When schools open after the summer vacation many may have had some interesting experiences to share.
But a group of children who have attended a 21-day State-wise residential camp for the Std X students at M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) regional Centre at Puthurvayal in Wayanad district will have a different experience to share.
Right direction
The programme was organised by the MSSRF in association with department of Biotechnology, Government of India. It was a residential workshop on the broad area of Biotechnology and Biodiversity Conservation with interactive lectures, laboratory work, institutional visits, field trips and individual projects. As many as 31 children from different parts of the State took part in the camp.
“We have conducted the residential camp as a part of a nation-wide camp aimed at developing a scientific temper in the growing mind, directing them to a career in science and creating a new generation that has concern for nature and a scientific attitude,” Ajay Parida, Executive director, MSSRF said.
“We undertook the programme as a part of our conceptual programme — Every Child a Scientist — throughout the State,” said Dr. Anilkumar, Director, MSSRF.
Apart from Kerala, similar programmes were held for children at the MSSRFs' regional centres in Tamil Nadu and Orissa.
“The camp provided a unique experience for us and we were able to know more about modern technologies such as biodiversity, space technology and bio-informatics,” shared M. Unnikrishnan a student of the Government Higher Secondary school, Chemmanad in Kasaragode district. “All the classes organised here reflected a holistic approach to the science. We got in direct touch with nature not only through the interactive classes but also through field visits. It also helped us to hone scientific quality skills,” he added.
A. Anandakrishnan of the GHSS Ayapparambil at Harippad in Alappuzha district, said that the camp was excellent and it enhanced her vista on Biodiversity. As many as 25 experts including Dr. Saneep, scientist, ISRO, Thiruvananthapuram, Prof. E. Kunhikrishnan, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Giby Kuriakose, Research Associate, Asoka Trust for research in Ecology and Environment, Bengaluru, and Dr. M.K. Prasad, Executive Director and Chairman, Information Mission, Thiruvananthapuram, handled the interactive sessions.
Biodiversity
“A trekking to the Manikkunnu Hills and the Wild Life Sanctuary at Muthanga as a part of the camp provided ample opportunities to learn about different species of flora and fauna in the grassland, evergreen forest, shola forest and deciduous forests,” said P. Aswathy of the GVHSS, Vellinezhy in Palakkad district. “Dr. Ratheesh Narayanan, scientist, MSSRF, explained the ecological significance of those places and the importance of conserving the bio diversity at that occasion,” she further explained.
“The field trips to the Kadalundi Community Reserve, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Zoological Survey of India and Malabar Botanical Garden in Kozhikode as well as the exploration trips to the Forest Museum at Muthanga in Wayanad provided a new outlook on bio resources to us,” felt S. Yadhu Krishna of the Silver Hills Higher Secondary school, Kozhikode.
Former Forest Minister, Binoy Viswom, had inaugurated the programme on May 1, and the camp concluded on May 22. At the concluding ceremony, Dr. Anilkumar distributed certificates to the participants.
