Dr A P J Abdul Kalam presents school awards at IIM-A

Former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam said on Monday that primary education in the country has to be changed to encourage creativity in children.

“The entire education system should be changed so that every young person can say ‘I can do it’. Particularly, primary education has to be changed. Creativity of children needs to come out. At present, we are not doing this. We need a change in the syllabus,” Kalam said at the third IGNITE Awards ceremony at IIM-A.

The awards are given to schoolchildren around the country for innovations and technological ideas.

As many as 1,344 entries from 82 districts in 21 states were received between April 15 and September 15 for this year’s competition. Eighteen students were presented with the awards today, along with three ‘special mention’ awards.

Winning entries range from a breathing sensor apparatus to assist physically challenged people, to rainwater harvesting umbrella with filters, and travel bags with folding seats.

The National Innovation Foundation had started IGNITE Awards in 2007.