A month-long STEM Immersion at IIT Mandi Inspires Curiosity Among School Students as PRAYAS 3.0 Concludes

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.