Month long STEM Immersion at IIT Mandi Inspires Curiosity Among School Students as PRAYAS 3.0 Concludes

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi concluded the third
edition of its flagship outreach initiative, PRAYAS 3.0, with a formal valedictory ceremony
held on campus. The program, aimed at fostering curiosity and scientific temperament
among school students across the nation, provided an immersive a month long exposure to
the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event brought
together students from diverse schools across the region, offering them a unique
opportunity to reside and learn at one of India’s premier technical institutes. Throughout
the program, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of workshops, lectures, lab visits, and
team projects all meticulously designed to make STEM education engaging and accessible.
Among the highlights of the program were the introductory computer programming
classes, hands-on circuit design, mechanical prototyping activities, and problem-solving
exercises. One of the highlights was the Robo Soccer competition, where students
developed, programmed and controlled robotic systems to play a friendly soccer match
among them. This was the first hands-on experience with robotics for most of the
participants, and it created a deep sense of excitement and fulfillment.
Reflecting on the success of the program, a student mentor remarked, “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.”
In his address, Dr Tushar Jain, Head CCE, IIT Mandi, emphasized the importance of early
STEM exposure and applauded the students for their enthusiasm and adaptability.
“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.
Through our interactive workshops, hands-on robotics, coding, and engineering design
classes and exposure to cutting-edge research facilities at IIT Mandi, we aim to demystify
science and technology for school students. We hope the learning and confidence they have
gained here will leave an indelible mark, motivating them to become scientists, engineers,
and innovators.”
The valedictory session concluded with certificate distribution.