Patna: The Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) has hosted a two-day residential workshop aimed at strengthening innovation-led learning across Bihar’s school ecosystem. The event, held on November 20-21 at the institute’s Mithapur campus, was part of a national initiative led by the Department of School Education and Literacy, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC).
More than 60 District Education Officers and DIET members attended the workshop, which is designed to prepare education administrators to nurture innovation, problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking in schools.
Senior officials lead inaugural sessions
Day one’s chief guest was Sunil Kumar, Nodal Officer for PM Shri Schools in Bihar, while day two featured Dr Abhay Jere, Vice-Chairman of AICTE and Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Education.
The programme opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Prof (Dr) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP; Mr Kumod Kumar, CAO; Dr Jere; Mr Vibham Vyas, Startup Fellow with MIC; and Ms Gauri Gopinath, Industry Expert at the Wadhwani Foundation.
In his welcome address, Prof Singh said he was pleased with the “enthusiastic participation” and expressed confidence that the workshop would “nurture young, innovative minds” when implemented at the school level.
Innovation essential for India’s next generation, says Jere
Addressing participants, Dr Jere emphasised that knowledge-based education and grassroots innovation were essential for preparing students for the gig economy.
“When students learn to innovate and generate ideas early, India positions itself to emerge as a global leader,” he said.
On the opening day, Sunil Kumar highlighted the workshop’s focus on innovation in school education, calling it an important step in empowering teachers to foster creativity, design thinking and entrepreneurial spirit in children.
Sessions on design thinking, IP awareness and entrepreneurship
The event was held under the School Innovation Council (PM SHRI Schools) initiative, with technical support from the Wadhwani Foundation. Sessions included:
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School Innovation Ambassador Training Programme (SIATP)
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Design thinking and innovation modules
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Kalam Programme for IP Literacy and Awareness (KAPLI)
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Udyamotsav
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Innovation Design Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
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A national-level exhibition organised for NEP Day
Industry expert Gauri Gopinath led several sessions, offering hands-on guidance on integrating innovation frameworks into school-level practices.
A call to carry forward the spirit of innovation
Delivering the vote of thanks, Kumod Kumar praised the contributions of resource persons and participants, saying the workshop had been “a journey of learning, collaboration and innovation”.
He added:
“Let us carry forward the spirit of IDE into our future endeavours.”
Participants left with practical tools, strategies and renewed clarity on embedding innovation, design and entrepreneurship into Bihar’s school system.
