JAMMU: J.P. World School, Channi Himmat, Jammu, successfully hosted Innovation Mashal 2026, a major 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 Shubham Gupta, Director, NITI Aayog; Ajeet Sharma, Chief Education Officer, Jammu; Dr. Kunal Anand, Mentor and Principal, DPS Udhampur; Prof. Dr. Javid Ahmed Sheikh, University of Kashmir; Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, University of Kashmir; Dr. Zaid Mohd Shah, University of Kashmir; Muneer Ahmed Wani, Divisional Nodal Officer, Kashmir; Dr. Jagdish Panotra, Nodal Officer, Jammu, Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL); ATL Mentors and Resource Persons; and Aparana Kohli, Principal, J.P. World School.
A major highlight of the programme was an interactive session conducted by Shubham Gupta, who provided participants with a detailed overview of the ATL Programme and its role in transforming school education. He explained the ATL application process, including eligibility criteria, infrastructure requirements, funding provisions and implementation strategies.
Shubham Gupta emphasized that Atal Tinkering Labs are not merely physical spaces but innovation hubs designed to nurture creativity, curiosity and problem-solving skills among students. He also highlighted how schools can utilise ATL resources to promote experiential learning and develop a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.
During the session, participants were introduced to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) and Design Thinking, with discussions focusing on their growing relevance in modern education. Through examples and success stories from ATL schools across India, participants gained insights into how innovation can be used to address real-world challenges and create meaningful solutions.
The workshop also provided opportunities for interaction with experts and mentors, enabling participants to gain practical knowledge about establishing Atal Tinkering Labs and effectively implementing innovation-driven initiatives in their respective institutions.
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, followed by a vote of thanks.
The organisers said that Innovation Mashal 2026 reaffirmed a shared vision of creating an innovation-driven educational ecosystem that empowers students to think creatively, solve real-world problems and emerge as the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
