By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 27: The International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO), 2024, training camp was ceremoniously inaugurated at the Dean’s Committee Office, School of Human and Environmental Science, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, on Monday.
The event was organised by NEHU, Shillong, in collaboration with the Geological Society of India, Bengaluru, and sponsored by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Founded as a flagship initiative of the International Geoscience Education Organization (IGEO), the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) stands as an annual competition designed for secondary school students. It serves to ignite students’ interest and public awareness in Earth Science while enriching Earth Science teaching and learning at the school level. The Geological Society of India assumes the pivotal role of selecting the Indian Team for the International Earth Science Olympiad. The theme for this year’s IESO 2024 is “Big Data for Our Earth,” underscoring the significance of leveraging vast datasets to deepen our understanding of Earth’s systems and phenomena.
The 3-week training camp encompasses a comprehensive programme including lectures, discussions, geological fieldwork, data mining, and poster presentations. The IESO Training Camp brought together 26 students selected through Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO 2024) National Entrance Test. The top four students will be declared as winners at the end of the Training Camp and will subsequently represent their nation at the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2024, in Beijing, China, scheduled for August 2024.
The inaugural programme started with Saraswati Vandana, followed by the felicitation of the invitees. Prof Devesh Walia, Dean of the School of Human and Environmental Science, NEHU and Convenor, (IESO), 2024 Training Camp, delivered the welcome address. He extended a warm welcome to all attendees, stressing the vital correlation between theoretical studies and practical applications. Prof Walia encouraged wholehearted participation, highlighting its pivotal role in achieving significant accomplishments. Moreover, he urged students to delve deep into earth sciences, foster international collaboration, and contribute to a global understanding of our planet.
Dr Jagvir Singh, Scientist G, Ministry of Earth Sciences, in his inaugural address underscored the imperative for sustainable solutions to geohazards. He emphasised the critical significance of comprehending Earth’s intricate systems, spanning from the biosphere to the ocean depths, and from the North Pole to the South Pole.
The chief guest, Prof Sunil Kumar De, president, International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) 2022-2026, and a faculty member of the Department of Geography, NEHU, imparted his profound insights into geomorphic processes and their far-reaching implications. He elaborated on the multifaceted dimensions of studying Earth Science, delineating its Aesthetic, Academic, Economic, Societal, and Environmental Values.
Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor, NEHU, delivered a poignant address underscoring the significance of the IESO and the urgent need to preserve our planet. He called upon students and citizens alike to proactively address environmental challenges and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for their dedication.
Prof Hema Achyuthan, National Convenor of IESO 2024, delivered an introductory address, elucidating the goals of the Training Camp. She illuminated the Olympiad’s rich history, which commenced in October 2007 in South Korea, and emphasised its global reach, now spanning 50 countries. Prof Achyuthan urged students to maintain their motivation, enthusiasm, and excitement as they embark on their educational journeys.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Tinky Haokip, Research Scholar, Department of Geology, NEHU, expressing gratitude to all participants and organisers for making the event a success.