‘Chennai Science Festival 2013 - Biodiversity and Food Security’ has been organised by Science City, Department of Higher Education and Anna University at Anna Gem Science Park Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Kotturpuram. In his inaugural address, the Minister for Higher Education, P. Palaniappan, said “Biodiversity plays a crucial role in food security and providing livelihood.
Awareness on this issue should be created among common people. Science festivals should be held in villages for the benefit of rural students.”
He distributed Tamil Nadu Life Time Achievement Award for Woman Scientist to J. Muthumary for her contribution in the field of life sciences; Tamil Nadu Young Women Scientist Awardees to K. Ramah, N. Muthulakshmi Andal, P. Nazni, S. Sudha, V. Renuka Devi and E. Grace Sahaya Vidhubala for their contribution in the field of agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, home sciences, life sciences, mathematics and social sciences respectively.
He presented the Children's Science Academy Awards to various school students across the State for their innovative projects in the field of mathematics, information technology, computer sciences, chemical sciences and physical sciences.
Earlier, he visited the stalls set up by the students and NGOs, spoke to the students and people about their theme and exhibits.
“The fair aims to develop scientific temper in students,” M. Bala Gangadhar Thilak, Assistant Professor, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, said.
Exhibits on solar energy, nuclear energy, coastal management, sea turtle conservation, water conservation, food security, bio-diversity conservation, first-aid, oral health, hygiene, agricultural science, animal science, mathematics and nano science are on display. The science fair end on February 3 (today).
P. Kalliraj, Vice-Chancellor (Officiating), Anna University, in his address, expressed concern over the exploitation of medicinal plants.
