B. Mithun, a Class XI student of Mahatma Montessori Matriculation Higher Secondary School, has been spending his weekends in learning aero-modelling.
“Until a few weeks ago, I did not know that I would have an opportunity to learn aero-modelling in Madurai at a fully equipped laboratory. Aero-modelling has become my hobby,” he says.
Mithun is one of the regulars at the aero-modelling laboratory of S. Parthasarathy, Director of Bharath Electronic Centre, at Veerapanjan here.
Students like Mithun are increasingly drawn towards scientific hobbies like aero-modelling and robotics and the temple city has opened up opportunities for them in recent years. Mr.Parthasarathy is mentor to a number of students on aero-modelling for more than a decade now.
“My laboratory became functional in 2003. Ever since, a number of students come here for projects related to aero-modelling. Those with passion for aero-modelling take it up as a hobby,” he says. Mr.Parthasarathy, along with his son and two daughters, conducts flying demonstration every Sunday.
“I start the training for beginners with paper models. Then I guide them to design aircraft models with motors and batteries. It takes only a week for them to learn the basics and then they experiment with their ideas,” he explains. His students are from schools, colleges and universities.
R. Sowmiyanarayan, a final year Mechanical Engineering student of Kalasalingam University, says that students with scientific enthusiasm should hone their skills.
“I learnt aero-modelling for a project. It became my hobby and I am a regular at competitions now. Having such scientific activities as hobby is inspiring, motivating and betters concentration,” he says.
According to M. Raj Kumar, Director of Stem Centre, around 30 students in the age group of 5 to 15 years are undergoing robotics training at his centre.
The centre, started in October 2013, has a steady stream of learners.
“We conduct weekend classes for students. Those who undergo first level training are keen to progress further. Parents too keep track of what their children learn every week,” he says.
The trainers explain that scientific activities give practical exposure to students, who are into only theoretical learning.
