Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jan 29: The ‘Atal Tinkering Lab’ was installed at St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady, Udupi, here on Wednesday, January 29.
The Atal Tinkering Lab is an approach by the central government to create scientific temperament and innovation among students. The lab is well equipped with the latest apparatuses and intends to create a motivational environment to develop research skills among the enthusiastic learners of science.
E Janardhana, former director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, inaugurated the lab. Fr Valerian Mendonca, blessed the lab premises with holy water.
In his inaugural address, E Janardhana said, “50% of the Indian population is young. A lot of opportunities exist. We need to be innovative. India has received few Nobel awards, when compared to other countries. To make India a developed country, we need to change the way we think. There is a small group of scientists in space but lot more needs to be done in the field of innovations. Mentoring is important to create ignited minds. This lab is a small step with big thoughts. Just think beyond your limitations.”
“Resource management is a big problem. All things are done digitally. Emerging scientists need to focus on remote control systems and optimum use of energy systems. Tremendous changes have taken place in the country. Let’s come up with new things. Let it begin in this school. Let students think what can be done for betterment of this country and how they can contribute to this country.”
Udupi MLA Raghupathi Baht said, “Earlier government schemes were restricted to Government schools. Now, the Central government has extended academic schemes to eligible private schools. This programme is designed with a farsighted vision, and was initiated by PM Modi. Students will get more information about technology. This will help them showcase their creativity and become innovative. I hope this lab will help in intellectual development.”
Manjula, BEO of Udupi said, “Tinkering labs are installed in nine schools of the district. No drastic changes are seen in the education system. But today, Government is focusing on making learning interesting. Let’s all develop innovative ideas and skills. We have to nurture them. Skill development is necessary for today’s society. If the children experiment and learn, it will remain permanently in their minds. There are many employment seekers in the nation, but there is lack of skill in them. Students must raise questions to grow. The government should focus on providing quality education with skill development."
The students of Kannarpady School displayed their innovative project models on the occasion. The models are focused on use of renewable resources, agriculture, precision irrigation, electricity saving, transport, Robot dog, Tesla coil ERT and so on.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, correspondent of St Mary’s Educational institutions presided over the programme.
The programme began with invocation and prayer dance, performed by the students.
Fr Johnson L Sequeira, principal of the school, Reeta Quadres, vice principal, Bonifas D’Souza, vice president, Benedicta Fernandes, secretary, parish pastortal committee, Dolphi Mascarenhas, Prashanth, marketing head of Skyrim and others were present.