A leap into innovation: Inauguration of the Atal Tinkering Lab at the Aga Khan School, Sidhpur
With a strong spirit of innovation and hands-on learning, the Aga Khan School (AKS), Sidhpur inaugurated its Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog on 1 March 2025. This dynamic space is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
The event was graced by Honourable Balvantsinh Rajput, Cabinet Minister, Government of Gujarat, as the chief guest. He was accompanied by esteemed dignitaries, including Mr Shiraz Vastani, Chairman of the Aga Khan Education Service, India; Mr Salimbhai Himani, Regional President of the Ismaili National Council; Mr Farhad Merchant, CEO of the Aga Khan Education Service, India; and Mr Karim Maknojia, Local Ismaili Council President of Sidhpur.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a heartfelt tribute to His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, whose vision for education continues to inspire generations. Principal Mr Chandan Sharma underscored the significance of ATL’s role in enhancing critical thinking, creativity and practical problem-solving skills among students.
The inauguration itself was a showcase of student ingenuity. An automated curtain system, designed and programmed by students, unveiled the ATL Lab at the press of a button by Honourable Balvantsinh Rajput. The mobile phone used to trigger the system was delivered to the chief guest via a Bluetooth-controlled car – another student innovation. The dignitaries, guests, parents, school staff and students erupted in applause, celebrating the official launch of the lab and the power of science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) in action.
The dignitaries and visitors then explored the state-of-the-art ATL Lab, which is equipped with 3D printers, drone kits, microcontrollers, electronic components and other cutting-edge tools. The event featured impressive student-led innovations, including a “Light-Detecting Solar Panel”, which automatically adjusts its position to follow the sun, ensuring maximum energy absorption; a “LPG Tech Guardian”, which detects gas leaks, shuts off the supply of the gas and sends alerts to its users; and an “Automatic Rain-Sensing Car Wiper”, which adjusts the wiper speed in a car automatically based on the intensity of rain, reducing driver distraction.
Addressing the students, Honourable Balvantsinh Rajput encouraged them to embrace innovation and persevere through challenges. He urged them to dream big, stating, “Innovation is the heartbeat of progress.” The day concluded on an inspiring note with the powerful words of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action.”
With the inauguration of the Atal Tinkering Lab, the Aga Khan School, Sidhpur has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future leaders, thinkers and innovators – empowering students to shape the world with their ideas and inventions.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Welcoming the chief guest, Honourable Balvantsinh Rajput, Cabinet Minister, Government of Gujarat.
- The chief guest unveiling the ATL Lab through the automated curtain system.
- Students presenting their project to Honourable Balvantsinh Rajput.
- Students waiting to present their projects to the guests.
