina Itoo.
Sakina emphasized the critical importance of nurturing creativity and an innovative mindset among students in order to aspire for an economically developed Jammu and Kashmir.
“The system of education is changing, and the days of gaining knowledge behind closed doors are gone. Young, bright school-going children are now more interested in innovations and practicals apart from regular classroom activities,” she said.
The Minister added that the standard of education in government schools is now changing and is on par with any private school.
The Minister also stressed the need for the Education Department and other concerned stakeholders to organize such programs regularly, so the spark of innovation in young minds is continually lit.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary, SED, Suresh Kumar Gupta, said the department is dedicated to providing such platforms for school children to hone their talents and showcase their hidden abilities.
Addressing the gathering, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, Chintan Vaishnav, said that J&K is leading the nation with innovations. He informed the gathering that, against the national average of 3.18%, 36.33% of eligible schools participated in the ATL marathon.
Director of School Education Kashmir, Dr. G.N. Itoo, outlined various initiatives of the department to boost the innovation ecosystem at the school level.
During the event, the Minister also felicitated students for their remarkable performance in different aspects of the event.
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