Bhubaneswar: A two-day science exposition and open day was held at Institute of Life Sciences here Saturday.
The event was jointly organised by Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) and Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, and attended by Minister for School and Mass Education & Science and Technology Badri Narayan Patra, who presided as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion Patra said, “Such joint ventures should be held more often to attract students towards science and its wonderful experiments.”
Commissioner-cum-secretary in Excise & Science and Technology department Nikunja Kumar Dhal said, “It’s a wonderful effort by these two renowned science institutes. Science is learnt through experiment and by science communication activities. In the coming days the state government is planning to organise more such programmes for the development of science in school levels.”
Director, RMRC, Sanghamitra Pati interacted with the children and congratulated them who have come from several colleges from across the district to participate in this open day programme. “The aim of the event is to create interest amidst students regarding science. Students from several colleges have participated and I am glad that our initiative has been rewarded through this outreach programme.”
Jyostna Sahoo, a science student in BJB Autonomous College, said, “Science is king of all streams. If you are a science graduate, then you have multiple options to choose from. This event will surely be helpful to many like me.”
Professor Sudhakar Panda, director NISER, said, “Every school must attract students who are keen to learn science. It’s a welcoming attitude of children who are asking questions regarding everything, especially about science.”
Several education institutes, private and government-run, for instance Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack did setup their stalls exhibiting various products like black rice, taal misri, coconut, black meat, fishes and much more. From showcasing 32 types of rice to exhibiting various pulses the event witnessed a huge footfall by students, scientists and officials of RMRC and ILS.
Students were also given a real-time experience on live laboratory tests of virus and bacteria.
Scientists Debdutt Bhattacharya, JS Kshatri, B Sahoo in collaboration with Rajib Swain and Tushar Beuria of ILS coordinated the event.
