The third anniversary of the Regional Science Centre’s (RSC) inauguration in Dehradun was marked here on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, the Uttarakhand State Council of Science and Technology (UCOST) director general Rajendra Dobhal emphasised that students should frequently visit the RSC which will will definitely be helpful in developing their mind in a constructive way.
Addressing the gathering, the State’s Science and Technology secretary RK Sudhanshu spoke on solid waste management while mentioning that Dehradun city generates about 250 tonnes of solid waste daily. Stating that challenges are everywhere, he stressed that one should be determined and have the right intentions.
Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) director Anjan Ray said that India imports about $ 120 million worth of crude oil but in the next three years there will not be any requirement of importing fuel from other countries. A biogas purification plant has set up in Pune, he said.
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) Kolkata HQ director Samrendra Kumar said that there are 44 functional science centres in the country. Odisha, Tripura and Kerala will also get their science centres in the near future while work on 12 other science centres is also going on. He further informed that 35 innovation hubs are functional in the country with more than 10,000 students as their members. Thirteen patents have also been filed for so far by the students. Stating that science centre is the main medium of exposure to students, he stressed on the importance of cross-disciplinary approach.
The State’s Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) chief executive officer, Sameer Sinha said that science is associated with curiosity. He also suggested giving hands on experience to students.
Delivering a lecture on science communication and emerging issues, the former director general of NCSM and Katyur Foundation president GS Rautela said that science plays a major role in shaping our view of world around us. He stressed on the need for popularisation of science considering the knowledge gap between scientists and general people.