The first batch of 60 outstanding talented students under the newly launched Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme-DHRUV for the gifted students is undergoing a 14-day camp where two groups of Science and Performing Arts will be separated for further conditioning. Broadly the chosen students are from classes 9 to 12, from all schools including government and private. To begin with only Science and Performing Arts streams have been identified for the debutant batch under the scheme launched on October 10.
In a 14 days programme these students will be separated into two groups and then further divided into specific fields. The science students will be divided into 3 groups of 10 each and also the performing arts students into 3 groups of 10 each. Each group from science stream will be required to produce a project under the mentorship of experts from the field of science. Similarly, each group in performing arts will be mentored by icons from the field of culture and will be required to choreograph a programme. All the six teams will be given themes relevant to issues being faced globally like environment change, pollution, terrorism, etc. From 14th to 23rd October, 2019 students will participate in various activities at IIT, Delhi and National Bal Bhawan. Students will be able to interact with renowned mentors both in Delhi and abroad through video conferencing with global personalities. In addition, mentors who have excelled in innovation in non-science and non-performing arts fields will also interact with the students
A valedictory programme will be held on 23rd October, 2019 in which these 6 groups will present their project/performances on the above mentioned themes.
This is only the first phase of the programme which will be expanded gradually to other fields. These students will be visiting important places of scientific and cultural interest in Bengaluru and New Delhi.
Earlier, the scheme was launched Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Headquarters at Bengaluru by union HRD ministry Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on October 10 in presence of Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO, Dr K Sivan; first Indian citizen to enter into space , Wing Cdr. Rakesh Sharma, Ashok Chakra (Retd.) and Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, R. Ramana along with senior officials of MHRD and DST.
Speaking on the occasion, the HRD Minister said this programme will prove to be a turning point for the students as well as the society, and it is through their achievements that the world will know ‘Saare Jahan se accha Hindustan Hamara’. Giving details, minister said that we have included students of performing arts along with students of science, since performing arts have a great power to move ideas and people. With children drawn from all over the country, the DHRUV programme reflects the true spirit of EK Bharat Shreshth Bharat.
While addressing the gathering, Dr.Sivan said that each selected student will be christened as Dhruv Tara and expressed happiness that the flagship programme has been inaugurated at ISRO Headquarters which will provide a source of inspiration to the young minds. Quoting example of India’s Space programme Dr. Sivan said the programme has reached unexpected heights due to the talented and bright young minds over the last 60 years and the Dhruv Taras are also expected to make similar contributions to solve problems faced by the people.
Rakesh Sharma said that these Dhruv Taras are the future innovators in their respective fields. He appealed to the student to be future ready to take on the challenges like terrorism, climate change, pollution which are staring us in the face now. He advised the youngsters to choose the purpose higher than yourself and also to revisit your personal definition of success. He also said it is not wealth but cutting edge work which brings greater satisfaction in life.
The DHRUV programme is expected be a platform to explore the talent of outshining and meritorious students, and help them achieve excellence in their specific areas of interest may it be science, performing arts, creative writing, etc. and gifted children will be mentored and nurtured by renowned experts in different areas at centres of excellence across the country, so that they can reach their full potential. It is expected that many of the students selected will reach the highest levels in their chosen fields and bring laurels to their community, State and Nation. The students will thus both shine through their achievements and light a path for others to follow.
