JOIN USThe Indian Academy Degree College is currently hosting a five-day seminar titled ‘Inspire’ to popularise and promote science as a subject among the student community. The seminar, which is on till January 11, takes students through several key research areas in science such as solar energy, mathematics in action, cryogenic technology and application.
The idea is to draw students towards science as a career option. Principal Snehalatha Nadigar feels that not enough is being done in the country to bring science closer to the student community.
“Although there is immense potential in science and research, students see medicine and engineering as the only promising career options. The best brains opt for these fields. Through ‘Inspire’, we promote research and development. We see a lot of students evincing an interest in science,” she says.
This inter-collegiate event has scientists and teachers talking extensively on science-related topics with the students being given an insight into the career options available in physics, genetics and chemistry. Sharing his perspective on the event, Prof MRS Rao, a scientist who also conducted a session, says, “The basic understanding of science is important. This knowledge will pave the way for solid research in science.”
The sessions are packaged in an interesting format for students with lab activities and a practical demonstration of what is theoretically taught. Says Krishna, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, “It is really informative and showcases interesting pieces of news from various fields.”
Adding to his point, Mohammed, a student of MES Pre-University College, says, “The practical sessions are more lively than the seminars. This always triggers an interest in science.” Swetha, a student of BGS Public School, observes, “This is a real platform to meet the real achievers from the field of science and discuss things with them. It also gives us the chance to go beyond mere textbook knowledge.”
T Somashekar, chairman of Indian Academy Group of Institutions, states that students begin to make career choices when they are in pre-university without being given the right exposure to the opportunities they get in science.More than 20 institutions are taking part in the event. Some of the colleges have come from as far as Udupi.