Uri, May 11: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) Tuesday launched the “Innovation Mashal” from Government Higher Secondary School (HSS) Sultandaki in Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The initiative aims to promote innovation and scientific thinking among students in Kashmir’s border schools and other districts as well.
The initiative, proposed by NITI Aayog under the Atal Innovation Mission, aims to strengthen innovation ecosystems in schools through Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) and encourage students to pursue scientific creativity and technical skills. Senior education officials, including the Joint Director North Kashmir, Director north campus of Kashmir University, Principal GDC Uri, engineering head from National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar besides district and divisional ATL coordinators were present at the occasion. Talking to Greater Kashmir, JD School Education Department (SED) north Kashmir Hakim Tanveer Ahmad said the launch from the frontier school carried symbolic significance as the Centre plans to establish hundreds of additional ATL laboratories across the country. “We have started the Innovation Mashal from HSS Sultandakischool in the border area of Uri. The Mashal will now travel to other districts as part of a wider innovation campaign,” he said.
He said the initiative would culminate at the University of Kashmir on May 14, 2026, where officials from NITI Aayog are expected to participate in a larger innovation showcase. “An online participation link will remain open for nearly one-and-a-half months to ensure maximum participation from schools across Kashmir,” he said. JD SED said the purpose is to help students focus on creativity, innovation and technical excellence. He praised the students for their massive participation in the initiative. “The response from students was beyond expectations. Students from middle and high schools in Sultandaki and adjoining areas presented deeply researched and innovative projects,” he told Greater Kashmir. “The teachers worked tirelessly and the students displayed exceptional talent. If such efforts continue, our students from Uri and Baramulla will shine at the national level,” he added. Earlier on May 7, 2026, Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) in an official communication to all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of Kashmir said that Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog has proposed the implementation of the “Innovation Mashal” initiative across the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across J&K. “This initiative aims to foster a vibrant culture of innovation and scientific temper among the student community,” it reads.
As per the communication, after flagging off the “Innovation Mashal” from HSS Sultandaki Uri, it will traverse through the districts of Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Budgam, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian in Phase I.
“The primary objectives are to strengthen the innovation ecosystem at the grassroots level, ensure active engagement of ATLs, and promote a sense of ownership among students as contributors to the larger innovation movement, especially for the upcoming 500 ATLs,” it reads. Meanwhile, Principal HSS Sultandaki said the decision to launch the Mashal from the frontier institution reflected recognition of the talent emerging from border areas. “We are not merely lighting a flame but we are illuminating the dreams, creativity, scientific spirit and innovation of our students,” he said. He termed the Mashal a symbol of “hope, progress and determination saying that the initiative seeks to empower students to become self-reliant innovators and future entrepreneurs. “Our mission is that every student should stand on their own feet, create opportunities for themselves and become job creators instead of job seekers,” he said. The principal added that the Innovation Mashal would now travel in nearby areas including Nambla and culminate at KU. During the event, the students from different schools showcased working models and innovative concepts during the programme, drawing appreciation from officials. “The campaign is expected to deepen scientific engagement among students in remote and border districts while expanding access to innovation-driven learning under the ATL framework,” he said.
