USTM (GUWAHATI): The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India has launched a mission to is to attract and nurture talented students in the age group of 10-32 years at a national level so as to give a boost to innovative scientific research in the country that in turn contributes towards the progress of the country.
The mission of DST was upheld by senior scientists of the government at a two-day long National Workshop for Inspire Internship Science Coordinators coming from different parts of the country. The workshop was organised here by the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) recently from 25 to 26 June.
Dr A Mukhopadhyay, Scientist-G & Head, R & D Infrastructure Division, DST addressed the concluding session of the National Workshop and said, “If you are serious and interested to contribute for the development of the nation, there is no dearth of fund. DST is searching visionary people in this direction who can contribute to science for development of the nation”. It is unfortunate that most of the talented science students opt for professional courses instead of studying basic science and research. India is a developing country which is lagging behind its neighbouring China and progress in the field of science and technology is must to transform our country to a developed nation.
Dr. Umesh Kumar Sharma, Scientist E at DST, called it a “national duty” to motivate students towards science and technology so that the next generation can flourish. He said that the INSPIRE Internship Camps were started in 2009 and till now 3.5 lakh students have participated in the 5-day Camps held at different locations of the country. Till now, 1,777 science camps have been set up where 15,000 mentors and 70 Nobel laureates have been engaged with these camps. Dr. Sharma in his presentation explained the internship implementation scheme to the coordinators who organise these camps.
Dr Sharma also stated that the North East component of Inspire programme has not been effective compared to the other states of the country. Only one college from Assam, one from Manipur and USTM from Meghalaya have held Inspire Camps in the entire region while a single state like Kerala has held many such Camps so far. This is the reason why DST has now taken North East seriously to inspire more students here towards science, he added.
Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM, expressed his gratefulness to DST for choosing the north-eastern region for the first time to hold this national congregation and specially thanked for selecting USTM considering its performance and contribution in the field of science and technology. “USTM will do its best and toil to contribute in the nation building process”, he said.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Pratibha Jolly, senior scientist and Principal, Miranda House, University of Delhi said that the DST Internship Science Camp has been very much effective in motivating young minds towards scientific study and research. “We are getting very positive response from the student community. The North East of India is an important part and I hope for more young talents from this region to cultivate science as their career”, she added.
Dr Amitabha Roy, Scientist-F from DST was also present on the occasion and he said, “This is a major event of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Already we are getting fruit of it. In spite of all the challenges, we are trying to encourage young talents, stop brain drain and even bring back talents from abroad”, he said.
Senior DST Coordinator Prof. Dr. Papiya S. Nandy, formerly with Jadavpur University said, “With my experience as a convenor / fecilitator /mentor in more than 45 Science Camps, I have noticed that over the years the INSPIRE programme has made science and its application a movement in the society, more students have become scientifically aware and opted for scientific research for their career while parents have become aware and encouraging their children to pursue a career in science.
Dr Anita Agarwal, Scientist-E from DST expressed that the main objectives of the science camp are categorized under motivation, ability and goal. It aims to arouse the sense of wonder and encourage curiosity among students, tries to unlock creativity through out of box activities and self learning through hands on experts and library uses. Its effort is to help students learn to dream through role model, available opportunities and develop network of friends through group activities and residential camps.
“It is interesting that every participant in the Science Camp is encouraged to submit an idea of new innovation or discovery or research work and the students are later helped by the mentors to pursue it”, said Prof. Anwesh Majumdar, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Institute for Fundamental Research, Mumbai.
While over the years the number of participants has increased in the INSIPRE Camps, including a large number of girls, however the number of students actually going out and pursuing science in India is still minimal. Hence, each and every delegate, coordinator and mentor is encouraged to do their bit in spreading awareness about these kind of programmes that will help take humanity forward. The Department of Science and Technology promises to work very hard and guarantees full support towards the progress of science all over the country. The DST members thanked the USTM Chancellor and his team for their hospitality and dedication towards the development of science and technology. They also expressed high hopes from the North East and wished to see at least two camps in each of the eight states of the North East in the following months.
Scientists from different states of the country including Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh were participating in the Science Workshop.