Navam - Agastya International Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand will Collaborate to Introduce Design Thinking Program

 Venue: SCERT Conference Hall

In a landmark meeting held today at the conference hall of SCERT Uttarakhand, education leaders converged to discuss the implementation of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering innovation and creativity among students. The meeting, chaired by Director Academic Research and Training, Bandna Garbyal, witnessed the collaboration between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand to introduce the Design Thinking course in schools across the state.

The Design Thinking course, spearheaded by Navam Foundation, offers a transformative opportunity for teachers and students to develop essential 21st-century skills in a dynamic and supportive learning environment. By embracing the principles of Design Thinking, participants are empowered to unleash their creative potential and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

CEO Nitin Desai and his team from Navam Foundation led the meeting with an insightful presentation, showcasing videos and digital resources tailored for an online audience. The collaborative efforts between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand were evident as Director Bandna Garbyal, along with Joint Director Kanchan Devradi and Assistant Director Dr. K. N. Bijalwan, actively participated in the discussion.

As a reviewer, Joint Director, Kanchan Devradi demonstrates a strong understanding of the importance of the collaboration between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand in introducing the Design Thinking course. She remarked, "The collaboration between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand in introducing the Design Thinking course is a significant step towards fostering creativity and innovation among students. I am excited to see how this initiative will empower our educators and learners to tackle real-world challenges with ingenuity and resilience”

During the meeting, SCERT faculties and officers engaged in fruitful interactions with CEO Nitin Desai, discussing the potential collaboration with Navam Agastay International Foundation to implement the Design Thinking program in Uttarakhand's schools. The importance of innovation and training, particularly in the context of science exhibitions and educational curriculum, was emphasized by various stakeholders.

Assistant Director Dr. K. N. Bijalwan, taking the initiative, expressed optimism about integrating emerging courses and technologies into the state's educational programs. He underscored the significance of training teachers and students to adopt innovative approaches in problem-solving, aligning with upcoming events like Techno Mela, Inspire Awards, Hackathons, and science exhibitions.

The coordinator Dr Avnish Uniyal of the Inspire Manak award expressed the need for innovation training, including the application of Design Thinking to enrich ideas and prepare prototype artifacts, thereby encouraging active participation among children. Similarly, the science coordinator Dev Raj Singh Rana inquired about the benefits of the course for state science exhibitions. Sudhir Nautiyal from the PMeVidya Channel program sought information about broadcasting the video series in schools alongside the curriculum. Pradeep Bahuguna, a physics faculty member, advocated for integrating such innovative programs for middle and senior school students in the state. Furthermore, R. P. Badoni, the program coordinator and representative from SCERT IT Faculty, elaborated on the concept of Design Thinking and its launch, highlighting its benefits for children in becoming entrepreneurs and developing problem-solving skills.

The wrap-up session, facilitated by CEO Nitin Desai, addressed common queries and concerns, providing clarity on the program's launch in the state. Feedback forms were distributed, encouraging participants to share their thoughts on the course content and its utility for the state's school children at Badoni end.

The collaboration between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand marks a significant milestone in the realm of education, promising to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century.