AIM Celebrates CIF Graduates & Launches 'Stories of Change - 2'

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog celebrated a milestone event, marking the graduation of its second cohort of Community Innovator Fellows (CIFs) and unveiling the eagerly anticipated 'Stories of Change Edition 2'. The event underscored AIM’s dedication to fostering grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship across India, particularly in underserved areas, as part of its mission to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

Empowering Change: The CIF Graduation

The ceremony was highlighted by speeches from notable leaders. Anurag Pratap Singh, Vice President & CSR Leader at Capgemini India, emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships in driving local innovation and societal progress. 

"These innovators serve as role models, shaping raw potential into precious jewels. Their journeys highlight the immense impact they can achieve with continued support," Mr. Singh remarked.

Dr. Suresh Reddy, Lead CSR & Director at SRF Foundation, spoke on the significance of social entrepreneurship in addressing community challenges, praising the CIFs for their innovative solutions and dedication to sustainable change.

"The core value is to 'be your own master.' Initiatives like ATL, Incubation Centers, and ACIC Centers are fostering community building and promoting sustainability and innovation," Dr. Reddy noted.

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director of AIM, delivered a keynote address celebrating the CIF program's success in empowering innovators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. He highlighted the program's contributions to healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial services, aligning with the ethos of sustainable development.

"We have established robust institutions integrating business incubation with academia, aspiring to be a model of excellence. Community Innovators, with their deep understanding of local issues, embody both rigor and relevance," Dr. Vaishnav said.

Launch of 'Stories of Change Edition 2'

The event also saw the launch of 'Stories of Change Edition 2', a compilation of inspiring narratives from grassroots innovators within the AIM ecosystem. This anthology celebrates resilience, creativity, and transformative impact, showcasing stories like:

• Stanzin Jorden's Ladakh Basket Initiative: Promoting Ladakh's cultural heritage through local craftsmanship and sustainable livelihoods.
• MeMeraki by Yosha Gupta: A 'culture-tech' platform in Mumbai blending technology with traditional craftsmanship to revive India's heritage arts.
• Atul Kumar's Shilpkaari Initiative: Supporting tribal artisans in Ranchi and Bankura, preserving cultural traditions while promoting artistic expression and livelihoods.
• Biren Singh's Power Handloom Innovation: Modernizing traditional fabric production in Manipur, empowering local weavers and boosting the textile industry.
• Ram Milan's Cycle Driven Rice De-Husking Machine: An ingenious pedal-powered innovation from Gorakhpur, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The event concluded with heartfelt reflections from the CIFs and innovators, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into their entrepreneurial journeys, echoing a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of grassroots innovation.

Atal Innovation Mission, a flagship initiative by NITI Aayog, aims to catalyze innovation-driven entrepreneurship across India. By empowering innovators and fostering collaborative ecosystems, AIM accelerates societal progress and cultivates a future defined by innovation excellence.

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