NITI Aayog organised a two-day National Workshop on “Grassroots Innovation Pathways – From Local Resilience to National Advancements” on 19–20 May 2026 at Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in collaboration with the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) and the National Innovation Foundation – India.

The workshop was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Science & Technology, Shri Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia, Minister for Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, and Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Former Member, NITI Aayog.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Science & Technology, highlighted the importance of grassroots innovation in advancing self-reliance and inclusive development. Shri Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia, Minister for Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, emphasised the need for stronger institutional support systems for grassroots innovators. Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Former Member, NITI Aayog, observed that India’s innovation landscape must increasingly integrate local knowledge systems and community-led problem-solving approaches within mainstream development planning. (Courtsey : Social media post of NITI Aayog)

Dr. Gajanan Dange , President , YOJAK shared his thoughts on Grassroots Innovation in this event as a speaker in the session named ‘Community Driven Innovative Initiatives’