There is an eerie silence outside. No outsiders are entertained into the campus. Thorough farers and onlookers look aghast while casting careful but cursory glances to the campus.
But inside the campus, there is a spurt in activities. labourers and contractors work day in and day out. Security men keep eagle’s eyes over anything and everything.
The campus of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar is readying to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to reach the campus at 9 am February 7.
The PM will open two more departments, Department of Computer Sciences and Department of Planetary Sciences, dedicating the NISER to the service of the nation.
Speaking to The Pioneer, NISER Registrar Dr Abhaya Nayak said, “The NISER will cater to the needs of the nation like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Sciences in the west and like the Indian Institute of Sciences Bangalore, keeping at par with other global institutes of sciences.”
With inauguration of two more departments, the NISER’s student strength would increase to 2,500 and the number of faculty members to nearly 1,000 in five years compared to the present strength of 1,000 students and over 200 faculty members, said Dean of Students Welfare Dr Pranaya Swain.
NISER Director and noted scientist Prof V Chandrasekhar said, “We are ready in all respects to receive the PM, and his visit will inspire the budding student scientists along with the faculty members.”
Briefing reporters, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the PM’s visit would add a new leaf to the NISER.