JAMMU, Jun 19: J.P. World School, Channi Himmat, Jammu, successfully hosted Innovation Mashal 2026, a landmark initiative aimed at fostering innovation, creativity and scientific thinking among students and educational institutions across Jammu district.
The event featured a comprehensive workshop on the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) Application Process, organised under the aegis of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Jammu and the University of Kashmir, the nodal agency for the ATL programme in Jammu and Kashmir.
The workshop was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shubham Gupta, Director, NITI Aayog; Ajeet Sharma, Chief Education Officer, Jammu; Dr. Kunal Anand, Mentor and Principal, DPS Udhampur; Prof. Dr. Javid Ahmed Sheikh, Dr. Manzoor Ahmed and Dr. Zaid Mohd Shah from the University of Kashmir; Muneer Ahmed Wani, Divisional Nodal Officer Kashmir; Dr. Jagdish Panotra, Nodal Officer Jammu for Atal Tinkering Labs; ATL mentors, resource persons and Aparana Kohli, Principal, J.P. World School.
A major highlight of the programme was an informative and interactive session conducted by Shubham Gupta, who provided a detailed overview of the Atal Tinkering Lab programme and its transformative role in modern education. He explained the ATL application process, eligibility criteria, infrastructure requirements, funding provisions and implementation strategies for schools seeking to establish innovation labs.
Addressing the participants, Gupta emphasized that Atal Tinkering Labs are not merely physical spaces but innovation hubs that nurture creativity, curiosity and problem-solving abilities among students. He encouraged schools to utilise ATL resources to promote experiential learning and cultivate a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.
During his presentation, he introduced participants to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) and Design Thinking, highlighting their increasing relevance in the educational landscape. Through examples and success stories from ATL schools across the country, he demonstrated how students are developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
The workshop also provided valuable opportunities for interaction with experts and mentors, enabling educators and school representatives to gain practical insights into establishing and effectively managing Atal Tinkering Labs.
A special attraction of the event was the Innovation Mashal Ceremony, symbolising the collective commitment of educational institutions towards promoting innovation, scientific temper and excellence in education.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of dignitaries, professors, mentors and resource persons for their contributions to the success of the event. A vote of thanks was presented, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in making Innovation Mashal 2026 a meaningful and impactful initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.