A team of 13 students from government primary schools in Sambhal district stole the spotlight at this year’s Techkriti—the annual technology festival of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
Competing in the Manoeuvre category of the Robotics event against around 250 engineering college students across 60 teams, these children secured the Outstanding Performance award.
Trained by Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation, founded by IIT-Guwahati and IIM-Calcutta alumnus Sanjeev Newar, the children stunned the audience with their confidence and skills. The Foundation was felicitated at the event by the Techkrititeam for “revolutionising the spread of STEM education to the nation’s underserved talent.”
The student team came to IIT Kanpur fresh off a historic win at IIT Delhi earlier this month, where they had defeated 35 BTech teams in a blindfolded robotics event.
Among the standout performers at Techkriti was Radha, a Class 5 student from Baniyakheda PM Shri school, who is polio-affected and walks with difficulty. Her journey from a remote village to the IIT stage is now talk of the town in Sambhal. “I want to become a scientist,” she said after her team’s win.
The students hailed from four PM Shri Schools in Sambhal — Baniyakheda, Pawasa, Bahjoi, and Sambhal block.
Before the competition, Sambhal District Magistrate Dr Rajendra Pensiya addressed the children via video call and wished them well. Pensiya, who has played a key role in bringing Robotics education to Sambhal in partnership with Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation, said: “Education and big dreams can change not just Sambhal, but the entire country.”
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“This is not about STEM alone,” said Sanjeev Newar, “This is about nurturing the next-gen Rishis and warriors of Viksit Bharat.”
– Sanjeev Newar
Techkriti, IIT Kanpur’s Recognition
In an official statement, Team Techkriti 2025 congratulated the students and specially felicitated Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation and its founder Sanjeev Newar for “revolutionising STEM access for India’s underserved talent.”
Their message was clear: Brilliance knows no barriers if given the right direction and opportunities.
Gratitude & Forward Vision
We dedicate this milestone to our supporters, volunteers, and every soul who believed in this Yajna.
The future is brighter — because of your support.