LUDHIANA, DECEMBER 20:-A five–day science camp “INSPIRE – Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research,” organized by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) under the auspices of Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, commenced here today. The programme involves the participation of about 350 senior secondary students from various city schools of Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). The programme would culminate on December 24.
Inaugurating the “INSPIRE” camp, the Chief Guest Dr K.S. Aulakh, former Vice –Chancellor, PAU, stated that the pursuit of knowledge, truthfulness and honesty are important ingredients of a good life. He bemoaned the declining values and ethics among the youth and rising corruption and inequality in the country. Revealing that India has only seven Nobel Prizes to its credit as compared to USA and UK with 285 and 92, respectively, he exhorted the participating students to adopt scientific attitude in life and referred to them as the “Cream of the Punjab.” Only 4% of our children qualify for higher education, said he adding that India has the credit of having the first University of the world at Nalanda. Dr Aulakh called upon the youth to follow the footsteps of Indian Nobel laureates like Rabindranath Tagore, C.V. Raman, Mother Teresa, Chandrasekhar and a world renowned scientist Albert Einstein. Remarking that they are the role models for the generation Y, he emphasized that alongwith education, health and moral character are also of utmost importance. The value based education is a must for our youth, said he adding that students must derive inspiration from our heroes like Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam who struggled, followed scientific pursuit and excelled.
In his presidential remarks, Dr R.K. Mahey, PAU Registrar, asked the youth to inculcate confidence in life as there is always a new opportunity waiting for them tomorrow. Referring to Swami Vivekananda’s concept of education, he said that character building, strengthening the mind, widening the horizon of knowledge and enabling one to stand on one’s own feet are vital aspects of attaining success in life. Dr Mahey told that the INSPIRE programme was introduced by the Government of India in the 11th Plan in 2008. The government is making efforts to promote science activities in the country and to motivate students to embrace science as their profession, through this programme. Apprising the participants of the PAU academic programmes, he said that boys and girls can take admission in six-year B.Sc Agriculture (Hons.) and six-year B.Sc Home Science (Hons.) programmes. There are four-year programmes also for XII pass outs, he informed.
Presenting an overview of the INSPIRE camp, Dr (Mrs) G.K. Sangha, Co-coordinator of the camp, told that this is an innovative programme for the promotion and development of science and technology. The camp aims at communicating with the young minds, acquainting them with the basics of science and addressing various challenges through science. The talented youth would be encouraged to take up science as their career, she added.
Earlier, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities (COBS&H), welcomed the dignitaries, participants from various schools, PAU deans, directors, additional directors, heads and members of the faculty. He remarked that the objective of the programme is to exhort the students to opt for science as a subject, become scientists and make significant contributions to the nations’ economy and progress. The experts of Biotechnology, Microbiology, Zoology, Physics and Chemistry, from across the region, would equip the students and the teachers with the in-depth knowledge of science, told he adding that the programme will motivate students to develop scientific temperament.
Dr P.K. Khanna, Technical Advisor to PAU Vice-Chancellor, delivered a lecture on “Industrial application of microbiology,” Dr B.S. Sekhon, Associate Director and Prof. of Chemistry, PCTE Institution of Pharmacy, Baddowal, spoke on “Chemistry in everyday in life” and Dr R.K. Sharma, Prof. and Head, Director Distant Duration, Kurukshetra University, delved upon “Job options in life sciences.” The participants also visited the laboratories of the PAU.
Dr Khanna, proposing the vote of thanks, said that the science camp will provide an opportunity to the students to interact with university experts and enhance their wisdom and knowledge of basic sciences. Dr S. S. Hundal, Prof. of Zoology, PAU, conducted the proceedings of the programme and underlined the need for developing scientific temper.
