"Creative Minds, Scientific Futures: Idea Ignition 1.0" - A Drawing Competition Inspiring Young Minds 

Chandigarh, February 24, 2025: BioNEST and E-YUVA, Panjab University, Chandigarh, today celebrated National Science Day by organising a drawing competition titled "Idea Ignition 1.0" for the students of Govt. Model High School, Sector 25, Chandigarh. The competition was organised in consonance with the mandate of the Government of India, Panjab University to nurture the innovation ecosystem in the region and the country. The competition was organised with a vision to create an innovation ecosystem in upto the grassroots level.

Fifty-five students from the seventh, eighth and nineth standards of Govt. Model High School, Sector 25, Chandigarh, participated in this competition, themed “Science in Everyday Life.” The students showcased remarkable creativity and innovative ideas in their drawings, depicting topics such as solar energy usage in daily life, water purification, environmental sustainability, discouraging deforestation, gene therapy, and wastewater management. Their artwork represented novel thoughts and reflected the innovative minds of these young participants.

Prof. Rohit Sharma, Project Leader at BioNEST, interacted with the students during the competition and addressed them afterward. He explained that this initiative aims to bring innovation and entrepreneurship development to the grassroots level by engaging students at an early stage, where they are shaping and exploring their future paths. He encouraged students to further explore and contribute to solving real-world problems through innovation. He emphasized the significance of nurturing young innovators and empowering them with opportunities to translate their ideas into reality.

Mr. Rajinder Singh, Principal of Govt. Model High School, Sector 25, Chandigarh, motivated the students to remain focused on their goals. He reminded them that with determination and dedication, the right opportunities and resources would naturally come their way, leading to success. His encouragement reinforced the belief that, with the right platform, these young minds have the potential to achieve great heights.

The event concluded with the distribution of participation gifts, consolation prizes, and gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three students, along with the felicitation of the school principal, coordinating teacher, and judges. The esteemed judges for the competition, Prof. Manish Sharma from the Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies and Dr. Nishima from the University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, evaluated the drawings based on originality, scientific relevance, and artistic execution. While all participants demonstrated excellent creativity and understanding of the theme, seven students stood out with their exceptional performances.

Through this initiative, the University aims to ignite grassroots-level innovation and entrepreneurship by providing a platform for students to explore and express their innovative ideas. The event serves as a stepping stone for these budding innovators, creating a hub for scientific and technological advancements. The event concluded on a high note, reinforcing the commitment of BioNEST and E-YUVA to fostering a culture of innovation among students.