How is PM Modi Promoting Innovation Among Children Through INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan fosters creativity and innovation among students.
- Chandrayaan-3 significantly boosted participation and interest in science.
- Recognition of young achievers in International Olympiads showcases India's potential.
- India is set to celebrate National Space Day on August 23.
- Upcoming Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad will host participants from 60 countries.
New Delhi, July 27 (NationPress) In the latest episode of his monthly radio show 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan, which has significantly fostered innovation among children. This initiative has seen an impressive enrollment surge, particularly following the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3.
The INSPIRE Award MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) scheme, overseen by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), is designed to cultivate creative and innovative thinking among school students.
This program primarily targets students aged 10-15 (Classes 6-10).
The objective of INSPIRE MANAK is to foster a culture of innovation by inspiring students to present original ideas rooted in science and technology.
PM Modi highlighted the expanding reach of the INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan, which aims to “promote innovation among school children.”
“Five children are selected from each school who propose new ideas. To date, lakhs of children have participated in this initiative, and since the launch of Chandrayaan-3, the number has doubled,”
he mentioned. The Prime Minister also pointed out the remarkable increase in space-related startups within the country, noting their growth from less than 50 five years ago to over 200 now.
In this context, he declared that August 23 will be recognized as 'National Space Day' and encouraged citizens to share their ideas on the NaMo App regarding how they plan to celebrate this day.
During the 124th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi showcased the recent achievements of Indians in the fields of space, science, sports, and culture, while also giving a special mention to Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, whose recent space mission has brought immense joy and national pride.
Recalling the enthusiasm and curiosity sparked by the successful moon landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August 2023, he acknowledged how this mission has ignited a keen interest in science and space among children.
“I still remember the moment when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the moon... Even young kids now proclaim, ‘We will also go to space, we will also land on the moon and become space scientists.’”
Emphasizing the renewed vigor of Indian science in the 21st century, he took pride in the achievements of Indian students who won medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad.
“Devesh Pankaj, Sandeep Kuchi, Debadatta Priyadarshi, and Ujjawal Kesari -- these four made India proud,”
he stated.
Moreover, he acknowledged India's accomplishments in mathematics, highlighting the students' performance at the International Mathematical Olympiad, where they secured three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal.
Looking towards the future, PM Modi announced that India will host the Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad in Mumbai next month, with participation from 60 countries.
He noted that this will be the largest such Olympiad to date and remarked, “In a way, India is now advancing in both Olympic and Olympiad.”