PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Thursday stressed on faster application of scientific research from the laboratories for the public use. Inaugurating the five-day Southern India Science Fair (SISF) 2017 in Puducherry, he said that: “We have several eminent researchers and scientists. Though ground-breaking discoveries and inventions happen it takes considerable time for the benefit to reach the public.”
Mr. Narayanasamy said that the government would encourage more research-oriented industries in Puducherry. “The new industrial policy would give more subsidies to the industries that are focussed on research,” he said.
Science Fair 2017 was aimed at drawing the attention of schoolchildren to the world of science and encourage them to pursue scientific research, he added. “This is the sixth scientific fair to be held in Puducherry. These science exhibitions provide an opportunity to identify their area of interest. It might be industrial research, wind energy or environment protection. The science fair also opens up space for the schoolchildren from different states of southern India to discuss and share their ideas,” he said.
He added that schools should involve children in scientific research and encourage them to carve out a career in science.
The SISF 2017, jointly organised by the Government of Puducherry and Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, will be held till January 9 at Vivekananda Higher Secondary School in Sellaperumalpet in Lawspet.
There are nearly 209 exhibits from five states of southern India including Andhra Pradesh (49), Kerala (38), Karnataka (41), Puducherry (44), Tamil Nadu (37).
Though the science fairs were organised from the 1970s, the first Southern India Science Fair, was organised in Hyderabad in 1982. This is the 30th edition of Southern India Science Fair and this is the sixth time in Puducherry.
Students of Class VIII, IX and X present their models and working exhibit which explain the achievements in Science and Technology and try to address the issues the society faces in areas like water conservation, energy production, medical service, communication, disaster management, disease control and prevention, conservation of biodiversity, sustainable growth etc. In SISF, teachers are also given a chance to exhibit their creative talents in teaching methodology, innovations in various fields of science and technology that have made our life easier, comfortable and more efficient.
