Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog today launched its new edition of Atal Tinkering Lab handbook which reinforces detailed establishment and operational processes of the Atal Tinkering Labs and its journey towards an innovative ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. 

The publication coincides with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, also celebrated as the National Youth Day to honor the birthday of Swami Vivekananda who voiced the important role that youth play in the building up of a strong nation throughout his life. 

The handbook named ‘The Atal Tinkering Lab Handbook 2.0’ outlines a practical guidance on structural, selection, establishment and celebration aspects of the AIM’s flagship ATL programme.  

This handbook, which is available online on AIM’s official website, also provides a detailed guidance for schools across the country on building a technically robust mechanism of grass root innovations through ATLs. 

Gracing the occasion through a special video message, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar said, “Today, on the occasion of Vivekananda Jayanti, we launch the 2nd version of the ATL Handbook which encompasses 3 years of on-the-ground work done by the AIM team in a framework using 4 key pillars of the ATL initiative – Selection, Establishment, Enablement, and Celebration. This Handbook is one more important addition to NITI Aayog’s arsenal of quality Policy works, and is rooted with best practices in grassroot experiences and interventions.”  

Mission Director of AIM, and Additional Secretary NITI Aayog Mr R Ramanan in a virtual release of the handbook, spoke about the objectives of one of the most ambitious programmes of AIM viz Atal Tinkering Labs, and enlightened the participants about its benefits.   

“This book will be a one stop reference for all schools, mentors and innovators in knowing various aspects of Atal tinkering labs and leveraging the same. We have simplified this book in its usage and it contains QR codes which leads to more detailed links about various aspects of the programme,” he added.   

Mission High Level Committee (MHLC) Board Member, AIM, NITI Aayog Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale quoted Swami Vivekananda in his address to students and advised them to go through his teachings in order to aspire higher and achieve audacious goals.  

“ATL has been a great learning experience for all of us to witness as to how the innovation ecosystem is being inculcated among the young minds of the country through Atal Innovation Mission. I would advise all the schools and students to utilise this publication to the fullest.  I would like to emphasize that all students should be able to take risks and must not fear about the failures,” he asserted. 

Copy of the handbook can be accessed and downloaded at https://aim.gov.in/pdf/ATL_Handbook_2021.pdf

About ATL:

An Atal Tinkering Lab provides a makerspace where young minds can give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode; and learn innovation skills. To foster entrepreneurship and innovation, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog has established over 7000 ATLs across the country so far enabling over 3 Million+ students between Grade VI to Grade XII acquire a problem solving, tinkering and innovative mindset.

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DS/AKJ