SCIENCE FEST 2019: Nagaland's first ever 'scientific extravaganza' underway

The oragnisers with guest during the inauguration function of ‘Science Fest 2019’ at Livingstone Foundation International, Dimapur on October 23.

Dimapur, October 23 (MExN): The first ever 'scientific extravaganza' in Nagaland, ‘Science Fest 2019’ kicked started with its inauguration function held at Livingstone Foundation International, Dimapur on October 23.

A press release stated here that the Science Fest is an initiative of Breeze Women Welfare Association (BWWA), Dimapur which is a non-profit NGO spearheading many social and educational programmes especially for the upliftment of women and children in Nagaland. 

Science Fest 2019 is a science fair cum exhibition for students, teachers and local community which is being conducted in collaboration with Livingstone Foundation International in Dimapur, G. Rio School in Kohima and All Saints Hr. Sec. School in Peren as the venue schools for the three Districts from October 21 to 30. 

The programme has been catalyzed and supported by National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.

The inauguration function for the Dimapur Chapter was attended by the Chairman of Livingstone Foundation International, Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema, Ani Yepthomi, President, BWWA among other special invitees including Gagandeep Singh, Zonal Head of NIIT, Ratna Mitra, Regional Head, NIIT, Nguru, Kolkata and Ajay Sethi, MD, NIIT, Nagaland. 

It was also attended by numerous schools from Dimapur district. 

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Andrew Ahoto who highlighted the importance of such programme which will harness the inquisitiveness of the young minds. In her keynote address, Ani Yepthomi, President, BWWA reflected that Nagaland needs to harness, nurture and enhance its capabilities if it is to move forward and succeed on a global scale in the areas of science and technology which will require the establishment of sound S&T policy, a comprehensive and coherent development strategy, and an objective assessment of the state’s S&T manpower. 

She remarked that the schools and colleges in Nagaland have a critical role to play in all three areas if Nagaland is to rise to its new challenges and emerge as a leading stakeholder in scientific and technological innovation. The programme was also marked by some very colorful musical and dance numbers including a Pochury traditional dance performed by the students from the host school.

The Science Fest 2019 is an important occasion and opportunity to take up science communication program for the masses especially the students of age group 14 years to 18 years. The Exhibition marks a glorious heritage of India’s scientific endeavors and will motivate students to be more scientifically aware and motivated. The activities carried out during the Science Fest will be befitting and help in proper utilization of science communication materials and orientation of students, teachers and other stakeholders like artisans and craftsmen. 

The programme will also generate curiosity in the young minds whereby the students from various schools will be encouraged to carry out research work. Keeping in view the significance of ‘learning by doing’, this programme is being organized so that the students and teachers can benefit from the trainings which will be intensive and practically viable for rural environment. It will also provide opportunities for the students to gain wholesome knowledge through which they can gain employment opportunities.

The resource persons for the Science Fest 2019 includes Dr. Subhash Chandra Samanta, Member, Executive Council, Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), Kolkata, Prof. Deepak Sharma, HOD, Science, NAS Inter College, Meerut along with Smita Sharma, Aashish Goley and Rohini Goley, all Scientific Officers from Pragati Vigyan Sanstha, Meerut. 

They will be conducting activities such as hands on science experiments, workshops on low cost or no cost teaching aids and pedagogy, puppetry shows, demonstration of scientific miracles through the medium of magic and explaining the science behind them and demonstrations on how to make and launch a rocket. 

Apart from the above, numerous organizations are putting up their stalls for exhibiting and showcasing their educational and scientific products for the benefit of students, teachers and other visitors.

Some of the organizations who have already taken part in the exhibition being held at LFI Dimapur includes National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), Kaziranga University, Assam, Indian Institute of Hardware Technology (IIHT), STINER-TFC Nagaland Centre, SASRD, Nagaland University, Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), Community Health Initiative (CHI), BYJUS – The Learning App and numerous Food Stalls.