By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 18: Budding innovators stole the show at the “STEM Fusion: Workshop and Student Exhibition,” held at the State Convention Centre here on Monday.
The event showcased 95 innovative projects, demonstrating creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of students from across Meghalaya.
Designed as an open-format exhibition, the event encouraged participants to explore a wide range of ideas, address real-world challenges, and present projects that reflected their curiosity and passion for science and technology.
With technology-driven industries playing an increasingly vital role in the state’s development, strengthening STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is seen as key to equipping the next generation for future careers that can boost the state’s economy and generate local employment.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted the government’s efforts, along with organisations like North East Centre for Technology Application and Research (NECTAR), and Smart Village Movement (SVM), to make STEM subjects—particularly science and mathematics—more enjoyable, interactive, and easier for students to grasp.
“This is a step toward creating an ecosystem where curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM can flourish,” Sangma said.
He proposed expanding the initiative through mobile or ‘Lab-on-Wheels’ facilities to reach more students.
“We’ve already launched such initiatives under the Smart Village Program, and they’ve generated great excitement among children who get hands-on opportunities to experiment and explore,” the Chief Minister said.
Stressing the importance of fostering a competitive spirit, he advised the Education Department to incorporate regular STEM-related events in schools. “There should be mandatory calendar events for science lab visits and science and mathematics competitions, culminating in a state-level championship,” Sangma suggested, emphasising the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
“We cannot work in silos. A successful program requires different variables in the ecosystem to connect. I urge the Education Department, NECTAR, entrepreneurs, and partners to come together and establish more STEM labs, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.
He inaugurated the Science Exhibition and announced Rs 2 lakh for the first prize winners, Rs 1 lakh for the second prize winners, Rs 50,000 for the third prize winners, and Rs 10,000 for each participating school or group.
He further announced that select innovative projects from the exhibition will receive government funding for development.
The competition was divided into three categories—Grades 3–9, Grades 10–12, and Undergraduate/Postgraduate—with winners in each group receiving prizes.
The event featured expert-led sessions conducted by IISER Pune, including STEM science activities, math and logic games, and modules in engineering and technology.
Dr S Muthukumaran, Head of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at NIT Tiruchirapalli, led an interactive session on machine learning through gaming, while NECTAR conducted an engaging drone awareness workshop.
Organised by NECTAR—an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India—along with SVM and IISER Pune, the event brought together over 400 students and 80 teachers from all over the state.
Other prominent attendees included Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar, NECTAR Director General Arun Kumar Sharma, SVM representative Vivek Shah, and the Director of Education, Government of Meghalaya.