Punjab News/Science City Kapurthala– a humming centre of science activities

Kapurthala, December 23, 2013:The Pushpa Gujral Science City remained humming with science activities throughout the year 2013. Science, Environment and Technology related activities, workshops and awareness programmes like Space Olympiad, Earth Day, Water Day, Wetlands Day, Technology Day, Biodiversity Day, Science Festival, Pollution Control Day and Innovative Technology Day were organised at Science City. Each event was organized with the motive of inculcating scientific aptitude & temperament and to promote active learning through Project / Model Display, Debates, Painting, Science Drama etc. These programmes help in promoting spirit of competition in the young generation and help in developing creativity and innovation in the young minds.  More than 3 lacs visitors experienced Science City in the year 2013. Science City has received more than 28 lacs visitors ever since its opening to the public. This was stated by Director General, Dr. R.S. Khandpur while interacting with the media.  
Dr. Khandpur further stated that PGSC is receiving an overwhelming response from Punjab and the neighbouring states of Haryana, Delhi Himachal and J & K. The Department of Education, Govt. of Punjab sponsored visit of more than 7000 students to the Science City. The Department of Education, Punjab also sponsored visit of more than 56000 students to the Science City under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Sikhsha Abhiyaan (RMSA) of the Govt. of India.
A new gallery on Railways was opened to the public in the month of June, 2013. The much awaited gallery depicts an interesting combination of information on Indian Railways coupled with dioramas on some of the world renowned railway lines. The Rail Gallery has been set up with the financial and technical assistance of Railway Board.  The Railway Board has spent approximately Rs.90 Lacs for setting up this gallery. The Rail Gallery is a major attraction for the visitors to the Science City.
Another star attraction, Climate Change Theatre was set up at Science City in 2013. This was opened to the general public on trial basis. This 18 meter diameter theatre has been set up in a dome shaped building with the seating capacity of 125 people. It will provide the visitors an unforgettable experience aiming to sensitize the audience about the currently debated subject of Climate Change and Global Warming. Climate Change is a science issue that is driving a technological and social revolution.  The Climate Change Object Theatre takes the visitors around the globe to explore the implications of a warming planet – from the North Pole to the south. Visitors will be made aware of and have a better understanding and appreciation for the latest climate science and the issues surrounding the human role in climate change.
The major achievement during the year 2013 was that the Science City was awarded second Prize (General Category) in the National Energy Conservation Award – 2013 in a function held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 16 December, 2013. The award was received by Director General, Dr. R. S. Khandpur from Hon’ble President of India, Sh. Pranab Mukherjee in the presence of Minister of Power, Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
The Science City received this award in recognition of its achievement to reduce the energy consumption while enhancing its performance with improved energy efficiency. The annual saving achieved is to the tune of Rs.12 Lacs per year. The energy audit was done by the consultancy group of Punjab State Council for Science and Technology and their recommendations were fully implemented by the Science City.
Science City is setting up a Mobile Science Exhibition Bus (in collaboration with Punjab Technical University catalysed and supported by DST, GoI) to take Science to the doorsteps of rural population and impress upon them the significance of science and technology for betterment of quality of their lives and to expose them to some of the issues and challenges related to sustainable development. Most likely the exhibition will be on roads by mid 2014. // punjab news live, punjab news online, punjab news, punjab news headlines, punjab breaking news, india news, punjab news,