‘The Gandhian Challenge’ is an innovation challenge which provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi’s principles. This campaign is launched by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog’s Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited.

The winners of The Gandhian Challenge will be awarded in New Delhi by NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission and UNICEF on the occasion of Children’s Day in November. The contest – open for every child in India from 2 October to 20 October – also celebrates 70 years of partnership between Government of India and UNICEF India to enable Every Right for Every Child.

“Through this partnership, AIM and UNICEF recognize every child’s ability and right to voice their dreams for a world of their choice, following Gandhi’s principles. Our aim is to support them to thrive as young innovators and entrepreneurs,” said Mr. R Ramanan, Mission Director AIM.

The problem statement for the Gandhian Challenge is: “Share your innovative solutions/ideas to create a futuristic and sustainable world of your dreams, following Gandhi’s principles.”

Ideas and solutions to the Gandhian Challenge may be expressed through broad categories: Art & Innovation (Letters, poems, painting, videos and photos, among others) and Science, Technology & Innovation (Robotics, IoT, sensors and 3D printers, among others).

All applications must be submitted on the challenge page on https://innovate.mygov.in/the-gandhian-challenge/ , Government of India’s citizen engagement portal. All applications must have an ATL code.  Children in schools without an ATL can obtain the ATL code by visiting or calling the nearest ATL school. The list of nearest ATL schools in every district can also be accessed on the challenge page mentioned above.

“Participation is a core right of every child and enabling their meaningful participation is of critical importance,” said Dr.Yasmin Ali Haque, Representative, UNICEF India. “Challenges like this help us understand children’s point of view with a willing to re-examine our own opinions and attitudes, and envisage solutions through a child-rights lens.”

In ATLs, students of class 6th to 12th acquire a problem-solving attitude, develop innovative solutions leveraging technologies like 3D printers, robotics, miniaturised electronics, IOT and programming and DIY kits, with support from teachers and mentors.