Innovation is no longer an option—it is the need of the hour. In an era where technology and creativity drive progress, Atal Tinkering Lab – Design Thinking Towards Diverse Skillsets emerges as a timely and impactful contribution to the education landscape. Authored by two distinguished academicians, Prof. Nagendra Singh and Dr. Anupama Verma, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing the vision of the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) initiative.
The ATL program, a flagship project of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, has transformed the way students in India engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This book delves deep into the philosophy and functioning of ATLs, offering readers a blend of theoretical concepts and practical strategies. It explains how these labs foster creativity, promote problem-solving skills, and prepare students to become future-ready innovators.
Designed as a valuable resource for educators, students, policymakers, and innovators, the book covers foundational principles of tinkering, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It provides step-by-step guidance for setting up and managing ATLs, enriched with real-life case studies, success stories, and best practices from the field. The authors emphasize how these labs are more than just spaces with tools—they are ecosystems of curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. By adopting the methodologies discussed in the book, institutions can inspire students to explore, invent, and address real-world challenges with confidence.
About the Authors
Prof. Nagendra Singh is a veteran educationist with over 35 years of teaching experience and a rich administrative background. He has served as the former Dean Research at RIE, Ajmer, Convener Board of Studies, Member Board of Management, and Dean of Education at MDS University, Ajmer. Prof. Singh is widely respected for introducing innovative approaches in classroom teaching and has made substantial contributions to research in Quality Education, Teacher Education, and Internationalization of Higher Education. His prolific work includes authoring over 180 books and publishing nearly 50 research papers in reputed journals. He has actively participated in numerous national and international seminars, conferences, and projects, and has visited prestigious institutions such as the University of London, Cambridge University, Michigan State University, and the University of Ottawa, among others.
Dr. Anupama Verma is a distinguished academician, author, poet, and social worker with a career marked by excellence and service. Holding multiple postgraduate degrees, a Ph.D. in Education, and UGC NET qualifications in Education and English, she has guided several doctoral research scholars. Her professional achievements include participation in nearly 50 national and international seminars, publication of 20 research papers, authorship of 10 books, and editing of two others. Recognized with numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in Education, Gyan Ratna Award, and Shiksha Ratna Award, she has also been honored by the UN Book of World Records. As the founder of an NGO since 2001, Dr. Verma has worked extensively to provide vocational education to women. She is also the author of the poetry collection Shades of Life.
Together, Prof. Singh and Dr. Verma present Atal Tinkering Lab – Design Thinking Towards Diverse Skillsets not merely as a book, but as a vision to transform learning spaces into innovation hubs. It is a must-read for anyone committed to shaping India’s next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.