GUJCOST and IITE Unveil Special Outreach Program on Nobel Prize Day, Connecting Gujarat to the Prestigious Award Ceremony
Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST), working under the aegis of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Teacher Education (IITE), has successfully organized a unique outreach program to commemorate the Nobel Prize Day. The program aimed to enlighten students, teachers, and the public about the significance of the Nobel Prize, the laureates’ work, and its global impact.
The special event, conducted through a live stream for broader outreach and wider participation, saw active engagement from various regions. Shri Harshad Patel, Vice Chancellor, IITE, inaugurated the program, emphasizing the importance of creative ideas and focused learning inspired by Nobel Laureates, offering hope for the future and their dedication to solving societal problems.
The Regional Science Centres (RSC) established by GUJCOST at Rajkot, Patan, Bhavnagar, and Bhuj played a pivotal role in the initiative. Each RSC hosted a dedicated Nobel Prize Gallery, aligning with specific fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Fields Medal.
Dr. Harshad Patel, Vice Chancellor of IITE, expressed during the inauguration that the creative ideas and focused learning throughout the journeys of Nobel Laureates inspire and provide hope for the future, especially in their endeavours to address societal issues.
Dr. Narottam Sahoo, Advisor GUJCOST, highlighted in his opening remarks that Nobel Laureates serve as ideal role models, not only for excellence but also for honesty, enthusiasm, and commitment to ideas. Their courage, creativity, and persistence inspire both laymen and professionals, providing hope for the future.
The interactive sessions featured experts such as Dr. Umashankar Singh professor in biological sciences from the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, who delved into the journey of vaccine development amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Tejas Pavagadhi, a professor in chemistry at IITE, engaged participants on the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, shedding light on the scope of quantum dots. Dr. Vishal Joshi, a scientist at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, conducted a session on the Nobel Prize in Physics, discussing breakthroughs in light experiments.
The program also featured the release of special booklets on Nobel Prize 2023 in both English and Gujarati. Additionally, students had the opportunity to visit Nobel Prize galleries at different RSCs, participating in hands-on demonstrations and screening short videos on Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Prizes that have shaped society.
The day-long program culminated with a live screening connecting Gujarat to the prestigious Nobel Prize 2023 Award ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall. The initiative aimed to expose students to groundbreaking research and achievements, inspiring and motivating them to pursue their academic and professional goals for nation-building.