The STEMagine Exhibition-cum-Competition kicked off on 16th May 2025 with great enthusiasm and participation. As the coordinator and facilitator of the STEM Lab at NECTAR Shillong, Smart Village Movement (SVM) proudly supported this dynamic platform where innovation meets education. The event drew vibrant participation from schools and partner organisations, including NECTAR Shillong, ICCO, Ernst & Young, and SVM, highlighting a shared commitment to nurturing STEM talent and creativity among young learners.
Participating schools included All Saints School, Good Shepherd H.S. School, Laban Assamese School, Shillong College, and BSF School. These institutions showcased a range of innovative projects including the process of photosynthesis, smart home automation for mobility-impaired individuals, a plastic recycling plant, an automatic toll gate system, and controllable LED lights using Arduino for a smart traffic system.
Dignitaries and officials from the participating organisations were present, Each dignitary took time to assess and interact with the students, who presented their projects with confidence and clarity. The projects were not only academic but also deeply educational and purpose-driven.
For instance, Ms. Melaaika Kharlukhi, a Grade 5 student from STEM Labs (All Saints School), presented a simple yet insightful model on photosynthesis. When asked why she chose this topic, she stressed the importance of plants and trees in maintaining ecological balance and emphasized their role in sustaining life on Earth.
One of the standout projects was presented by Good Shepherd H.S. School, which demonstrated a fully functional smart home automation system designed to aid differently-abled individuals. The system responded to voice commands and was both practical and impactful. The team was awarded First Prize for their thoughtful innovation.
Other notable projects included an Automatic Toll Gate System by Ms. Esther Kharumnuid (STEM Labs) and a Smart Traffic Light System using Arduino by Ms. Saraswati Chapagai (STEM Labs), both of which showcased real-world applicability and technical skills.
Overall, the event was productive, insightful, and inspiring. It not only highlighted the talent and creativity of young minds but also sparked keen interest among dignitaries. Students graciously received feedback and suggestions from NECTAR officials and expressed enthusiasm for improving their models and participating in future collaborations.
