10th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) of INSPIRE– MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) was inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary Department of Science and Technology, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi, on 9 October 2023. NLEPC displayed innovative ideas of 441 select students from schools across the country. More than 400 innovations filtered from among lakhs of innovations are on display, and this demonstrates the humongous potential in our country.
The innovations at the exhibition organised for two days – October 09-10, 2023 reflected a focus on national priorities like technologies for the farmers, cleanliness and sanitation, safety & security for women, clean energy and so on. It is now open for the public. The top 60 students selected from among the exhibitors displaying their innovations at NLEPC, will be felicitated at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 11 October 2023.
The NLEPC is an important milestone under the annual INSPIRE – MANAK, a flagship scheme jointly implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous body of the DST.
“It is inspiring to see that young minds have come forward with innovations that could be solutions for day-to-day problems with the potential for improving the quality of life. They are using science and technology to solve local problem and I’m really excited and pleasantly surprised to see the talent that is exhibited here,” pointed out Prof. Abhay Karandikar. He interacted with the students from different parts of the country who are exhibiting their innovations. The students explained their innovations, speaking about their inherent merit to all visitors and jury members.
Prof. Abhay Karandikar emphasised that all such innovators should continue to innovate and contribute towards solving problems of society through use of science and technology. The DST Secretary appealed to local schools and colleges to motivate youngsters and help them realise their potential to become future leaders.
Briefing about the process of INSPIRE- MANAK, Dr Arvind C Ranade, Director, NIF said “The constellation of young talents offer innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges. These aspiring minds share a common dream to propel our nation to the forefront in various fields, from environmental conservation to grassroots empowerment.”
During the year 2021-22, a total of 7.05 Lakh ideas and innovations were received from all States and UT’s of the country. The scheme touched an unparalleled level of inclusivity by representing ideas and innovations of 715 districts of the country (98%) including 124 aspirational districts. The participants included 53% representation from girls. Around 83% of participating schools were from rural settings and 72% of the participating schools were from State / UT Government schools.
