Improving the quality of science education in schools and colleges has been taken up as a priority area by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
G.J. Samathanam, Advisor, DST, New Delhi, said here on Sunday that a major initiative to motivate youngsters towards studying science courses was undertaken by introducing scholarships at national level for school children.
“We at the DST are now looking at encouraging science education and also improve its quality. Today's parents, particularly in southern India, would want their sons and daughters to become an engineer or a doctor. They are unable to think beyond that,” he observed.
Dr. Samathanam, who studied at the P.M.T. College in Usilampatti near here, was speaking at the valedictory function of ‘Science Utsav-2010,' organised by the Velammal Group of Educational Institutions in Madurai from July 28 to August 1.
More scope
Stating that there is so much scope in the field of science either in research or teaching, he urged the school/college students to utilise the scholarships being given by the DST. Through a special scheme, the DST is giving scholarships for ten lakh children and a huge allocation was made for this scheme.
“So far, we have been talking about Public Private Partnership. But, the future concept will be Public Private People's Participation,” he said.
Lauding the Velammal Group for rising to a prominent position in academic arena from a humble beginning 25 years ago, Dr. Samathanam said that educational institutions like the Velammal College should also put efforts in research, technology generation and projects.
Support for young scientists
S. Vincent, Member-Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, Chennai, said that the Council would support all innovative ideas of ‘young scientists' and asked the organisers of the science exhibition to pass on the creative ideas/ impressive projects put up by the students at this expo to the Council for giving proper shape to them.
He told the students who are interested in science and research to lay focus on the important fields where India wants immediate attention- water purification/potable water, power sector and public health issues.
M.V. Muthuramalingam, Chairman, Velammal Educational Trust, who presided over the valedictory function, said that ‘Science Utsvav-2010' is the third major science event organised by the Velammal Group in the last 25 years.
“Students across the country have exhibited their skills with enthusiasm. This is an opportunity to mould the young students in to scientists,” he said.
S. Vasuki, Professor and Head (ECE), Velammal College of Engineering and Technology (VCET), Madurai, who gave an overview on the five-day exhibition, said that 300 science exhibits were displayed at the national level Science Utsav-2010 for which The Hindu was the media partner.
N. Sureshkumar, Principal, VCET, welcomed the gathering. Prizes were distributed for the winning teams of the science exhibition.
