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India’s commitment to fostering technological innovation among its youth was prominently showcased at the finale of the ‘Student Entrepreneurship Programme – Seed the Future Entrepreneurs’, a flagship initiative organised by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with a company. Held in Pune, this event marked the culmination of an intensive eight-month journey aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation among school students across the country.
The programme, part of AIM’s season 2023-24, emphasised integrating students with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, resulting in a surge of projects centred around rural ecosystem themes. Out of 140 participating schools nationwide, 12 teams emerged as finalists, showcasing exceptional innovation in product design and demonstrating adeptness in financial planning, business strategy, and marketing during their startup presentations.
Distinguished guests, including Dr Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director of AIM at NITI Aayog, the Managing Director of the company, the CEO of the company and the Technology Advisor of Akshara International School Pune, graced the event with their presence.
Dr Chintan Vaishnav delivered the address underscoring the programme’s pivotal role in promoting a culture of innovation within India’s educational framework and its significance in cultivating future innovators and entrepreneurs.
In parallel, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), in collaboration with Global Health Strategies, hosted a workshop on ‘Science and Technology Communication‘ at the Pusa campus, New Delhi. This unique initiative gathered science communicators, researchers, and educators to explore effective strategies for engaging with the media and leveraging social platforms to simplify technical concepts for broader audiences.
Addressing the workshop, Professor Ranjana Aggarwal, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, emphasised the critical importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing public understanding of science. The event also received accolades from Dr Rajni Kant Srivastava, Senior Advisor at Global Health Strategies and former Head of Policy and Communications Division at ICMR HQ, for its role in training scientists in effective science communication practices.
Themes such as mapping communication needs, understanding India’s media landscape, mastering media interactions, and leveraging social media for science dissemination were explored, highlighting India’s proactive approach to bridging the gap between scientific research and public awareness.
These initiatives underscore India’s robust efforts to empower its youth and professionals alike, bridging educational excellence with practical skills to drive technological advancement and socio-economic growth across the nation. Such initiatives not only nurture future innovators but also strengthen India’s position as a global leader in technological innovation and scientific communication, poised to meet the challenges of the 21st century with creativity and expertise.
India takes significant steps towards inclusive digital transformation with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Common Services Centre Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC SPV) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare. This collaboration aims to convert Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) into Common Services Centers (CSCs), expanding access to citizen-centric services in rural areas.
By leveraging CSCs’ extensive network, which serves as crucial access points for e-governance, business, and social welfare services, India aims to bridge the digital divide and promote economic growth. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to an inclusive digital economy that benefits all citizens, particularly those in remote and rural regions, through enhanced agricultural services and digital empowerment.
By fostering a culture of innovation from the grassroots level and enhancing scientific communication capabilities, India is paving the way for a brighter and more technologically advanced future.
