Secretary Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Abhay Karandikar inaugurated the 10th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) of INSPIRE– MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi, on 9 October 2023, where the innovative ideas of 441 select students from schools across the country were displayed.
“It is inspiring to see that young minds have come forward with innovations that could be solutions for day to day problems with the potential for improving the quality of life. They are using science and technology to solve local problem and I'm really excited and pleasantly surprised to see the talent that is exhibited here,” Prof. Karandikar pointed out.
Secretary DST interacted with the students from different parts of the country who are exhibiting their innovations. The students explained their innovations, speaking about their inherent merit to all visitors and jury members.
Prof. Karandikar said that more than 400 innovations filtered from among lakhs of innovations are on display, and this demonstrates the humongous potential in our country.
He emphasised that all such innovators should continue to innovate and contribute towards solving problems of society through use of science and technology. The DST Secretary appealed to local schools and colleges to motivate youngsters and help them realise their potential to become future leaders.
The innovations at the exhibition organised for two days – October 09-10, 2023 reflected a focus on national priorities like technologies for the farmers, cleanliness and sanitation, safety & security for women, clean energy and so on. It is now open for the public.
The top 60 students selected from among the exhibitors displaying their innovations at NLEPC, will be felicitated at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 11 October 2023.
Dr Arvind C Ranade, Director, NIF briefed about the process of INSPIRE- MANAK and said that the constellation of young talents offer innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges. These aspiring minds share a common dream to propel our nation to the forefront in various fields, from environmental conservation to grassroots empowerment.
Dr. Namita Gupta, Head – INSPIRE and Scientist G, DST; Dr. Vipin Kumar, Chief Scientist, NIF; Shri Mahesh Patel, Scientist G, NIF; Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Scientist DST; States / UT and District officials, mentors/teachers were also present along with the students on this occasion.
The NLEPC is an important milestone under the annual INSPIRE – MANAK, a flagship scheme jointly implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous body of the DST.
During the year 2021-22, a total of 7.05 Lakh ideas and innovations were received from all States and UT’s of the country. The scheme touched an unparalleled level of inclusivity by representing ideas and innovations of 715 districts of the country (98%) including 124 aspirational districts. The participants included 53% representation from girls. Around 83% of participating schools were from rural settings and 72% of the participating schools were from State / UT Government schools.
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