The Story of Atal tinkering lab, ZPH School Rellivalasa ..... Mr Adhi Raju Amarnath

The Story of  Atal tinkering lab, ZPH School Rellivalasa ..... Mr Adhi Raju Amarnath

 Mr. Adhi Raju Amaranath’s dedication to education and his willingness to adapt to modern teaching methodologies is truly inspiring. With over 30 years of teaching experience, his career reflects a rare blend of commitment, expertise, and continuous learning. Even as a senior faculty member, his ability to embrace new technologies and guide students through 21st-century skills sets him apart as a visionary educator.

Over the past three years, Mr. Amaranath has taken on the additional responsibility of being the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) in-charge, where he has played a pivotal role in promoting hands-on learning. His efforts extend beyond conventional teaching—he has successfully implemented a structured model of teaching across cutting-edge domains like:

Design Thinking – Encouraging students to think critically and solve real-world problems creatively.

3D Printing – Introducing rapid prototyping and bringing student ideas to life through modern fabrication techniques.

Robotics and Automation – Equipping students with practical knowledge of automated systems and intelligent machines.

Drone Technology – Guiding students in understanding and experimenting with unmanned aerial systems.

His legacy is not just in the subjects he has taught but in the skills and confidence he has nurtured in his students. As he approaches retirement, Mr. Amaranath leaves behind a remarkable contribution—preparing students to thrive in the future world of innovation and technology

Mr. Amaranath’s work at ZPH School, Rellivalasa, in Vizianagaram district  Andhra Pradesh stands as a testament to his progressive approach in implementing the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) curriculum. His dedication goes beyond regular teaching hours—he consistently spends more than 2 hours after school nurturing students' skills and curiosity in innovation. Through his tireless efforts, he has elevated ATL activities to a benchmark level, making the school a model of practical, hands-on education.

A key aspect of his strategy was empowering students. Recognizing the importance of peer learning, Mr. Amaranath trained a group of student trainers in 3D printing. These trained students, in turn, became mentors for their 8th and 9th-grade peers, creating a self-sustaining learning ecosystem within the school. This approach not only deepened the students' understanding but also fostered leadership skills and collaboration.

In the initial phase of establishing ATL, he sought external support from nearby engineering colleges like  MVGR Engineering College, GMR institute of technology , bridging the gap between school-level education and advanced technological knowledge. By collaborating with professors and engineering students, he exposed his learners to cutting-edge ideas and real-world applications.

In the second phase, Mr. Amaranath focused on building self-reliance by preparing his own students in automation, coding, and real-time projects. Under his guidance, students have gained hands-on experience in robotics, programming, and practical problem-solving, transforming theoretical learning into tangible innovations.

One of his most recent and impressive initiatives is the "Making Our Own Drone" program. This project reflects his visionary mindset—empowering students to build and understand advanced technologies rather than merely using them. Through this initiative, he not only teaches technical skills like aerodynamics, electronics, and coding but also inspires creativity and self-sufficiency. "Making Our Own Drone" initiative stands as a remarkable example of collaborative learning and mentorship. This project not only introduced students to advanced drone technology but also fostered essential life skills such as problem-solving, time management, and self-discipline—lessons that will stay with them beyond the classroom.

Team Albatross (2021-2025) – Mentors from MVGR Engineering College

A dedicated group of final-year BTech Mechanical Engineering students from MVGR Engineering College, Vizianagaram, played a pivotal role as drone trainers, providing pin-to-pin guidance to ATL students:

1. V. Yeswanth (BTech 4th Year)

2. T. Uday Sagar

3. T. Yaswanth

4. P. Harsha Vardhan

5. T. Kiran Kumar

6. S. Surya Theja

7. U. Tarakeswar Rao

Their mentorship extended beyond technical skills—they became role models, helping ATL students develop confidence and professional discipline.

Drone-Making Student Team – Leaders of Tomorrow

Under the leadership of N. Lokesh (8th grade), a passionate group of 8th and 9th-grade students worked tirelessly to design, build, and operate a real-time working drone:

8th Grade Members:

1. N. Lokesh (Team Leader)

2. N. Ajay

3. N. Sudheer Kumar

4. K. Deva Harsha

9th Grade Members:

1. K. Jairam

2. P. Keshore

3. Y. Mohan

4. K. Lakshmi Narayana

5. K. Pranathi

These young innovators not only mastered the technical aspects of drone-making but also grew through hands-on problem-solving and collaborative teamwork.

A Bond Beyond Academics

Mr. Amaranath shared that this project created a special bond—like that of affectionate brothers and sisters—between the BTech mentors and school students. This emotional connection strengthened learning outcomes and made the experience more meaningful for everyone involved.

A Vision for the Future

Mr. Amaranath is hopeful that these young innovators will one day become startup founders in the drone and aviation fields. With a strong foundation in technology and mentorship, they are poised to make significant contributions to the industry.

A Teacher’s Fulfillment

As he approaches retirement, Mr. Amaranath reflects with immense satisfaction on his journey as an ATL in-charge. Over the past three years, he found joy and purpose in witnessing his students’ growth—transforming ideas into real-world innovations.

His legacy is not just in the knowledge he shared but in the empowered, future-ready students he leaves behind—ready to shape the world with curiosity and innovation.