Presenting the APJ Abdul Kalam Ignite Awards 2015 at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), President Pranab Mukherjee on November 30 lauded the students for their innovation, which was exhibited through their work.
“India is a country of 1.2 billion creative minds. Constructive use of these billions of minds can free India from many of its problems. These children have proved that innovative spirits can dispel any amount of inertia and replace it with exciting new possibilities. Innovations from creative youngsters are the best examples of samvedna se srijansheelta (innovation from compassion or empathy),” said the President while addressing the students at the IIM-A. The awards were given out to young children who had come up with innovative products or ideas for ease of daily life.
The President maintained that IIM-A has been committed to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. “Today, I call upon the faculty, students, and alumni of IIM-A to continue to engage with creative minds from industry, business, entrepreneurs, society leaders and with those who work at the grassroots. The Institute must continue to address the pressing issues confronting today’s society.”
The award function, which was also attended by Governor of Gujarat OP Kohli and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, was organised by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and IIM-A.