TURA: Realizing the need to create scientific temper and cultivate the spirit of curiosity and innovation among young minds, the first of its kind in Garo Hills region, the Atal Tinkering Laboratory (ATL) under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) was inaugurated today by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh at the premises of Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Tura. The laboratory was set up with funding from NITI AAYOG of the government.
Speaking on the occasion, Ram Singh said that many students of the region had developed fear psychosis towards science subject and opted for Arts stream. He called upon the students to learn with innovation with the help of the laboratory which is meant to make things comfortable especially for science students. He said that talents have been distributed equally to all students everywhere and therefore, hopes that by providing necessary guidance and motivation from teachers and parents more students would join science in future.
The DC also informed that the District Administration would soon be coming up with comprehensive plan for organising courses on career guidance and counseling, environment aptitude, gender sensitization, amongst others for students in all the five districts of Garo Hills.
Earlier, Assistant Teacher, Incharge ATL Laboratory, Samuel Sangma highlighted the background of Atal Innovative Mission (AIM) which is being launched in schools across India with the objective to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young minds, etc. He informed that AIM is providing grant- in- aid which includes one- time establishment cost of Rs. 10 lakhs and operational expense of Rs. 10 lakhs for a maximum period of five years to each ATL.
Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Tura Government College, Tura, Tejan Momin who is also a close associate of the project called upon the students to avail the facility provided by the government with innovation and become creators and not just mere consumers.
Principal of the host school Audrey R Marak, other school heads, teachers and students were present at the inaugural function.