Innovation doesn’t always start in a high-tech lab; often, it begins with a “What if?” in a middle-school classroom. This year, the INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) awards have once again highlighted the incredible potential of young minds to transform curiosity into tangible solutions.
A special spotlight shines on the School of Creative Learning in Patna, Bihar, which has seen three of its brightest stars recognized on this national stage.
Celebrating Our Young Innovators
The recent recognition of these students from the School of Creative Learning proves that when a school prioritizes “creative learning” in its very name and curriculum, the results are extraordinary. We congratulate:
- Naitik Kumar (Class 8)
- Riya Kumari (Class 9)
- Suraj Kumar (Class 10)
These students have been selected for the 2025-26 INSPIRE-MANAK award, each receiving a ₹10,000 grant to bring their scientific visions to life.
What is Creative Learning?
Creative learning is the shift from rote memorization to active exploration. It’s about teaching students not just to remember the “what,” but to investigate the “how” and the “why.”
The INSPIRE-MANAK scheme, executed by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), perfectly matches the mission of the School of Creative Learning. It encourages students to:
- Identify original ideas that solve local or global problems.
- Apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios.
- Move beyond textbooks to build physical models and prototypes.
The Power of the “Seed” Grant
One of the most impactful features of this award is the ₹10,000 grant. This isn’t just a prize; it is working capital for creativity.
For these students, this financial support allows them to:
- Experiment: Purchase materials and components they might otherwise not have access to.
- Prototype: Build and refine their science models for the year 2025-26.
- Compete: Prepare for the District Level Exhibition & Project Competitions (DLEPCs), where they will represent their school and district.
Why This Matters
When we celebrate these certificates, we are celebrating a culture of innovation. The School of Creative Learning is fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a “can-do” attitude – the very traits needed to meet national aspirations.
The success of Naitik, Riya, and Suraj is a testament to what happens when students are given the space to think differently and the resources to act on their ideas.
Sparking Creativity at Home or School
You don’t need a national award to start thinking like a scientist. Here is how the School of Creative Learning model can be applied anywhere:
- The “Problem Log”: Encourage students to write down one thing that “doesn’t work well” in their daily life every week.
- Ask “What Else?”: When a student finds an answer, ask them, “What else could this be used for?”
- Support the Mess: Real learning is often messy. Allow space for failed experiments—they are the stepping stones to success.
Congratulations again to the awardees from the School of Creative Learning! Your journey from a simple idea to the District Level Exhibition is an inspiration to “million minds” across the country.
