The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi concluded the third edition of its school outreach initiative, PRAYAS 3.0, with a valedictory ceremony on campus, marking the end of a month-long STEM immersion program aimed at sparking curiosity and scientific thinking among school students.
Bringing together participants from various schools across the region, the program offered students a rare opportunity to stay and learn at one of India’s premier technology institutes. Over the course of four weeks, students took part in interactive workshops, hands-on lab sessions, lectures, and collaborative projects in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
One of the program’s most talked-about moments was the Robo Soccer challenge — an event where students built and programmed robots to play soccer matches. For many, it was their first brush with robotics. “The excitement on their faces as they controlled their robots on the soccer field was priceless,” said a student mentor, highlighting the transformational impact of the activity.
Dr. Tushar Jain, Head of the Centre for Continuing Education at IIT Mandi, stressed the role of such programs in shaping young minds. “PRAYAS is about planting seeds of curiosity,” he said. “We hope this experience stays with these young minds for a lifetime and shapes the way they think about learning and the world.”
The event ended with a certificate distribution ceremony, celebrating the participants’ efforts and learning.
PRAYAS is part of IIT Mandi’s broader mission to make STEM education more engaging and accessible for younger students, particularly those in remote and underrepresented areas.
