IIT Madras' DEL initiative inspires innovation through hands-on learning

17 Oct 2023 CW Team

Through the DEL initiative, IIT Madras students collaborate with rural school students, introducing them to the scientific principles behind everyday devices. The program also incorporates 3D printing technology, allowing students to create toys and household items. The curriculum spans three years and caters to students in Classes 8, 9, and 10 or 11.

The primary objectives of this program include fostering a 'Culture of Making' at the school level, nurturing entrepreneurial mind-sets, and promoting confidence and interest in learning through hands-on experiences. DEL engages students in experimenting with 3D printing techniques, particularly Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), enabling them to print various device components, gears, wheels, and toys.

The initiative's development involved 200 postgraduate students from 25 research labs, who created content for approximately 30 devices used in DEL Labs. These students also designed teaching modules, including documentation, PowerPoint presentations, and 'Train the Trainer' modules. Currently, 30 postgraduate students have directly taught these device-related concepts to rural students. Additionally, 25 undergraduate students worked on building device repositories aligned with the school syllabus, and 60 Prime Minister's Research Fellows Scholars are developing hands-on models and 3D-printed objects to explain different concepts. In the coming months, graduate students are expected to visit schools during weekends to teach these devices and 3D printing techniques.

DEL Labs have received positive feedback from both students and teachers. Students appreciate the opportunity to gain practical insights into device functionalities, while teachers emphasise the hands-on experiences and the chance for students to explore devices by dismantling and understanding their workings. Currently, DEL labs have been established in 13 schools, directly benefiting approximately 1,000 students and indirectly impacting more than 2,500 students. This number is set to rise significantly as more classes become involved in the initiative.

Source: India Today

Professors and students from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) are spearheading an initiative called the 'Device Engineering Lab' (DEL) in rural schools across Tamil Nadu. This program, launched by Tech to Learn, focuses on imparting hands-on learning experiences related to basic and advanced scientific and engineering concepts. The aim is to cultivate innovative thinking and enhance design and fabrication skills among students.Through the DEL initiative, IIT Madras students collaborate with rural school students, introducing them to the scientific principles behind everyday devices. The program also incorporates 3D printing technology, allowing students to create toys and household items. The curriculum spans three years and caters to students in Classes 8, 9, and 10 or 11.The primary objectives of this program include fostering a 'Culture of Making' at the school level, nurturing entrepreneurial mind-sets, and promoting confidence and interest in learning through hands-on experiences. DEL engages students in experimenting with 3D printing techniques, particularly Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), enabling them to print various device components, gears, wheels, and toys.The initiative's development involved 200 postgraduate students from 25 research labs, who created content for approximately 30 devices used in DEL Labs. These students also designed teaching modules, including documentation, PowerPoint presentations, and 'Train the Trainer' modules. Currently, 30 postgraduate students have directly taught these device-related concepts to rural students. Additionally, 25 undergraduate students worked on building device repositories aligned with the school syllabus, and 60 Prime Minister's Research Fellows Scholars are developing hands-on models and 3D-printed objects to explain different concepts. In the coming months, graduate students are expected to visit schools during weekends to teach these devices and 3D printing techniques.DEL Labs have received positive feedback from both students and teachers. Students appreciate the opportunity to gain practical insights into device functionalities, while teachers emphasise the hands-on experiences and the chance for students to explore devices by dismantling and understanding their workings. Currently, DEL labs have been established in 13 schools, directly benefiting approximately 1,000 students and indirectly impacting more than 2,500 students. This number is set to rise significantly as more classes become involved in the initiative.Source: India Today

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..