INSPIRE-MANAK
INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge)
Introduction The INSPIRE-MANAK scheme is a unique flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The acronym MANAK stands for “Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge.” It is a specialized component of the larger INSPIRE programme designed specifically to reach children at the school level.
Objectives
The primary goals of this scheme are:
- Attracting Young Talent: To encourage school children at a very early age to take an interest in science.
- Fostering Innovation: To create a culture of creative thinking and “out-of-the-box” problem-solving among students.
- Building Future Researchers: To motivate students to eventually choose a career in scientific research and development.
Target Group The scheme is open to school children in the age group of 10–15 years, specifically those studying in Classes 6 to 10.
Scale and Selection Process
The scheme operates on a massive scale to ensure that every creative child in India has a chance to participate:
- The Million Minds Goal: Every year, the scheme targets 10 lakh (one million) ideas from more than 5 lakh middle and high schools across the country.
- School Nominations: Every middle and high school in India is eligible. Each school can nominate up to 5 students through an online portal during each financial year.
- The Award: When a school submits a nomination, they provide a brief summary of the student’s project idea. After these ideas are scrutinized, 1 lakh students are selected. Each selected student receives an INSPIRE Award of ₹10,000. This money is intended to help the student build a working model or prototype of their idea.
The Competition and Mentorship Journey
Once a student receives the initial award, they embark on a journey of competitions to showcase their innovation:
- District and State Levels: Students first participate in District Level competitions. The best projects move forward to State Level Exhibitions and Competitions.
- National Level Exhibition & Competition (NLEPC): The finest projects from across all states are brought together for a national-level showcase.
- Expert Mentorship: Students who reach the National Level are provided with mentorship at premier technical and educational institutions in India. Experts help these students refine their models and improve their technical designs.
- National Winners: Every year, the top 60 projects are selected as national winners and receive special rewards and recognition.
Resource Partner
The National Innovation Foundation (NIF), which is an autonomous institution under the DST, serves as the resource partner for this scheme. They provide technical support and help in documenting the innovative ideas of the students.
Conclusion
INSPIRE-MANAK is more than just a science competition; it is a movement to turn India’s young minds into a force for national progress. By supporting a child’s simple idea with funding and expert guidance, the government is building the foundation for the next generation of Indian inventors and scientists.
Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)- 2014
The WISE-KIRAN scheme, launched in 2014, is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Historically, women have been underrepresented in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) due to social stereotypes and lack of opportunities. This scheme follows a holistic approach to address these challenges, aiming to achieve gender parity (equal representation) by supporting women at every stage of their scientific career.
Key Fellowship and Research Programmes
The scheme is divided into several categories based on the educational qualification and career stage of the women scientists.
Programme Name | Target Group | Age Eligibility | Focus Area |
WISE-PhD | Women pursuing Ph.D. | 27–45 years | Basic and Applied Sciences (5 subjects). |
WISE-PDF | Post-Doctoral Research | 27–60 years | Independent research after completing Ph.D. |
WIDUSHI | Senior/Retired Scientists | Up to 62 years | Interdisciplinary research for experienced scientists. |
WISE-SCOPE | Societal Interventions | 27–60 years | Using S&T to solve grassroots community problems. |
Detailed Breakdown of Programmes
1. Support for Ph.D. and Post-Doctoral Research
- WISE-PhD: This programme helps women who want to pursue a doctoral degree. It provides financial support for up to 5 years. There is a 3-year age relaxation for women belonging to SC, ST, or PH categories.
- WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF): This is for women who have already completed their Ph.D. It provides a grant to conduct independent research projects, ensuring that talented women do not leave the field of research after their studies.
2. Support for Senior Scientists (WIDUSHI)
The WIDUSHI programme is unique because it supports women scientists who are nearing retirement, have already retired from government service, or are active researchers without a permanent position. It encourages them to continue their valuable research in interdisciplinary areas.
3. Science for Society (WISE-SCOPE)
The WISE-SCOPE programme encourages women to use science to solve real-world problems at the village or community level. It focuses on five thematic areas:
- Agriculture and Allied Sciences: Improving farming and food production.
- Health, Food, and Nutrition: Addressing community health and diet.
- Energy, Water, and Waste Management: Finding clean energy and water solutions.
- Engineering and Technology Development: Creating new tools and systems.
- Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development: Protecting nature and the climate.
4. Alternative Career Paths (WISE-IPR)
Not all scientists work in labs. Some choose careers in legal and technical fields. The WISE-IPR programme provides a one-year internship in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
Note: IPR refers to the legal rights given to inventors to protect their creations (like patents). This training helps women become professionals who protect new inventions.
5. International Opportunities (WINGS)
The Women International Grant Support (WINGS) programme helps Indian women scientists take their research to the global level. It allows them to work in international research labs and academic institutions through three modules: Internships, Fellowships, and Scientific Visits.
The WISE-KIRAN scheme is a powerful tool for developing a diverse and inclusive scientific ecosystem in India. By providing financial help, mentorship, and international exposure, it ensures that women from all walks of life can contribute to the nation’s scientific progress and innovation.
