Scientific innovations by schoolchildren to provide solutions for a range of everyday, as well as major, challenges took centre stage at “Naalaiya Vignaani” Science Festival on Sunday, at the Vellore Institute of Technology- Chennai campus.
Conducted by Hindu Tamizh Thisai , the Vellore Institute of Technology and the Tamil Nadu Science Forum, the science festival saw nearly 190 student teams from Chennai, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Vellore, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Tiruvannamalai participate and explain their ideas for scientific innovations. Their projects were assessed by a team of scientists from the Tamil Nadu Science Forum.
P.L. Nivedha from Nammalvar Thulir Illam, Kovilanchery, said her team’s project involved speaking to residents of her village and finding out how they could scientifically end the pollution of a waterbody there. Water conservation took focus in the project by a team from the Radhika Matriculation High School in Panruti, as they spoke about a field study carried out on the importance of rainwater harvesting.
Chief guest V. Dillibabu, scientist, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and director, NDRF, spoke about the importance of innovation and urged students to challenge themselves to think and ideate.
“People constantly say that education and success go hand in hand. I must add that success is for those who innovate as well. Creativity and innovation are often used interchangeably, but they’re different. Remember that it is important to not just be creative, but to innovate and stay with your ideas till they take shape, even if there are roadblocks,” he said.
Mr. Dillibabu further urged teachers as well as parents not to compare students. “Nurture their individuality as well as their talents, and they will go on to achieve a lot more,” he said.
