Students told to choose basic sciences

S. Hiriyanna, Head of GEOSAT programme of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Sunday stressed the need to stimulate interest among students on learning basic sciences.

Mr. Hiriyanna was speaking at an awareness programme on astrophysics held under the aegis of Bhavasara Youth Vision organisation at Dr. Ambedkar Bhavan here.

At present, talented youths were opting for careers in medicine and engineering. There were few takers for basic sciences.

The progress achieved by India in research on basic sciences was not at expected levels. There were a wide ranging career opportunities for those who study and do research on basic sciences. It was essential to create awareness among youths in this regard, he said.

The successful insertion of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) spacecraft in to Mars orbit by ISRO was a significant event in the history of Indian science and technology.

The success of Mangalayaan programme had boosted the morale of Indian scientists and made the entire nation proud. Those who study and do research on basic sciences would get a unique opportunity to take part in nation-building by working in strategic sectors like defence, space research, nuclear energy and so on, he said.

B. Ramu, Chief Executive Officer of Shivamogga Zilla Panchayat, in his address, said the students in rural areas had no access to quality education in science. The problem could be addressed by creating infrastructure related to science-learning at village schools.

Qualitative changes

It was possible to bring qualitative changes in human life with research in space science, robotics and remote sensing. There was a need to create awareness among students about these issues, he said. B.N. Jagannath Rao, scientist at ISRO, and educationist Mekala Hiriyanna were present. Students from schools across the district and those pursuing Pre-University and undergraduate courses in science stream, attended the programme.

‘Progress achieved in India in research on basic science is not at expected levels’

‘Those who study it will have the unique opportunity to contribute to nation-building’