Rapid development of science and technology was essential for development of infrastructure and overall development of the country. Moreover, improvement of basic sciences would lead to social change. Hence, students of basic sciences must be encouraged to continue their studies up to research level, said S. Vincent, Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, (TNSTC).
Inaugurating a 20-day ‘Young Students Scientist Programme' at Cardamom Planters' Association College here on Friday, he said that admissions for basic sciences in arts and science colleges had been declined continuously for the past 10 years owing to several reasons. Several Indian Nobel laureates did basic sciences only. Besides, students of basic sciences usually had a creative bent of mind and critical thinking, he said.
The main objective of the programme was to attract intelligent students for basic sciences. This programme had been implemented in 10 districts. The C.P.A. College was the nodal centre for Theni and Dindigul districts. “It is laudable to mention that the Gross Enrolment Ratio of Tamil Nadu was 17 per cent against the national average of 12 per cent.”
The State Government had allotted Rs.1,751 crore for improving higher education and the Central government had launched Inspire Award scheme to encourage science students. Each student in sixth to 10{+t}{+h} classes would be given Rs.5,000 a year. It would benefit two lakh students.
Besides, one per cent of 10th class students would be selected and Rs.80,000 given to each student every year till graduation level. Of this amount, Rs.20,000 would be utilised for doing research projects at national-level institutions such as Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institute of M and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, he added.
He advised students to inculcate the practices of experimentation, analytical approach, patience and concentration to become a scientist.
College Principal in-charge M. Rajarajan said that the TNSTC had granted Rs.2 lakh for this programme. Scientists, scholars, professors and industrialists would deliver lectures. Participants would also visit factories and laboratories to see various scientific applications. They would also be encouraged to invent new things and exhibit them in the camp. Each student would have a mentor to guide him to do innovative science projects.
Eighty students from Theni and Dindigul districts participated in the programme.
