SRINAGAR,: Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi is transforming India into an innovation-driven society, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said today at the launch of ATL Sarthi at the University of Kashmir. He highlighted India’s leadership in Artificial Intelligence and AI-driven solutions across sectors, with expanding capabilities in design and development.
The University of Kashmir, serving as the nodal institution for ATL Sarthi, is collaborating with NITI Aayog to establish robust monitoring mechanisms and strong institutional linkages with Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools across Jammu & Kashmir. The initiative focuses on mentorship, capacity building for ATL teachers, and guiding students to transform ideas into commercial prototypes.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the ATL Sarthi initiative for connecting every Atal Tinkering Lab to a broader ecosystem of guidance and mentorship. “Atal Tinkering Labs, a tribute to former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are empowering students with tools for discovery, problem-solving, and self-development. By nurturing the curiosity of India’s ‘Amrit Generation,’ these Labs lay the foundation for an aspirational and developed nation,” he said.
He noted the steady transformation of J&K’s innovation ecosystem at the school level, with districts including Jammu, Udhampur, Rajouri, Kulgam, Shopian, and Srinagar witnessing a surge in student-led innovation and the development of future-ready skills.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for approving 500 additional ATLs in Jammu & Kashmir, at a cost of Rs 100 crore under the Frontier Region Program, which will extend inclusive innovation to remote and tribal areas. He emphasized expanding ATLs in the Jammu division, enabling youth to develop solutions for local challenges in agriculture, handicrafts, tourism, and disaster management.
Highlighting the broader national innovation agenda, he said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, innovation has become an integral part of society, beyond industrial applications. He urged J&K’s youth to leverage government support to pursue their innovative ideas.
He also highlighted the landmark Rs 1 lakh crore fund for research, development, and innovation over the next six years, accelerating progress in high-priority sectors such as energy security, climate action, Quantum Computing, and Artificial Intelligence.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the University of Kashmir to focus on skill development and teacher capacity building, unlocking potential and fostering creativity. He commended ATL students across J&K for providing innovative solutions to local challenges and visited stalls showcasing their projects, interacting with young innovators.
The launch also featured the release of a coffee table book celebrating successful ATL innovations in J&K. Corporate and foundation partners briefed attendees on CSR initiatives supporting the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and other portfolios; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr. Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog; Shri Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; and other senior officials, educators, and students from ATLs.
