Gujarat State Children’s Science Congress Inspires Young Minds to Solve Local Problems

Gandhinagar: The three-day State-level National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) program, organised by the Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST) at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, concluded today with immense success and record-breaking participation.

The Valedictory session was graced by the presence of Dr. Anamik Shah, Former Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapith, who commended the scientific ecosystem nurtured by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of Gujarat.

Shri Subodh Joshi, Deputy Secretary, DST, emphasized the crucial role of instilling a scientific temperament in children from a young age. Shri J. B. Vadar, Executive Director, Gujarat Science City, shared exciting developments about upcoming Science City Galleries and invited all to explore the expansive Science City Campus.

This year’s Gujarat State Level NCSC program had a remarkable 1,23,395 research projects registration, with 6600 selected and presented at the District Level NCSC. At the State Level, 330 projects were presented by the child scientists, out of which 26 projects with 26 Child-Scientists were selected, including 16 girls and 10 boys, to represent the state at the National Children Science Congress to be held at next month.

Initiated by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST, Govt. of India in 1993, the NCSC provides a unique platform for children aged 10-17 to showcase their creativity and problem-solving abilities. The focal theme of this year, ‘Understanding Eco System for Health & Well-being,’ encouraged exploration of five sub-themes.

During the program, participants engaged in scientific processes, including observation, questioning, model-building, experimentation, field work, research, and innovative ideas. The aim was to prompt children to identify and address significant societal problems.

Inaugurated by Smt. Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary, DST, Govt of Gujarat on last Thursday, the program motivated students to judiciously use natural resources, connecting them to various components of the ecosystem. Smt Mona Khandhar in her inaugural address expressed that, the best time to introduce children to the wonders of science is when their curiosity about the world around them is at its peak. From their earliest moments of consciousness, children embark on a passionate quest to unravel the mysteries of their surroundings’.

Dr. Namrata Pathak, Scientist-G and Advisor & Head NCSTC, DST, Govt of India motivated the Child-Scientists, highlighting NCSTC’s consistent efforts in inculcating scientific temperament among students.

The three-day program featured Teacher’s Training Workshops by experts from National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and State Model Institute of Ayurveda Sciences (SMIAS). With the participation of 600 delegates, including students, guide-teachers, scientific jury members, invited experts, and government officials, the event underscored its significance in nurturing scientific thinking.

Dr. Narottam Sahoo, Advisor and Member Secretary, GUJCOST, highlighted the NCSC program’s role in fostering rational thinking, applying scientific methods to solve local problems, and cultivating a passion for research and innovation among students.

The three-day State-level National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) at Gujarat Science City showcased the remarkable achievements of young minds as they presented innovative projects aimed at addressing crucial environmental and societal challenges.

The young talents, hailing from diverse schools and districts across Gujarat, demonstrated exceptional creativity and problem-solving abilities.

The selected projects cover a wide range of topics, emphasizing the students’ commitment to understanding and improving our environment. Notable projects include “Birds: Backbone of Ecosystem” by Ayush Banker from St. Mary’s School in Bhavnagar, “The ECO Experts” by Agrima Chandrakar from Reliance Foundation School in Jamnagar, and “Adopt traditional farming system, save environment” by Naksh Nareshbhai Kalsariya from Rangpur Primary School in Navsari.

The diversity of projects underscores the congress’s focal theme, ‘Understanding Eco System for Health & Well-being.’ Students explored sub-themes such as ecosystem knowledge, health and well-being, social and cultural practices, ecosystem-based approaches, and technological innovation.

In addition to scientific sessions, participants explored the Scientific galleries of the Science City and engaged in unique experiences with Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Drones, and Robotics.

The program was successfully conducted and coordinated by Dr. Poonam Bhargava, Principal Scientific Officer, Shri Pavit Shah, Scientific Officer, Dr. Akanksha Verma, Dr. Sangeeta Rathor, Zalak Chauhan, Dr. Vrajesh Parikh, Shri Pulkesh Prajapati, from GUJCOST and Science City.

The NCSC program in Gujarat continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of scientists and innovators, reinforcing the commitment to scientific education and exploration in the state.