Dehradun, Uttarakhand | August 18, 2026: The SATHEE initiative, developed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, organised a career counselling and awareness session, ‘PRAGATI (Program for Awareness, Growth, Aspirations, Technology and Innovation) 2026,’ at the SATHEE Kendra located at PM SHRI Government Girls Inter College (GGIC), Rajpur Road, Dehradun, on Tuesday.
The two-hour session focused on career opportunities, emerging technologies, personal development and preparation for future challenges. Students had the opportunity to interact directly with senior professionals from different fields.
The session featured Dr. Manoj Kumar Dhaka, Director, Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), DRDO, as the Chief Guest and Dr. J. N. Nautiyal, President, Bhartiya Chikitsa Parishad, Uttarakhand, as the Special Guest.
The visiting dignitaries interacted with the students, who showcased various models and projects developed as part of their innovation activities at the Atal Tinkering Lab. The interaction was followed by a lamp-lighting ceremony and felicitation of the guests by Smt. Premlata Bourai, Principal, PM SHRI GGIC Rajpur Road.
Addressing the students, Dr. Manoj Kumar Dhaka emphasised the importance of determination in achieving one’s goals. He said that students can overcome challenging circumstances and limited resources through determination, hard work and perseverance.
Appreciating the projects showcased at the Atal Tinkering Lab, Dr. Dhaka noted that several projects had practical, real-life applications. He also highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, space technology and underwater technologies.
Encouraging students to use technology constructively, he said, “Do not look at AI as an enemy. Consider it a friend and use it for progressive and productive work.” He further stressed the need for students to develop an individual edge and adopt an “out-of-the-box” approach to stand out in an increasingly competitive environment.
Dr. J. N. Nautiyal spoke about the importance of lifestyle, self-discipline, self-awareness and understanding one’s strengths and willpower. He encouraged students to continuously work on themselves and develop habits that contribute to both personal and professional growth.
He also discussed challenges faced by students at an early age, including differences between parents and children and stress arising from academic and personal expectations. He emphasised that stress management, self-awareness and personality development are as important as academic performance.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed the addresses, during which students directly posed questions to Dr. Manoj Kumar Dhaka on career choices, emerging technologies and other areas of interest.
Speaking about the programme, Smt. Premlata Bourai, Principal, PM SHRI GGIC Rajpur Road, said that PRAGATI 2026 was organised to provide students with greater clarity about the career choices available to them after school. She added that interactions with professionals from different fields help students understand various career pathways and make informed decisions about their future.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Shitij, SATHEE Mitra, GGIC Rajpur Road, Dehradun, followed by a group photograph with the participating guests, school representatives and students.
