Shraddha Ramesh Londhe Wins National First Rank and Special Gold Medal
Mumbai, October 2026: Seven students from Maharashtra have achieved an impressive feat by securing places in the ‘Super 60’ category at the 12th National INSPIRE-MANAK Exhibition and Project Competition. Among them, Shraddha Ramesh Londhe won the national first rank along with a special gold medal. Congratulating Shraddha and all the other students on their remarkable achievements, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse extended his best wishes for their future scientific pursuits.
The 12th National INSPIRE-MANAK Exhibition and Project Competition, which encourages scientific thinking, creativity and socially beneficial innovations among students, was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from October 12 to 14, 2026. A total of 35 students from Maharashtra, representing the academic years 2023–24 and 2024–25, presented science-based projects at the competition.
Approximately 800 students from across the country participated in the national-level event. Based on criteria such as innovation, social relevance, ease of use and practical application in everyday life, the 60 best projects were selected for the ‘Super 60’ category. Seven students from Maharashtra secured places in this prestigious group.
Shraddha Ramesh Londhe, a student of New English School in Chandgaon, Ahilyanagar district, secured the national first rank and won a special gold medal for her prototype titled ‘AI-Based Teacher Assistant for the Blind.’ The project is based on the concept of using artificial intelligence to support the educational needs of visually impaired students.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, presented Shraddha with the gold medal, a memento, a certificate and a laptop in recognition of her achievement.
Besides Shraddha Londhe, the students selected for the ‘Super 60’ category from Maharashtra are Rajvardhan Pradeep Kale of Zilla Parishad School, Laxmiwadi, Sangli district; Devika Suhas Tad of M.E.S. Rani Laxmibai Girls’ Military School, Pune; Arnav Bhusari of City Pride School, Pune; Geeta Ganpat Dhanwade of D.E.S. Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar Guruji Secondary School; Shambhavi Ramnappa Ajagunde of K.L.E. Mangrule High School, Akkalkot, Solapur district; and Viraj Sandeep Shinde of Podar International School, Washim.
All seven students were felicitated by Dr Jitendra Singh with mementos and certificates. Their success reflects not only their consistent efforts but also the valuable contributions of their mentor teachers, parents and respective schools.
Minister Dadaji Bhuse stated that the Maharashtra government has been supporting students with a keen interest in science through its ‘Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari’ initiative. Through science exhibitions, the programme has provided students with opportunities to visit NASA. He emphasised that the state government stands firmly behind students by providing them with an appropriate platform to showcase their scientific creativity and innovative ideas.
The State Institute of Science Education, through the Regional Vidya Authority, may also facilitate an opportunity for students selected for the ‘Super 60’ category at the national INSPIRE-MANAK Exhibition and Project Competition to visit Japan under the Sakura Science Student Exchange Programme.
