Roadshow brings mega science projects close to common man                                                                 

      

A 11-month long and nation-wide roadshow to create a buzz around various international mega science projects devoted to understanding the working of the universe from the micro to macro level rolled out here today.

Named Vigyan Samagam, the programme is in the form of a travelling exhibition featuring themed galleries of posters, working models and exhibits, informative audio-visuals, electronic displays and interactive kiosks.

The journey began at the Nehru Science Centre here. The show will stay put here for two months, until July 7. It will then move over to Bengaluru, where it will set camp from July 29 to September 28 at Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, and then on Kolkata where it will be stationed at the Science City from November 4 to December 31. The final halt will be in the national capital at National Science Centre from January 21 to March 30 next year.

The show will focus on seven mega science projects in which multiple countries including India are involved - European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO), Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO), Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) and Square Kilometer Array (SKA).

From the discovery of the Higgs Particle to that of gravitational waves, and from merger of neutron stars and black holes, these projects throw light on crucial questions related to the origin of the universe and its evolution through its various stages. Among other things, the programme will highlight India’s contributions in these research activities.


" Named Vigyan Samagam, the programme is in the form of a travelling exhibition featuring themed galleries of posters, working models and exhibits, informative audio-visuals, electronic displays and interactive kiosks."

The inaugural event at each venue will be followed two days of scientific programmes comprising of talks and lectures by eminent speakers from research and industry. These will be live-streamed through various social media platforms. Programmes such as quiz, essay writing, drawing contests and science awareness cyclothons would also be organised to engage schoolchildren and students.

Launching the programme, Member of Niti Aayog Dr. V.K.Saraswat emphasised the importance of science and technology for the economic growth of the country and expressed hope that the programme will help to inspire youngsters to take up science as a career.

Principal Scientific Adviser to Government, Prof. K.VijayRaghavan, emphasised the need to make available scientific and technological developments in local languages to ensure better connect with people.

The Department of Science and Technology, Department of Atomic Energy and the National Council of Science Museum have put together the roadshow. The exhibitions will be open on weekends and holidays too.

NCSM Director General A.D.Choudhary said there was a plan to expand the footprint of the show to include some smaller cities so that more people could benefit. DST Secretary Ashutosh Sharma, DAE Secretary K.N.Vyas, Swiss Ambassador Andreas Baum, among others, addressed the gathering.
India Science Wire

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