The Young Tinker Foundation recently conducted an inspiring 2-day hands-on workshop at Shahpur Village, Ahmedabad, Gujarat from 9th to 10th May 2025, where over 150 students from nearby government schools came together to experience the power of creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
Hosted at the Brahmakumari Center, this program was part of a special Summer Initiative under the visionary leadership of Sarpanch Shri Arpit Patel — a dynamic young leader dedicated to fostering educational growth and grassroots innovation in his community.
Day 1: Reimagining Villages — A Journey of Leadership & Collaboration
The day began with the “Think Outside the Box” activity, designed to spark curiosity and challenge conventional thinking. Students enthusiastically participated, stepping out of their comfort zones and approaching problems with fresh perspectives.
Next, students were divided into teams, each representing a village. The highlight of the day was the Village Sarpanch Election Simulation — where students stood as candidates, shared their vision for a better village, and campaigned for votes. This immersive exercise not only nurtured leadership qualities but also encouraged students to think critically about real-life rural challenges and solutions.
Once a sarpanch was elected, the teams collaborated to design a map of their dream village, outlining key features and facilities they wished to see — from better schools and healthcare to clean water and green spaces. It was heartwarming to see the students’ imagination and civic sense come alive on paper.
Day 2: From Principles to Propulsion — Learning with Rockets
The second day began with an introduction to the Young Tinker Principles — a set of guiding mantras that help students approach problems creatively, work as a team, and develop an innovative mindset. Students then explored India’s first space mission and learned the fundamental science behind it, including a hands-on understanding of Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
The real thrill came when students, working in their village teams, built their own water rocket launchers. Guided by their learnings, they crafted, tested, and finally launched their rockets high into the sky, symbolizing their own aspirations taking flight. The joy, excitement, and sense of achievement were truly electrifying!
This impactful workshop would not have been possible without the heartfelt support of the Brahmakumari team and the dedication of countless volunteers who ensured a smooth and enriching experience for the children.
A special mention goes to Sarpanch Shri Arpit Patel, whose vision of empowering rural students through meaningful learning experiences is truly commendable. His active participation, interaction with the students, and infectious enthusiasm throughout the event were inspiring. He not only encouraged every child to dream big but also highlighted the importance of education and innovation at the grassroots.
At the Young Tinker Foundation, we believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and innovate. Through initiatives like these, we aim to nurture young problem-solvers who will shape the future of their communities and beyond.
Together, we are igniting the spark of rural innovation — one village at a time.