The Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced the establishment of 10 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in Thiruvananthapuram. The announcement was made during his address at the inauguration ceremony of the Net Zero Emission Project at NIMS Medicity in Thiruvananthapuram.
Highlighting the importance of initiatives like Digital India and Skill India, Minister Chandrasekhar emphasized their potential to create vast opportunities for India’s youth. During his speech, Minister Chandrasekhar reflected on the transformation India has undergone, stating, ‘Success seemed reserved for those from financially powerful families or with substantial influence. However, the landscape has transformed. Today, any young talent armed with innovative ideas can successfully launch enterprises in India.’
Interacting with students, the Minister stressed the importance of innovative and experiential learning through Atal Tinkering Labs. He described these labs as ‘fertile grounds’ where students cultivate skills beyond textbooks, such as creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. ‘From tinkering with ideas to hands-on experimentation, students delve into the realms of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation,’ he remarked.
In addition to the Atal Tinkering Labs, Minister Chandrasekhar highlighted India’s remarkable progress in electronics manufacturing, noting that India is now the world’s second-largest producer of electronics with a thriving ecosystem in semiconductor development.
The Minister also unveiled the Nanajisat satellite, a remarkable achievement by NIMS engineering students, showcasing the potential of Indian youth in the field of technology and innovation.
It is noteworthy that Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar was the first to establish Atal Tinkering Labs in Kerala. In July 2023, he inaugurated the first ATL Lab at his alma mater, St. Paul’s School in Kuriachira, Thrissur, under a pioneering public-private partnership model.
