FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE
LUCKNOW: The sprawling grounds of the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) were transformed into a giant science village, where students from across the country got to interact with each other and learn about the new inventions in the country.
Uday Gondu and Manikanta, both students of Andhra Pradesh Model School in Srikakulam district, feasted their eyes as they walked the lush green NBRI as they took in the botanical names of various trees. Many in the enthusiastic group of students, mostly in the age group of 15-17, were seen eagerly taking notes.
Students from Government Higher Secondary School, Dharampuri, Tamil Nadu, too, did not waste time as they visited the science village, developed as a part of the fourth India International Science Festival (IISF-2018). The prime goal of the science village is to expose students from rural India and make them aware of India’s achievements in science and technology.
Abhishek, a Class 11 student, who wishes to become a scientist, said it’s a dream come true to be a part of IISF 2018. “This exposure will help me learn new things and get an insight into how I can mould my future,” he said. His friends, Rahul and Saram (both in Class 9) said it was a lifetime’s opportunity to be a part of such a mega event under a single roof.
“The science village is a mass representation from rural India, a continuation of the democratic process: ‘Parliament to Panchayat’. Science Village 2018 is aimed to repeat the success by making a bigger attempt to reach out to rural masses and propagate science to the extent of seeking scientific solutions to challenges facing our society, particularly in rural India,” said NBRI chief scientist PA Shirke.
Anjeena Regi, a student of St Thomas Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram and her friend Denna, said this science village has provided them with a platform through which they are able to interact with students from various parts of the country.
“Here, we will undergo unique activities that shall cultivate scientific temper and encourage interest towards science,” the duo said. The nominated students are all from class 9–11 standard.
Addressing the students, union minister for science and technology Dr Harsh Vardhan said that a book has been compiled by including the biography of 55 leading scientists of the country, which is planned to be brought into schools across the country so that children can draw inspiration. He urged the children to take the maximum benefit of this festival and to set goals for their future.