Poor children studying at the School of Creative Learning at Nargada village on the outskirts of Patna will now be able to learn 3D printing, robotics and other new-age technical skills, thanks to the Atal Tinkering Laboratories (supported by Niti Aayog, Government of India) that was inaugurated on the school premises by Union minister Upendra Kushwaha on Saturday.

Retired IAS officer-cum-mentor of School of Creative Learning Vijoy Prakash said: "With a view to create scientific temper and cultivate the spirit of curiosity and innovation in young minds, NITI Aayog called for applications from schools for support of establishment of Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) in schools. The vision is to 'Cultivate one million children in India as neoteric innovators'."

He added: "Around 13,000 schools applied to NITI Aayog. After a screening, including presentation of innovations by students, 257 schools were selected for assistance for setting up ATL. Of this, five schools from Bihar were selected. The School of Creative Learning is one such school where ATL has been set up."

Kushwaha said innovation was very important in the modern era and equipping children with technological skills will help them shine in future.

The principal of the School of Creative Learning, Mridula Prakash, said students of her school, who mostly belong from poor families will be benefited by the Atal Tinkering Laboratories. "What we have found out is that children from poor families are a little weak in communication skills and mathematics because they don't get the right environment. If a child is not good at these but develops skills in robotics and 3D printing, we can get a new breed of engineers. A bit of tweaking to suit the interests of such children will help to impart engineering and technology skills," said Mridula.

An exhibition, Waste is Best, was organised on the occasion. Kids from the School of Creative learning showcased innovative ideas about how to use/build things from waste material. Among the students who showcased their exhibits were Praveen, Aditya, Ankit, Nipu, Sunny and Biswas. Students demonstrated models of ATM machine, water-level indicator, periscope, floor cleaner, headphone and robotic models.