Dateline: Lucknow | September 30, 2025
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Uttar Pradesh has achieved a new milestone by submitting more than 2.8 lakh nominations for the INSPIRE Award MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge) 2025, the highest in India. The participation surpasses the state’s own previous record of 2.1 lakh nominations in 2024, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among students and educators for innovation-driven learning.
The INSPIRE Award MANAK program, launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to nurture creativity and scientific thinking among students of classes 6 to 12. Each student is encouraged to propose original scientific ideas, inventions, or innovative projects that address real-world problems.
Background
Since its inception, the INSPIRE Award MANAK program has become a benchmark for promoting research-oriented thinking at the school level. Students are guided by teachers, school mentors, and science club coordinators to identify problems in their daily environment and develop feasible solutions. The initiative is seen as an effort to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application, emphasizing hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) experience.
In 2025, Uttar Pradesh’s remarkable participation reflects concerted efforts by district education officers, principals, and teachers to actively encourage submissions. According to the state INSPIRE Award coordinator, the 22 districts of UP that feature among the top 50 nationally—including Pratapgarh, Prayagraj, and Lucknow—showcase sustained commitment to fostering innovation culture.
Key Statistics
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Total nominations from UP: 2,82,674
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Previous year’s record: 2,10,435
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Top performing districts in UP: Pratapgarh, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Kanpur
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Student participation span: Classes 6 to 12
Experts note that the increase in nominations can be attributed to structured mentorship programs, awareness campaigns, and enhanced teacher training focused on fostering innovative thinking.
Teacher and Student Perspectives
Several teachers highlighted the enthusiasm among students. Ms. Anjali Sharma, a science teacher from Prayagraj, said:
“Students are increasingly interested in solving community-based problems through science. Projects this year include renewable energy solutions, water purification methods, and low-cost agricultural devices.”
Students like Raghav Yadav, a class 10 participant from Lucknow, expressed excitement:
“It’s amazing to see our ideas being recognized. The program encourages us to think practically and innovate beyond textbooks.”
Expert Commentary
Education specialists emphasize that INSPIRE Award MANAK is not just about awards; it develops critical thinking, research aptitude, and problem-solving skills. Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a science education consultant, said:
“Early exposure to research and innovation equips students for future STEM careers. UP’s record-breaking participation indicates a positive trend in promoting creativity at the grassroots level.”
Broader Implications
High participation in INSPIRE Award MANAK has several benefits:
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Encouraging STEM education at the school level.
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Bridging classroom knowledge with real-life applications.
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Enhancing students’ confidence and interest in pursuing scientific careers.
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Positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in student-driven innovation nationally.
The program also strengthens collaboration between schools, local industry, and innovation hubs, potentially creating pathways for successful student projects to be scaled or implemented regionally.
Conclusion
Uttar Pradesh’s record-breaking 2.8 lakh nominations for the INSPIRE Award MANAK 2025 highlight the state’s commitment to nurturing young innovators. By fostering creativity and practical problem-solving, the initiative not only motivates students but also strengthens India’s long-term capacity for scientific and technological advancement. As other states follow UP’s example, the program promises to transform the landscape of school-level innovation nationwide, encouraging more students to dream big and act boldly.
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