Month-long programme provided hands-on exposure to science and technology for school students from across the region
Munish Sood
MANDI:
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Mandi successfully concluded the third edition of its flagship outreach programme, PRAYAS 3.0, with a formal valedictory ceremony held on its scenic Himachal campus. The initiative is designed to nurture curiosity and build scientific temperament among school students by offering them immersive exposure to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
This year’s edition of PRAYAS brought together students from a wide range of schools across the region, providing them the rare opportunity to live and learn at one of India’s premier technology institutes for a full month. The program featured an engaging blend of workshops, lectures, lab visits, and collaborative team projects, all aimed at making STEM subjects accessible and exciting.
Robotics, programming, problem solving
Among the major attractions of PRAYAS 3.0 were introductory classes in computer programming, circuit design workshops, mechanical prototyping sessions and hands-on problem-solving exercises. One of the most celebrated events was the Robo Soccer competition, where students designed, coded and operated robots to play friendly soccer matches, marking their very first experience with robotics.
“The excitement on their faces as they controlled their robots on the soccer field was priceless. Most students had never done anything even remotely close to this before,” shared one of the student mentors involved in the programme.
Shaping future innovators
Addressing the students during the valedictory session, Dr. Tushar Jain, Head of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), IIT Mandi, stressed the transformative potential of early STEM exposure.
“PRAYAS is about planting seeds of curiosity. We hope this experience stays with these young minds for a lifetime and shapes the way they think about learning and the world,” Dr. Jain said.
“Through our interactive workshops, hands-on robotics, coding, engineering design classes, and exposure to cutting-edge research facilities at IIT Mandi, we aim to demystify science and technology for school students. The confidence and learning they have gained here will hopefully inspire them to become scientists, engineers, and innovators.”
Step towards inclusive STEM education
The programme concluded with a formal certificate distribution ceremony, recognising the students’ efforts and participation. As PRAYAS 3.0 draws to a close, it leaves behind a trail of inspired young learners, many of whom experienced the world of science and technology in an entirely new light, setting the foundation for a more curious, informed, and innovation-driven future.
