Ministry of Education launches PRERANA program

Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India has launched ‘Prerana: An Experiential Learning program’, aiming to offer a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience to all participants, thereby empowering them with leadership qualities.

Prerana is driven by a strong commitment to integrate principles of Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education which is a corner stone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Program overview

Prerana is a week-long residential program for selected students of class IX to XII. It is an experiential and inspirational learning program for students with the best-in-class technology where heritage meets innovation. A batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) will attend the program, every week from various parts of the country.

Prerana program will run from a Vernacular School, established in 1888, in one of the oldest living cities of India, Vadnagar, district Mehsana, Gujarat. The school stands as a tribute to Vadnagar's indomitable spirit, a living city that has triumphed over challenges like earthquakes and natural calamities and is home to ancient heritage sites and monuments inhabited since the early historic period and in the modern day. The school signifies the fact that extraordinary lives often find their roots in ordinary foundations. Grounded in the timeless wisdom of India's rich civilization, this unique initiative embodies a vision aligned with the principles and ideals of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, who is an alumnus.

The curriculum of Prerana School prepared by IIT Gandhi Nagar is rooted in nine value based themes: Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, Satyanishtha and Shuchita, Navachar and Jigyasa, Shraddha aur Vishwas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya. The program based on above themes will inspire the youth and foster respect for Bharat's unity in diversity, embodying the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and will contribute by making the youth of today, a flame holder for Viksit Bharat. Towards this endeavour, the participants will be guided by mentors from prestigious institutions.   

The day-wise program schedule will feature yoga, mindfulness, and meditation sessions, followed by experiential learning, thematic sessions, and hands on interesting learning activities. Evening activities will include visits to ancient and heritage sites, inspirational film screenings, mission life creative activities, talent shows etc. ensuring a holistic learning approach. Apart from this, students will engage in diverse activities, embracing indigenous knowledge systems, latest State-of-Art technologies, and learnings from inspirational personalities.

Eligibility

Students of Class IX to XII from any recognised school of the country.

Selection criteria

Two students (01 boy and 01 girl) will be selected for Prerana program from each district.

STAGE-I

• Students of class IX to XII will register through an online application on the dedicated PRERANA Portal giving personal details, school details, academic and special achievements.
• Based on the criteria, details filled, special achievements, 200 students will be shortlisted in each district (100 girls and 100 boys).

STAGE-II

• All shortlisted 200 students will be informed by email/message on contact details of school/student as filled in the application and called to one Nodal Centre in district - JNV/KV (CBSE School if JNV or KV is not available in district) on a particular day called ‘PRERANA UTSAV’ for orientation cum talent hunt.
• Students will exhibit their talent in multi-modal activities like recording a short video, writing essay/poem/story and other creative expression (Painting/ caricature etc.) on given topic like “Why should I be selected for Prerana” or “My Vision of India @ 2047” etc.
• The recording and uploading of multi-modal activities / creative expression on portal will be facilitated by the Nodal Centre by arranging required resources.
• Teacher Committees of KVS will evaluate evidences of creative expression based on the content and presentation and upload marks on portal.
• The students will be shortlisted/selected keeping in mind the representation of at least 50% rural, 50% girls and all other categories.
• In special circumstances, children with extraordinary talent can also be nominated directly.

STAGE-III

• 30 students identified in Stage II will be informed by email/message on contact details of school/student as filled in the application to attend personal interview at JNV/KV of the district.
• Final 2 students (1 boy and 1 girl) along with 02 students for reserve panel will be selected through personal interview, achievements, and impromptu writing to judge their personality and suitability for the programme.
• Finally selected students will be informed by email/message on contact details of school/student as filled in the application.
• The details of the programme, reporting venue in the district, requirements for the programme etc. will be intimated to selected students and their respective schools. 

How to be a part of the program

• Students can register through the PRERANA portal, wherein applicants can fill the requisite details to be a part of the ambitious and aspirational Prerana program.
• The registered applicants will go through a selection process, as prescribed on the portal. Applicants can also join the selection procedure conducted at the School/block level,  on designated ‘Prerana Utsav’ day, through various activities based on the ethos of Prerana to evaluate for well rounded personalities keen to shape the future of our nation.
• Upon selection, the 20 participants (10 boys and 10 girls) will be attending the Prerana program and embark on a journey of inspiration, innovation, and self-discovery. After the program, the participants will carry the ethos of Prerana into their respective communities,  become change makers and spark positive change to inspire others.

Source :PRERANA portal