Srinagar: In a significant development, the University of Kashmir (KU) becomes the first to be appointed as the nodal agency by NITI Aayog, Government of India, for the implementation of the prestigious ATL Sarthi programme.
As a flagship initiative of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), ATL Sarthi aims to provide essential guidance and support to facilitate the growth and success of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across India.
KU will play a pivotal role in this effort, overseeing the programme in Jammu and Kashmir and nearby regions, including Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
With a vision to strengthen the ATL ecosystem, ATL Sarthi empowers local authorities, including district and state innovation councils and private organisations, to effectively assess and enhance ATLs in their respective regions.
Till date, more than 10,000 ATLs have been established in schools across 722 districts Indiawide, promoting innovation and creativity among young minds.
As per a communication received from the Mission Director of NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission, Dr Chintan Vaishnav, expressed high regard for the KU’s commitment to the cause.
“AIM proposes your institution, the University of Kashmir, to be the nodal organization to drive ATL Sarthi in Kashmir and nearby regions,” the communication read.
Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in the varsity, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, underscored the varsity’s dedication to promoting an ecosystem of innovation and creativity in the region.
“The University of Kashmir is deeply honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of implementing ATL Sarthi. We recognise the critical importance of this mission and are committed to supporting its success throughout Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh,” she said.
Prof Khan appreciated the role of Dr Javaid Ahmad Sheikh, the programme’s nodal officer and Regional Mentor of Change, NITI Aayog.
“Dr Javaid Sheikh’s efforts were instrumental in bringing this prestigious programme to the University of Kashmir,” she maintained.
In May, Dr Javaid Ahmad Sheikh, faculty at the Department of Electronics and Instrumentation Technology, was selected as ‘Regional Mentor of Change (RMoC)’ for the year 2024-2025 by the NITI Ayog, GoI, for Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Chintan Vaishnav also acknowledged the contributions of KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal and Dr Javaid Sheikh.
“Their dedication over the months has laid a strong foundation for the university’s involvement in ATL Sarthi,” he added.
In the coming weeks, KU in collaboration with the Education Department and NITI Aayog, will form a dedicated team to oversee the practical implementation of ATL Sarthi.
This team will comprise representatives from high-performing school principals, teachers, mentors and regional experts.
