Sameer Kumar Misra is an Indian innovator, educator & social entrepreneur, known for his work in grassroots science and innovation in rural Odisha and Maharashtra, India. He is the founder of NavKaushal, an organisation focused on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in underserved schools. In 2023, he was featured by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) “30 Under 30” list.[1]
SBI Youth for India Fellowship and rural education work
After completing his engineering studies, Sameer worked at a metal recycling industry through a pre-placement offer. But left the job midway after getting selected for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, a 13-month rural development programme.[3] As a fellow he worked with Gram Vikas Vidya Vihar school in Odisha, where he was instrumental in developing several initiatives, including sports leagues and film clubs. He also introduced low-cost and hands-on science activities using locally available materials.
During this period, Sameer worked mostly in forested areas, including areas near elephant reserves with irregular electricity, limited network, and poor road connectivity. He established Navonmesh Prayogshala, an innovation lab where students built working scientific models like windmills and water rockets.[1]
Innovation labs and NavKaushal
Misra founded NavKaushal to scale experiential science education in rural and marginalised communities.[4] Through the initiative, innovation labs were established in multiple schools, including Atal Tinkering Labs supported by Government of India’s Atal Innovation Mission for which he secured a funding of 2 million rupees from NITI Aayog. [5] An Atal Tinkering Lab established at Gram Vikas Residential School in Odisha under his coordination was inaugurated by Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly, and he received a formal appreciation letter from NITI Aayog.[6][7]
His work in rural education has been featured in media coverage associated with UNESCO’s #KindnessMatters campaign. Sameer contributes as a Commonwealth Correspondent at the YourCommonwealth platform, where he brings out the story of underprivileged rural Indian youth.[8]
Impact
Misra's work in education impacted over 5000 kids from marginalised communities, including children from Kondha and Saura tribal groups in Odisha. His activities engaged more than 200 teachers and benefited students from over 20 schools in nearby regions through science and innovation fairs.[9]
Apart from these, Misra also guided and mentored students academically, including girls from families of fishermen and truck drivers, some of these girls secured full scholarships to merchant navy training. Some girls who had previously been married at an early age were learning and trained in technologies such as 3D printing and prototyping.[1] Students who had dropped out to work in factories and labor jobs were brought back with these innovation labs and later pursued higher technical education and teaching roles. One student received the '''INSPIRE Award–MANAK''' from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, for his project of a bamboo stretcher to transport patients in remote areas during the COVID-19 lockdown.[10]
Received international recognition at the Humans in Space Youth Art Symposium organised by NASA, the Universities Space Research Association, and the German Aerospace Center.[1]
Won the Social Impact Award at the TIE Global Pitch Competition.
Received the Aryabhatta Award at the Bihar Awards ceremony by the former chief minister.[1]
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