The second day of the 11th Bhopal Science Fair was filled with engaging discussions, insightful lectures, and vibrant cultural performances. The day kicked off with a student dialogue session, where Dr. Sunil Chaturvedi, the keynote speaker, set the tone for the event. The session's main objective was to foster direct communication between students and scientists. Dr. Chaturvedi emphasized that science is not just confined to laboratories but is a part of our daily lives.
He described science as a "journey from the unknown to the known" and explained that its purpose is to improve human life through discoveries and innovations. Sharing his insights on how research shapes our future, he also highlighted significant scientific events up to the 18th century. During the session, students posed intriguing questions on science, which Dr. Chaturvedi answered in a simple and accessible manner.
A special discussion on groundwater conservation followed, where Dr. Chaturvedi shared his research experiences and elaborated on how science provides a perspective that motivates us to solve real-world problems.
The day's cultural program featured a street play titled 'Cycle Ki Chain,' performed by students from the Theatre School of Rabindranath Tagore University. The play creatively addressed issues such as health, environmental conservation, social welfare, and science. The fusion of music and dialogues left a lasting impact on the audience, prompting deep reflection on these important topics.
In the afternoon, Dr. Vivek Kumar, from the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), India, delivered a special lecture on "Grassroots Innovations Scouting and Documentation" at Babulal Gaur College. He highlighted the role of NIF in providing both technical and financial support to innovators. Through the example of innovator Roshanlal Vikram, who developed a significant technology to address water issues in sugarcane fields, Dr. Kumar inspired students to view innovation as a solution to challenges. He encouraged the audience to adopt a problem-solving approach and embrace science not only as a subject but as a way of life.
The final session of the day was a workshop for science educators. Experts such as Mr. Sanjay Kaurav emphasized new methods of science education, stressing the importance of connecting science lessons with students' daily lives.
