MP government promotes science

By Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, February 26, 2012

Madhya Pradesh government has added yet another feather to its cap by organising first-ever National Science Fair of the state at Bhopal. Scientific activities have been intensified in the state capital in the form of National Science Fair that got underway from February 25. The credit of organising this four-day event for connecting common people with science goes to several institutions of the State and Union government. The fair was inaugurated by Science and Technology Minister Mr Kailash Vijayvargiya at Lal Parade Ground. He said that the State Government will extend assistance to every activity promoting science in the state, reports SMS News & Feature..

This effort of the state government assumes added significance since disinterest towards science has been witnessed among youths for the last one decade due to globalisation and race of earning money. It has resulted into lesser number of researches and experiments, which was also a matter of concern. Under such circumstances, the State Government took cognisance of this situation and launched efforts to change this downward trend during the last five years.

The budget of Science and Technology Department has been increased to Rs. 30 crore from Rs. 3 crore per annum. Former President Dr. Abdul Kalam and the then science advisor to Prime Minister have lauded this work being undertaken by Vigyan Bharti institution and MP Council for Science & Technology and described it as a precedent. Indeed, the State Government is backing anyone doing good work and it will never drag its feet from this responsibility. The State Government has launched efforts for creating an atmosphere for this and it will not drag its feet from extending every possible assistance to the people doing scientific works.

It may be mentioned the biggest work of linking common people with science is being undertaken by Vigyan Bharti and Madhya Pradesh Council for Science & Technology. The series of science fairs is being extended to other places in the state with the cooperation of non-government organisations. Efforts are also being made to provide market to crafts of small hamlets and towns of the state on this occasion.

The State Government’s move to organise National Science Fair has come at a time when  it has become imperative to increase interest towards science looking into the present-day market-oriented educational system. The country has very rich scientific traditions. Office-oriented education was prevalent in India before Independence. But deliberations focusing on science started later. Today, we will have to re-establish modern techniques of science available in the country for its use in agriculture and employment sectors.

Besides various other attractions at the National Science Fair, information about career will also be given to the student community. Science teaching methods are changing and new courses being added to it with passage of time.

The number of science students is also increasing. But they have only few career guidance opportunities. Under such circumstance, this fair is going to provide science students with experts’ counselling and career options at one place.

The State Government also wishes to promote the innovations made by enthusiastic science students of the state as well as established experiments. Besides projecting the talent of innovative students, other people’s curiosity about scientific experiments will also increase. A special pavilion is being made at the fair for this purpose.