Scientific temperament must be inculcated among science students: DST senior scientist

GUWAHATI : “Motivation is the basic strength for a person to pursue a career in science and technology. The nation is expecting young talents to bring innovation which will be applicable for the society across the country and the globe.” This was stated today by Dr Umesh Kumar Sharma, Scientist E-DST, Government of India while speaking in the inaugural of the Department of Science and Technology’s INSPIRE Internship Camp for Higher Secondary science students from the region being organized here by the University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya.
Addressing 100 HS science students from different schools of Meghalaya and Assam who are participating in the 5-day residential Internship Camp that begins from today, Dr UK Sharma said that the Department of Science and Technology, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India is giving serious effort to make science appealing to students so that the aspirants can hone a career in scientific research. Talking about scope and opportunities for innovation in basic science, he said that such a programme is requirement for science students of the region and thanked USTM for organizing it.
Speaking on the occasion, M. Hoque, Chancellor of USTM said that innovation is a must for advancement of a nation and the young generation has to be inspired to be dreamer—a dream that does not allow to sleep. He thanked DST for supporting to organize the Camp and urged the participating students to take active part and also promised them to provide financial help if they want to pursue a career in science at USTM. The sessions in the Camp will be taken by reputed scientists of top institutions from across the country.
Taking one of the interesting sessions today on “Bacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Plastic of 21st Century”, Dr Amal K. Paul, professor from Calcutta University said that as a mentor, he can tie up the students who have interest in a particular area of science with scientists working in that field. “Hands on training is very important to generate interest and make the students research oriented. The endeavor of DST is to nurture scientific aptitude of the young generation and promote research”, he said. Another session was taken today by Prof Saurabh Basu from Department of Physics, IITG.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Dr RK Sharma, VC, USTM. Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof Enamul Karim, Dean, Applied Sciences, USTM said that interest in science has to be instilled among the children at an young age for better outcome.