AIM’s Mega Tinkering Day Creates History, Enters India & Asia Book of Records

It’s not every day that half a million students across the country pick up their tools, put on their thinking caps, and innovate together in real-time. But that’s exactly what happened on August 12, 2025, when Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under NITI Aayog, orchestrated a nation-wide innovation drive that not only made history but also entered the prestigious India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.

The event, called Mega Tinkering Day 2025, has now become a milestone in India’s innovation journey—one that showcased the collective energy, creativity, and determination of the country’s young minds. With 4,73,350 students from 9,467 schools participating in a single day, AIM has set a new benchmark for student-led innovation initiatives at scale.

A Day of Collective Innovation

On that day, classrooms, labs, and community halls across India turned into buzzing workshops. Through a live, step-by-step online session, students were guided to design DIY vacuum cleaners—a project rooted in the spirit of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

The activity may have looked simple, but its significance was anything but. It wasn’t just about tinkering with motors and bottles; it was about problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. From the icy terrains of Leh and Kargil to the southern tip of Kanniyakumari, from the salt deserts of Bhuj to the lush green valleys of the North-East, innovation was in full swing.

Even aspirational districts like Virudhunagar joined the wave, demonstrating how AIM’s ecosystem has transcended barriers of geography, infrastructure, and access. In small villages and big cities alike, children came together with a single purpose: to learn, to build, and to create.

More Than Just a Record

While the numbers are impressive, the story of Mega Tinkering Day goes beyond statistics. It reflects a larger movement—a vision where India’s youth are not just passive learners but active problem-solvers.

As Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, aptly put it: “Mega Tinkering Day is not just a record—it is a movement. It represents the collective energy of our young innovators who, from the remotest villages to bustling metros, came together to learn, create, and collaborate.”

This aligns closely with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat, where innovation and youth power form the backbone of national growth.

Building a Culture of Innovation

Since its inception, AIM has been at the forefront of building an innovation-driven culture in schools. Through 10,000+ Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), the mission has introduced students to technologies like robotics, 3D printing, Internet of Things (IoT), and electronics. These labs are not mere classrooms—they are playgrounds for ideas, where failure is seen as a stepping stone to discovery.

By engaging students in hands-on projects and design challenges, AIM has been steadily cultivating skills like design thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit. The result is a growing army of young innovators who are not only ready to take on local challenges but are also prepared to contribute to global problem-solving.

A Global Message from India

Mega Tinkering Day 2025 has put India on the global map for mobilising innovation at scale. Very few countries have managed to bring together such a massive pool of students for a single activity, making this recognition by India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records a moment of pride for the nation.

But more importantly, the event has sent out a message: that innovation is no longer confined to elite labs or big cities. It is happening in small towns, in rural schools, and in places where children are solving problems that affect their own communities.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As the sun set on August 12, 2025, the numbers had already made headlines. But the real success of Mega Tinkering Day lies in the sparks of curiosity it ignited in lakhs of young students. For many of them, this was their first experience of building something with their own hands. For others, it was the beginning of a journey into science, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

And for India as a whole, it was a reminder that its greatest strength lies in the imagination of its youth.

With this achievement, AIM has not only set a record—it has set a precedent. It has shown that with the right ecosystem, mentorship, and vision, innovation can become a grassroots movement that touches every corner of the country.