IIT Mandi concludes PRAYAS 3.0, offers STEM training to school students
The programme mixed workshops with lab visits, project-based learning, and team activities.One of the standout moments came during the Robo Soccer challenge, an event where students designed and programmed robots to play football matches. For most participants, it was their first time working with robotic systems.'The excitement on their faces as they controlled their robots on the soccer field was priceless,' said a student mentor. 'Most of them had never done anything like this before.'Apart from robotics, the programme introduced participants to basic computer programming, circuit building, and mechanical design. It also included problem-solving exercises and exposure to tools and equipment that are often not available in regular school settings.Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Tushar Jain, Head of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Mandi, said, 'PRAYAS is about planting seeds of curiosity. We hope this experience will stay with these students for a long time and influence how they approach learning.'Dr. Jain added that early exposure to STEM fields helps students build confidence and interest. 'The learning and confidence they've gained here—we hope that pushes some of them to take up science or engineering seriously in the future.'The programme ended with a certificate distribution ceremony on campus. For the participating students, the past month offered more than just lessons—it offered a glimpse into a future where science is not just studied, but also built, tested, and played with.With PRAYAS 3.0, IIT Mandi continues its effort to connect scientific institutions with the next generation, one robotics match at a time.- Ends
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