The Indian government is giving a new push to its INSPIRE initiative . This program aims to encourage more students across the country to get interested in science , technology , engineering , and mathematics (STEM) . The main goal is to find young talent early, right from school, and help them continue their science studies into higher education. The Department of Science and Technology ( DST ) is leading this effort.
This boosted initiative includes three key parts: INSPIRE-MANAK for school students, the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) for college students, and the Vigyan Jyoti program specially for girls. Together, these programs form a long-term plan to make India stronger in science and research. They aim to create a steady stream of trained scientists and innovators for the future.
Encouraging Young Innovators: INSPIRE-MANAK
The INSPIRE-MANAK scheme is now being promoted more actively among students in Classes 6 to 12 . This program looks for original ideas from young minds. It wants to find students who have creative solutions to everyday problems or new scientific concepts.
Here’s how it works:
- Schools are asked to collect and submit original ideas from their students.
- These ideas are then checked at different levels by experts.
- If an idea is selected, the student receives financial help . This money helps them build a working model or prototype of their idea.
- After developing their models, students compete in various rounds, first at the state level and then at the national level.
Officials from the DST said that a key aim of INSPIRE-MANAK is to get more students involved. They especially want to reach students from areas that do not usually get many opportunities in science. This way, talent from all parts of India can be discovered and supported.
Supporting Higher Studies: INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)
For students who want to study science further after school, the INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) program offers important support. This scholarship is for students who perform very well in their Class 12 exams and choose to study natural and basic sciences at university.
Each year, the DST awards around 12,000 scholarships under the INSPIRE-SHE program. These scholarships help top students financially while they pursue their undergraduate (Bachelor's) and postgraduate (Master's) degrees. Students from both national and state examination boards are eligible. Also, those who achieve high ranks in major entrance examinations and choose science subjects can apply for this scholarship.
The goal of INSPIRE-SHE is to make sure that bright students are not held back from pursuing science careers due to financial reasons. It helps them focus on their studies and contribute to India's scientific progress.
Boosting Girls in STEM: Vigyan Jyoti
To encourage more girls to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) , the DST has also improved its Vigyan Jyoti program . This program understands that it is important for girls to have equal chances in scientific careers.
The Vigyan Jyoti program offers several benefits to young girls interested in STEM:
- Mentoring: Girls get guidance from experienced scientists and researchers.
- Lab Visits: They visit top science laboratories, including those at IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology), NITs (National Institutes of Technology), and other national research centers. This gives them a real look at scientific work.
- Academic Sessions: Special classes and workshops are held to deepen their understanding of science subjects.
- Interactions with Researchers: Girls get to meet and talk with leading scientists. This helps them get inspired and learn about different career paths in science.
By providing these opportunities, Vigyan Jyoti aims to remove barriers and build confidence among girls, helping them succeed in STEM fields.
A Stronger Future for Indian Science
The INSPIRE-MANAK , INSPIRE-SHE , and Vigyan Jyoti programs are all part of a larger, long-term strategy by the Department of Science and Technology . This strategy is designed to create a strong foundation for science and research in India.
By supporting innovation from a young age, providing financial aid for higher studies, and encouraging girls to join STEM, the government aims to ensure India has a continuous supply of skilled scientists and researchers. This will help India make new discoveries and technological advancements for years to come.
