Sahil Manzoor
The INSPIRE Awards Scheme offers an excellent opportunity for young minds—especially students with a scientific temperament—to turn ideas into innovation. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, has announced nominations for the years 2023–2024, enabling students across the country to participate in school-level idea competitions.
The world has witnessed rapid advancement in innovation and technology. With the continuous rise in global population, day-to-day needs have expanded proportionately—from simple tools like needles to complex space rockets, from children’s toys to massive warships. Addressing these growing demands requires more than machines; it requires observant, inquisitive, and creative human minds.
We live in an era marked by intense curiosity about inventions and technology. Across the globe, leaders highlight their nations’ achievements in atomic power, space missions, defence equipment, and advanced weaponry. Yet, the real driving force behind these achievements—human power—rarely receives due recognition. Behind every technological breakthrough stands a human mind that observes, experiments, and seeks solutions to societal problems.
Great scientists have enriched humanity with remarkable technologies. Today, science allows us to understand the functioning of internal organs and even map the intricate network of blood vessels within the human body. Such achievements underline the importance of nurturing scientific thinking from an early age.
Innovation is neither accidental nor imaginary. Every invention is born from curiosity, experience, and the desire to improve life. Media coverage often highlights technological milestones such as rockets, warships, and satellites, reflecting how nations strengthen themselves through science and technology for national progress and global standing.
Fortunately, many countries actively promote science and technology by motivating young people, offering scholarships, introducing fellowship programmes, and encouraging research and innovation. These initiatives help channel youthful curiosity into meaningful contributions.
As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” In this context, the INSPIRE Awards–MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) scheme plays a vital role. The present generation is deeply engaged with technology and exposed to diverse challenges and opportunities. It is a generation full of potential, creativity, and intelligence.
This article aims to guide students on how they can contribute to society by addressing real-world problems through innovation, and how their ideas can be forwarded to the Department of Science and Technology under the INSPIRE Awards–MANAK programme.
All educational institutions across India—both government and private—have the right and responsibility to participate in this programme. Schools must approach their respective District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) to obtain complete information regarding the process and timelines.
The INSPIRE Awards–MANAK scheme is implemented by the DST in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation of India (NIF), an autonomous body under DST. The programme targets students aged 10 to 15 years studying in Classes VI to X. Selected students receive a cash award of ₹10,000 to develop their innovative ideas.
For effective implementation, the Head of the Institution (HOI) should appoint a computer-literate teacher as the INSPIRE Award in-charge. This teacher is responsible for managing the process throughout the year and should:
Maintain regular contact with concerned DIET authorities
Conduct school-level idea competitions within the stipulated timeline
Select innovative or modified ideas (five students from middle school and two from secondary school)
Collect and verify student details, including Aadhaar and bank information
Ensure accuracy of student names and active bank accounts
Visit the official website www.dst.gov.in or search for “INSPIRE Awards”
Log in using credentials provided by district authorities
Prepare student write-ups in Word format along with rough diagrams
Forward all documents to the district authority on time
The INSPIRE Awards–MANAK scheme is not merely a cash incentive; it is an investment in India’s future innovators. By encouraging creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving among school students, the programme strengthens the foundation of a scientifically empowered nation.
For further queries, the author may be contacted at the email address provided.
