Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, interacted with young school students from Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the country at a special engagement organised by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. The interaction celebrated youth-led innovation and reinforced the message that India@2047 will be shaped by young innovators, not spectators.
Youth-Led Innovation is the Backbone of Viksit Bharat
Addressing students from diverse regions, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that India’s future growth will be driven by the creativity, confidence and problem-solving ability of its youth.
“India@2047 will be built by young innovators, not spectators. Youth-led innovation is the backbone of Viksit Bharat,” he said.
He noted that India is among the world’s youngest nations, with a large proportion of its population below the age of 35, making the present decade a defining phase for national transformation.
Atal Innovation Ecosystem Building Confidence from School Level
The Minister explained that the Atal Innovation ecosystem, including Atal Tinkering Labs, was designed to:
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Build confidence at an early age
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Shift learning from rote methods to problem-solving and experimentation
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Encourage teamwork and creative thinking
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Help students engage with real-world challenges
He said ATLs are not just labs but platforms where students begin to discover their strengths and develop a mindset for innovation.
Mentoring in School Years is Crucial for Discovering Real Talent
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of mentorship during formative years, stating that adolescence is the stage when interests, abilities and life paths begin to take shape.
“Mentoring at the school level is key to discovering real talent, as India’s future architects sit in classrooms today,” he remarked.
He stressed that platforms like ATLs allow students to identify what they are naturally good at, instead of blindly following conventional career paths.
Technology Should Be Used for Creation, Not Just Consumption
Encouraging students to adopt a creator mindset, the Minister said technology must be viewed as a platform for innovation rather than passive consumption. He noted that with widespread digital access, knowledge is no longer confined to libraries or coaching centres.
What truly matters, he said, is the ability to use technology:
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Wisely
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Productively
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Ethically
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Creatively
Innovation No Longer Limited to Metro Cities
Referring to the student projects showcased during the interaction, covering areas such as:
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Health and hygiene
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Safety solutions
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Agriculture innovation
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Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
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Environmental sustainability
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Peer-to-peer learning tools
Dr Jitendra Singh observed that innovation is rapidly expanding beyond metropolitan cities. He noted that nearly half of India’s startups now originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, reflecting the success of equal access to opportunity and institutional support.
Region-Specific Innovation Can Create Unique Identities
The Minister encouraged students to explore local, region-specific innovation, stating that geography itself offers powerful opportunities. Students from:
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Coastal areas
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Island regions
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Hilly terrains
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Mining belts
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Rural and agrarian regions
can develop solutions uniquely suited to their environments, creating sustainable and impactful innovation pathways.
From Prototypes to Scalable Solutions and Entrepreneurship
Highlighting the growing convergence between innovation and entrepreneurship, Dr Jitendra Singh advised students to think beyond building prototypes. He urged them to work towards:
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Scalability of ideas
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Market relevance
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Long-term viability
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Social impact
He also spoke about the expanding ecosystem of support available to young innovators, including funding, mentorship, patent facilitation and industry linkages through various science and technology programmes.
Collaboration and Peer Learning Essential for Future Leaders
Reiterating that innovation is a continuous journey, the Minister encouraged students to:
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Collaborate with peers
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Exchange ideas freely
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Form innovation teams
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Learn collectively
He said such collaboration strengthens solutions and nurtures leadership, communication and entrepreneurial skills — qualities essential for the future workforce.
Conclusion
The interaction between Dr Jitendra Singh and ATL students reaffirmed the Government’s strong belief in youth as the driving force of India’s future. By empowering school students through platforms like Atal Tinkering Labs, India is nurturing a generation of thinkers, creators and problem-solvers who will shape the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047. The engagement stood as a powerful reminder that the classrooms of today hold the architects of tomorrow’s India.
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Source: PIB
