Celebration of World Creativity and Innovation Day
21st - 25th April 2024
Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), Ministry of Education (MoE), Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurugram celebrated “World Creativity and Innovation Day” with the theme ‘Fostering Creativity and Innovation to Solve Global Challenges’ and organized a series of activities from 21st – 25th April, 2024. 115 B.Tech 2nd year students from all the departments became part of the celebration. The objectives of the activities were to raise awareness about the crucial role that creativity and innovation play in addressing global challenges. The event aimed to highlight the significance of innovative thinking in human development and recognize the creative efforts of students, alumni, and faculty in finding solutions to real-world problems.
The day began with an introduction by the event coordinator, who explained the significance of World Creativity and Innovation Day. The focus of the event was to inspire participants to view creativity as a critical tool for human development and as an enabler of innovative solutions to challenges ranging from technology to social issues. Prof. (Dr.) Isha Malhotra (Principal, DCE) delivered a keynote speech on "The Power of Creativity in Solving Global Problems." She emphasized how creativity transcends disciplines and drives innovations that can address challenges such as climate change, healthcare, education, and economic development. She further urged students to actively engage in creative problem-solving and think outside the box to develop innovative solutions.
Mr. Rajiv Gulati (Guest Speaker), an expert in Innovation Management, delivered an inspiring talk on "The Role of Creativity in Human Development." He illustrated the various ways creativity has driven progress throughout history, from groundbreaking technological innovations to social and cultural advancements. He encouraged students to approach problems with a creative mindset and shared examples of how simple yet creative solutions have solved complex global issues.
As a way to recognize and celebrate creativity, a special segment was held to honor the contributions of students, alumni, and faculty who have demonstrated outstanding creativity and innovation in their fields:
- Student Innovations: Several student groups were awarded for their creative projects, such as a low-cost water purification system, an AI-based health diagnostic tool, and a mobile app for educational accessibility in rural areas.
- Alumni Spotlight: Alumni who have founded startups or made significant contributions to innovation in industries such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability were recognized and shared their experiences with the audience.
- Faculty Achievements: Faculty members who have developed innovative teaching methods or contributed to research in creative fields were also honored. Their efforts to incorporate creative thinking in education were highlighted as pivotal to the development of future innovators.
An exhibition showcasing student-led projects was organized, where teams presented their creative solutions to societal problems. Key innovations on display included:
- Eco-friendly Packaging Materials developed by students from the Chemistry and Business departments.
- Wearable Health Monitoring Devices designed by Engineering and Medical Technology teams.
- Solar-Powered Agricultural Tools that offer sustainable solutions to farmers.
The exhibition allowed attendees to interact with the innovators and understand the creative process behind their ideas.
A hands-on workshop on "Creative Problem Solving" was conducted to engage participants in interactive sessions where they tackled hypothetical challenges using innovative methods. The workshop provided practical tools and frameworks for thinking creatively, fostering teamwork, and approaching challenges with a fresh perspective.
The day concluded with closing remarks by the Director Prof. Dr. B. M. K. Prasad, who reiterated the importance of nurturing creativity and innovation within the academic environment. He congratulated the awardees and encouraged the students and faculty to continue their creative endeavors to contribute to societal development.
Benefits/Outcome: The activity successfully raised awareness about the vital role of creativity and innovation in overcoming global challenges. It provided a platform to showcase the innovative contributions of students, alumni, and faculty, while also encouraging participants to embrace creativity in their daily problem-solving efforts. By recognizing and appreciating the innovative work already being done within the institute, the event inspired further creativity and innovation in the community.