Staff Reporter
Panaji
Government schools are rarely seen as hubs of innovation. But students from PM Shri GHS, Morpirla have defied expectations. Despite coming from tribal backgrounds and facing numerous challenges, these young minds have showcased remarkable creativity and ingenuity.
Four projects from the school have been selected for the E-Pitching round of the prestigious School Innovation Contest (SIC), organised by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, New Delhi.
This achievement is even more significant considering the competition attracted
an astounding 1.5 lakh project ideas from students across India.
Headmistress Maria Murena Miranda credited the dedication of teachers who put in extra hours after school to balance creativity with academics.
“Imagine a remote village school where classrooms buzz with the energy of creation, where children are not afraid to experiment and dream big. Now, they are brimming with newfound confidence, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills,” she said. The contest fosters out-of-the-box thinking, preparing students for innovation and prototype competitions at school, state, and national levels. Schools participating in SIC also gain opportunities to connect with higher education innovation councils, receiving exposure to entrepreneurship, ideation, prototyping, and motivational sessions.
What makes this achievement extraordinary is that these students have overcome significant hurdles.
The school stands out for its emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation and providing a nurturing environment, said Miranda, adding that the school encourages students to think beyond conventional learning by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, project-based learning, experiential learning, robotics, and smart classrooms.
The School Innovation Contest is envisioned as India’s largest school innovation challenge, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC). It encourages students nationwide to identify community problems.
