Bengaluru: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi called upon the youth to identify real-life problems by combining the spirit of Seva with innovation, and to develop practical solutions that can be implemented on a large scale.
Joshi made these remarks while inaugurating the ‘Seva First Innovation Challenge’ (SFIC) for the southern region at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He also launched the initiative’s website and registration portal.
Joshi said the true meaning of ‘Seva’ lies in translating service into action by identifying real-life problems and developing innovative solutions that can be implemented on a large scale.
Highlighting India’s young population, he noted that around 65 percent of the country’s population is below the age of 35 and said the inquisitiveness, confidence and technological familiarity of young people should be channelled into productive and innovative endeavours.
He also highlighted the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in promoting critical thinking, creativity, experiential learning and problem-solving, enabling students to experiment and innovate from an early age. Joshi said service-oriented innovation could contribute to the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ and urged startups and industry partners to mentor young innovators and help promising ideas move towards practical implementation.
The Union Minister also suggested creating a national repository on the SFIC website to facilitate future guidance, adoption, and large-scale implementation of effective solutions. He expressed hope that robust solutions from across the country would emerge at the national finals scheduled to be held in New Delhi in December 2026.
IISc Bengaluru has been designated as the nodal institute for the southern region. It will provide support in technical evaluation and guidance across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
Under SFIC, students and young innovators from schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges, and universities will be able to present solutions based on five national themes: Clean and Sustainable Bharat, Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous Bharat, Healthy and Inclusive Bharat, Educated and Skilled Bharat and Secure Bharat
The challenge aims to provide mentorship and support to promising ideas, helping young innovators refine their solutions and take them towards entrepreneurship and real-world implementation.
Registration for SFIC will remain open from September 25 to October 24, 2026. The national final will be held in New Delhi in December 2026.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education, IISc Bengaluru, UGC, NITs, educational institutions, industry, startups, students and young innovators.
(PIB)
