Students aim to set ‘scientific’ record
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) will host 2,000 school students next month, who will attempt to set a Guinness World Record by performing a chemistry experiment simultaneously at the upcoming India International Science Festival.
The mega science festival is a joint effort by ministry of science and technology and ministry of earth sciences in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati, a swadeshi science movement working towards interlinking traditional and modern sciences on the one hand and natural and spiritual sciences on the other.
“The festival aims at encouraging scientific temper among young minds. Fifty students each from 40 private and government schools from the capital will perform the same chemistry experiment as an attempt to make a Guinness World Record,” said KS Rao, dean, infrastructure.
The science festival will be held from December 4 to 8 and is likely to be attended by close to 4,000 young scientists, who will get the opportunity to discuss ideas and interact with industry.
“There would be eight parallel sessions on various topics in which students will get to interact with experts. There is going to be a ‘Young Scientist Conference’ in which papers will be presented on various topics, including indigenous knowledge. There will also be an Industry-Academia conference to give students a chance to learn more about start-ups,” said Rao.
Vijnana Bharati is headed by Vijay Bhatkar who is also the chairman of IIT Delhi’s board of governors. The festival will have themes, including, ‘Indigenous Science and Technology’, and ‘Innovative Agricultural Practices and Livestock Management’.
The festival will have a science film festival to showcase movies and documentaries on scientific themes. “The sessions will comprise interaction with eminent scientists, expo award function, science film festival and showcasing of innovative models and a young scientists meet,” said officiating director of IIT Delhi, Kshitij Gupta.
Source: Hindustan Times, 28-11-2015
