By Y.S. RANA , CHANDIGARH—Chandigarh Administration, Education Department (Higher Education) will be holding 41st Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition (JNNSMEE) for children in collaboration with NCERT, New Delhi at Leisure Valley, Sector 10 from November 11-16, 2014.
More than 500 students (from Class VI to X) and teachers will participate in the 6-day exhibition based on the theme, science and mathematics for a sustabiable world. Around 191 selected innovations of young scientists from different schools pertaining to agriculture, energy, health, environment and resources will be put to display in the exhibition.
The participants in the exhibition also include awardees of innovation in science pursuit of inspired research (INSPIRE) scholarship, a programme launched by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology and more than 30,000 students from the States are given Rs 5,000 under the INSPIRE programme. .
The primary objective of the exhibition is to provide a forum for school children in the age group (14-18) years to present their understanding of science and mathematics, creative ideas, innovativeness and sensitivity to local as well as global problems through working models and activities.
While talking to Sandeep Hans, Director, Higher Education, Chandigarh, told that city was assigned to hold such exhibition for the first time. “Most of the students fear of mathematics and science and they do not have exposure of application. Such exhibition will encourage students to look at societal problems and ponder over their causes and solutions through application of mathematics and science,” said Mr Hans.
Mr Hans further stated that besides conducting various workshops for children, literary and cultural activities about 10 eminent scientists across the country would also deliver lectures-cum-demos from 5 to 7 p.m daily during the exhibition. To develop scientific temper among students, demos would be given through film and sky watching, robotics show on futuristic technologies and laser show etc for inclusive growth would also be organized, stated Mr Hans. The Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM) of NCERT will be the nodal department for the exhibition.
NCERT bears a part of the expenditure in organizing the exhibition. The host will contribute the remaining part which includes the cost of venue, lodging for the participants and officials.
Mr Shiv Raj Patil, UT Administrator and Governor Punjab would inaugurate the exhibition on November 11 and minister of state for HRD is also expected to attend the inaugural function.