Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
Udupi, Mar 1: “Infuse scientific temper in the children”, was the message eminent scientist Dr P C Kesavan had for the teachers on the occasion of the National Science Day celebrated by Manipal University for the students of Academy of General Education (AGE) and Dr T M A Pai Foundation at the Fortune Inn Valley View Hotel, on Sunday February 28.
An impressive science exhibition of different models and posters, made by the students of the schools under AGE and the Foundation, were also exhibited in the auditorium.
While praising the students for the exhibits, Dr Kesavan, former executive director of M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, said that infusing scientific temper in students was important as their talent needs to be harnessed in the proper direction.
He was particularly happy at the manner in which Manipal University celebrated Science Day. “That will create awareness among the students”, he said and lavished praise on some of the exhibits and posters. He touched on various topics like carbon emission, climate change, and global warming which were depicted in the displays.
Earlier, Dr G K Prabhu, registrar, Manipal University, in his address, briefed the gathering about Manipal University’s unique way of celebrating National Science Day. About 400 students from 16 primary and high schools under AGE and Dr TMA Pai Foundation take part in these celebrations, which has been held every year, for the last seven years.
Dr Prabhu said that competitions among the students would begin some 15 days prior to this day at the school level. He said, “Science seminar, drawing, and model competitions are held to bring out the talents of the top science student.” The best models and posters were exhibited.
Another important feature of the celebrations was that two of the top science students from Class IX of the schools are given a residential training programme at the Life Science Centre, one week prior to the Science Day. Some 142 students, winners of the competition, were given certificates and mementoes.
Registrar of International Programmes and executive director planning Dr Vinod Bhat said that Manipal University not only catered to higher education but also ensured that education is provided at the higher and primary levels with these outreach programmes.