A total of 2,004 students, along with their teachers and parents, held an interface with scientists and their research findings at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) here on Thursday. The CCMB, one of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research institutes, had opened its gates to the public as part of CSIR’s foundation day celebrations.
As many as 27 schools had sent their students to the CCMB on Thursday, while College students were also seen on the premises. The participants were guided through various research divisions of the institutes by a team of scientists. Students were shown research and development activities of the institute. Films which dated back to the 1990s that were made to instil interest in modern science were also screened on the occasion.
While some students were interested in electron microscopes and advanced machinery in the labs, others were seen talking to the scientists and jotting down notes. The premises had information on CCMB’s research projects displayed on whiteboards. Students got glimpses of CCMB projects, including DNA fingerprinting, nano-technology, research on Sona Masuri rice varieties and cancer research on Zebra fish.
“We enjoyed being here as it was a learning experience. It helped me realise I would want to be a scientist,” said Saista Patel, a student of Delhi Public School, Nacharam. In an interactive session, several students promised the scientists of CCMB that they would do their science lessons well. Children of CCMB employees were also present at the venue. Some of them were presented with prizes for essay, painting and photography competitions.
In his address, Director Rakesh K. Mishra said, “Introducing sciences to young minds is part of our social responsibility. It gives us great joy to showcase the CCMB to public and interact with school and college students. The ‘open day’ also gives us a platform to demonstrate our strength and research capabilities and helps us instil scientific temper among students.”
Employees honoured
In the afternoon, Dr. Mishra honoured 23 retired employees. As many as six employees, who had completed 25 years of service, received tokens of appreciation. Students who attended the ‘open day’ were also given a short orientation class. A total of 35 scientists guided the programme.
