Srinagar, September 25: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today launched the ATL Sarthi initiative at the University of Kashmir, calling it a significant step in nurturing innovation and creativity among young minds in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is transforming into a society driven by innovation and has emerged as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence and AI-driven solutions across diverse sectors.
The University of Kashmir will serve as the nodal institution for ATL Sarthi, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, to strengthen monitoring systems and institutional linkages with Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the Union Territory. The programme will provide mentorship, training for ATL teachers, and guidance to students in developing innovative prototypes.
Lauding the initiative, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Atal Tinkering Labs are a fitting tribute to former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. They are empowering our young students, nurturing curiosity, imparting problem-solving skills, and preparing the ‘Amrit Generation’ for a developed and aspirational India.”
He highlighted that J&K’s innovation ecosystem is undergoing a steady transformation at the school level, with districts including Jammu, Udhampur, Rajouri, Kulgam, Shopian, and Srinagar witnessing a rise in student-led innovations.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for sanctioning 500 additional Atal Tinkering Labs in J&K under the Frontier Region Programme at a cost of ₹100 crore. These labs, he said, will play a vital role in inclusive innovation by reaching remote and tribal areas.
Emphasising the need to expand ATLs in the Jammu division, Shri Sinha said the labs will provide youth with opportunities to design solutions for local challenges in agriculture, handicrafts, tourism, and disaster management. He also underlined that innovation in India has moved beyond industries and become a societal movement.
The Lieutenant Governor further noted that the landmark ₹1 lakh crore fund for research, development, and innovation over the next six years will accelerate advancements in key areas such as energy security, climate action, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.
He urged the youth of J&K to make full use of the government’s support and realise their dreams through innovation and entrepreneurship. He also called upon the University of Kashmir to focus on skill development and teacher capacity-building for Atal Tinkering Labs.
On the sidelines of the event, Shri Sinha interacted with ATL students and visited stalls showcasing innovative projects designed to address local problems. A coffee table book featuring successful innovations by ATL students in J&K was also released.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, also attended the ceremony. Chief Secretary Shri Atal Dulloo, Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission Dr. Deepak Bagla, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, senior officials, faculty members, and students were present on the occasion.
