New Delhi: The IIT Delhi campus was bustling with youthful energy and enthusiasm over the past five days (13-17 May 2025), as it hosted 100 spirited school girls from classes 9-12, mostly from Delhi NCR region for the Manasvi: STEM Mentorship Program for High School Girls – a flagship initiative by the Academic Outreach and New Initiatives Office at IIT Delhi to inspire young girls to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The objective of the program is to improve the skewed gender ratio in STEM, and imbibe the girls with the right set of skills and mindset to encourage them to pursue careers in STEM. Manasvi aims to go beyond just academic engagement, by offering to these young girls a voice, a platform, and most importantly, a belief that they belong in STEM.

The inaugural session of the 4th batch of the program began with a welcome address by Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director IIT Delhi. In his address, he encouraged the girls, saying, “We aim to introduce you to STEM careers and guide you on how pursuing STEM can empower you to apply your ideas for the betterment of society.”

The program featured informal and technical sessions on each day, beginning each morning with informal bonding sessions, led by student volunteers from IIT Delhi. These sessions were designed in a manner to help the girls open up, share their aspirations and vulnerabilities, and step out of their comfort zones.

The formal sessions featured a series of inspiring talks and panel discussions with diverse speakers across fields, including a thought-provoking session by Mr. Nozomu Hagiwara, social activist and founder of the Nozomu Foundation, who spoke about resilience, mental strength, and the boundless potential within each individual. Another key moment was a panel discussion featuring Dr S Arulselvi, Professor, Laboratory Medicine, JPNATC, Dr. Urvashi Yadav, Senior Resident in Laboratory Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi, and Dr. Lily Khosa, Chief Medical Officer, the much-loved doctor at IITD Hospital. The panelists shared their journeys into medicine and emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle for overall success in life. Several faculty members and students from IIT Delhi enthusiastically contributed towards the engaging sessions related to their respective research areas, providing a glimpse into the world of academic research and innovation.

The afternoons were dedicated to experiential learning at the MakerSpace Lab, under the guidance of Prof. Jay Dhariwal, faculty in the Department of Design, IIT Delhi and the MakerSpace team. Each participant learned to assemble a solar lamp kit – an empowering experience that allowed the girls to create a tangible, functional object with their own hands. They were excited to receive the finished lamps as a cherished memento of their time at IIT Delhi.

The summer phase of the program concluded on a high note with a captivating keynote by Dr. Ritu Karidhal, ISRO scientist and popularly known as the “Rocket Woman of India.” In her talk “Challenges and Accomplishments of ISRO's Interplanetary Missions: The Chandrayaan to Mangalyaan and Future Possibilities for Young Space Enthusiasts,” Dr. Karidhal shared her own journey, the behind-the-scenes challenges of India’s space missions and motivated the students to aim for the stars—literally.

The impact was palpable. Participants spoke of a renewed sense of self-belief:

“Before coming here, I used to think STEM was not for me. I was scared of science and felt I could never make it. But after this week, I feel like I belong here. I’m not afraid anymore.” – Aastha Dayal from PM Shri KV No.- 3, Delhi Cantt

“The mentors treated us like equals. Their stories showed me that it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to dream big. I now feel much more confident about choosing a career in STEM.” – Nabila from G Co- Ed SS School, Sector- 5, RK Puram, Delhi

“Manasvi changed my mindset. I always saw STEM as something far out of reach, but now I feel more equipped and excited to take it up.” – Himanshi, DBRA, School of Specialised Education, SEC-5, New Delhi

The formal session closed with a vote of thanks by Prof. Shilpi Sharma, Associate Dean Academics (Outreach and New Initiatives), who spearheaded the program and on the concluding note she said, “You are Manasvis in the true sense. ​​In these five days, you have amazed us with your brilliance, your never-say-die attitude, and your passion to learn.  Over these days we have learnt so much from you. Stay just the way you are, girls.”

The second and third phases of the program are scheduled for October and December 2025. Details will be shared on the website: https://academicoutreach.iitd.ac.in/. The same group—with a majority from government schools—will continue in the upcoming phases.

Manasvi was proudly sponsored by Ratna Sagar Pvt. Ltd. Additionally, 25 participants were sponsored by the Bharti Airtel Foundation as part of their CSR initiative in collaboration with IIT Delhi, reflecting mutual effort to inspire and support young women pursuing STEM education.

ENDS

Press Release Issued on: 18-05-25