Punjab News/Science and Technology drive every Nation: Dr.Tuli

Science Fest-2013 at Science City

Kapurthala, November 24, 2013: Today, we live in the era of science & technology wherein the economy of every nation depends upon its strength in science and technology. During   the last couple of years, India has made tremendous progress in the field of science and technology. Besides other achievements, India has recently launched ‘Mission on Mars’ which has placed India on a very high pedestal in the field of research in space science and technology. Undoubtedly, science and technology drive every nation’s progress and prosperity. This was expressed by Dr. Rakesh Tuli, Former Executive Director, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali (Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India) on the occasion of prize distribution function of Science Fest - 2013 organised at Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala during 22-24 November.

The organisation of the 3-days Science Fest is an effort by the Science City to promote creativity and innovation among the students and develop a spirit of competition in them. The competitions included display of projects / models, debate, quiz, science drama, and painting/ poster making. More than 700 students and 200 teachers participated in the Science Fest wherein 120 models were on display.

While addressing the students, Dr. Tuli said that in order to promote science and technology in the region, the Govt. of India set up a number of institutions of higher learning viz  National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, Science City Kapurthala, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali and Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar. These institutions are likely to raise the level of quality higher education and research in Punjab and the adjoining areas, leading to higher employment, productivity and prosperity in the region.

Speaking on this occasion, Director General Science City, Dr. R. S. Khandpur stated that the Science Fest has become very popular among the school students, as is seen from the enrolment figures for the various competitions. In fact, the response from the students for participation was so high that we had to refuse a large number of potential participants. We are very happy at this response as it reflects that the interest of the youth in understanding and appreciating science and its applications is progressively increasing.

He also mentioned about the new facilities set up in the recent past. He made a special reference to the opening of the Panorama - Life Through The Ages which has been set up in a 80 ft dia dome structure building with a cost of Rs. 2 Crores. He also stated that the railway gallery has also been opened with a number of attractive exhibits and engine simulator.

One of the main objectives of the Science City is to promote innovation and creativity among the school children by providing them an appropriate platform to display their ingenuity and innovative ideas in an informal and playful environment. Science City, Kapurthala provide such a platform by organizing Science Fest in November every year, where contestants present their Science Projects/Models.  Success in such type of the experimental activities will motivate children to continue in this path which will prove useful in one’s subsequent professional life, stated Dr. Khandpur.

Dr. Khandpur made a brief mention of the Project RISHI (Regional Incubation Science Hub for Innovators) sponsored by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Science & Technology, which is being implemented at the Science City. Under this programme, talented students are encouraged to pursue their ideas with potential during their internship at the Science City. The scheme envisages to provide a platform for high school students to develop their problem solving skills. The programme aims at providing measurable improvement in students practical skills and enhance student learning in the process.

The Science City is not only becoming popular among the people of Punjab, but also has started attracting visitors and students from other states of the country and abroad.  More than 27 lacs visitors have so far visited the Science City, stated Dr. Khandpur.

The following Business Associates were honored for bringing highest number of visitors during 2012-13 on the final day of Science Fest 2013 on November 24, 2013:

1. Puran Dhiman, M/s Raagini's Little Kingdom, Ludhiana . (Highest)

2. Dinesh Kumar, M/s New Holiday Pack India, Ludhiana. (Second Highest)

The prize distribution function of Science Fest 2013 was held to honour the winners of the various competitions. The results are:

PROJECTS / MODELS: First prize has been achieved by Govt. Sen. Sec. School SBS Nagar (Project : Environmental Protection.), Govt. Sen. Sec. School for Boys Nahba Clinched the Second Prize(Project: projector Microscope ) Gian Jyoti Global School Stood third position (Thermal Electric Generator) Fourth prize bagged police DAV public School Jalandhar (Robot Disaster) Fifth prize has been achieved by Govt.high School Dadu Mazra Chandigarh (project : Disaster Management)

DEBATE :Simranjeet Kaur Dashmesh Public School Fridkot Stood first in a debate Competition, AmanJot Kaur..GSSS chhajli Sunam  has won second prize. Third prize has been clinched by Sundhi Thakur Inuds Gold School Mandi (Himachel)

QUIZ (Category I) First prize has been achieved by Dashmesh Public School Faridkot, Dasmesh Public School, Chak, Mukarian  won second prize . Manu Vatika English Medium. Sr. Sec. School ,Budhlada, Mansa has clinched 3rd prize.

QUIZ (Category II) First  prize bagged to Swami Sant Dass Public School Jalandhar,. Second prize has been achieved by Swami Vievaka Anand Public School Jagadri. M.G.N.  Public School Urban Estate  Jalandhar stood Third .

SCIENCE DRAMA:

PAINTING (CATEGORY I) .Chahat Sahota from Lala Jagat Narian DAV Model School Jalandhar has achieved first prize, Parmjot  Kaur From Pocice DAV public school,Jalandhar Cantt. clinched second prize. 3rd prize has been achieved by  Aabha Swami Sant Dass Public School Jalandhar.

PAINTING (CATEGORY II) .Gursimran Kaur from  Dashmesh Public School Jalandhar has achieved first prize, Paras Lala Jagat Narian DAV Model School Jalandhar clinched second prize. 3rd prize has been achieved by  Akhilesh Kaura  Kamla Nehru Public School Phagwara .