Chandigarh, February 25, 2025-The Panjab University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig, today released the newsletter for "Igniting Young Minds", a pioneering initiative of Panjab University, designed to instil a scientific and conscientious culture at the school level. The programme is dedicated to nurturing creative thinking, experiential learning, and holistic development among students of Government Schools in Chandigarh (UT).

Speaking at the release event, PU VC Prof. Renu Vig, emphasised the importance of fostering strong collaborations between school students and higher education institutions to create a vibrant and sustainable education ecosystem. Igniting Young Minds plays a crucial role in bridging this gap by offering tailor-made solutions to specific challenges in government schools, ensuring a collaborative approach among various stakeholders in education. Prof. Vig lauded the dedicated efforts of the team behind the initiative and reiterated Panjab University’s commitment to empowering young learners through innovation, curiosity, and inclusive education.

Igniting Young Minds initiative operates in collaboration with Samagra Shiksha (a centrally sponsored scheme under Ministry of Education, Govt. of India) under the aegis of Department of School Education, Chandigarh (U.T.).

The Igniting Young Minds initiative operates through key structured modules, including, Academic Augmentation – hands-on practical experiences to deepen scientific understanding, Fostering Innovation – mentorship for National/State-level science competitions, Exposure Visits & Nature Walks – enhancing real-world learning through field-based interactions, and Holistic Development – activities promoting wellness, health, and hygiene.

Briefing the meeting, Dr. Jaspreet Kaur, Coordinator of Igniting Young Minds initiative and faculty at the Department of Botany, Panjab University, highlighted that this programme is not just about education; it’s about inspiring young minds to think beyond textbooks. By connecting school students with mentors from higher education institutions, we are creating an ecosystem where curiosity meets opportunity, paving the way for a scientifically driven and socially responsible future. The initiative is being executed by a core team of Domain Experts. Dr. Gaurav Sapra, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, UIET, Panjab University and Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UIET, Panjab University, leading the ‘Fostering Innovation’ module, highlighted that STEM education is at the heart of innovation and by providing hands-on learning experiences we are making science and technology more accessible and engaging for students, encouraging them to explore and innovate. Dr. Gaurav Gaur, Centre for Social Work, Panjab University, leading the module on holistic development stated that Education is incomplete without social awareness and our focus should not only be on academic excellence but also on the holistic well-being of students by promoting health, hygiene, and social wellness, and this initiative aims to promote social conscientiousness for a safer and healthier society.