Nagaland secured the first position in the Painting Competition and also a spot in the top 30 at the Prototype Machine Exhibition and Competition at the 11th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition of the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research – Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge (INSPIRE MANAK).
The event was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), New Delhi, and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), India at ITPO, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on September 17-18.
A press statement by State Nodal Officer for INSPIRE MANAK, SCERT, Nagaland, Kohima informed that the competition saw participation from students across the nation, and Team Nagaland was led by Keviraleù-o Kerhou, director of SCERT Nagaland, Kohima where Lekivi Sumi, a student of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School in Dimapur was placed in the top 30 for the Prototype Machine Exhibition.
In addition to the prototype competition, the DoST also organized a painting competition on the theme “Clean India of My Dream,” where Farhadul Islam Talukdar from JNV, Kiphire, secured first place. Second and third positions went to participants from Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.
Nagaland’s performance at the national level was commendable, with all prototypes being innovative, functional, and made with high-quality materials. However, only the top projects advanced to the final 30. Authorities are encouraging schools, both government and private, to nominate students for future competitions to showcase Nagaland’s talent on a national platform. Further information can be availed at www.inspireawards-dst.gov.in.