Srinagar, July 19: In a celebration of young scientific talent, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Kashmir hosted the Rajya Stariya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani 2023-24.
This prestigious event, held under the Charismatic leadership of Director SCERT-JK Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas at the divisional office of SCERT Kashmir, showcasing the innovative spirit and creative prowess of budding scientists from the region, with a special emphasis on the theme “Millets for Health & Sustainability.” during the Seminar and allied themes on sustainability in the exhibition.
The one-day exhibition cum seminar organized by the Department of Science and Mathematics brought together a constellation of bright young minds, dedicated educators, and esteemed dignitaries.
The event served as a platform for students to present their exhibits and models, demonstrating their understanding and application of scientific principles, particularly about the cultivation, nutritional benefits, and sustainable aspects of millets.
Joint Director SCERT Central/Division, H R Pakhroo, inaugurated the event with an inspiring address that set the tone for the day. In his speech, Pakhroo drew a compelling contrast between past educational practices and the current emphasis on holistic development, including the importance of sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
He highlighted how science education has evolved to include crucial topics like millet cultivation and its role in food security.
Pakhroo’s words resonated with the audience as he invoked the contributions of scientific luminaries such as Newton, the Wright Brothers, Benjamin Faraday, and Marconi. He encouraged the young participants to adopt a critical, creative, and innovative approach in their scientific pursuits, emphasizing the continuity of progress from the National Education Policy (NEP) 1986 to NEP 2020.
The event was graced by the presence of Professor V.P. Singh and Prof. M. Rowali from NCERT, New Delhi, as the chief guest. Professor V.P. Singh, impressed by the natural beauty of Jammu & Kashmir, drew a parallel between the region’s landscape and the fertile minds of its young inhabitants.
In his address, he commended all participants, eschewing the traditional ranking system in favor of recognizing each child’s unique contribution. This approach, he noted, aligns with the essence of holistic student development.
Professor Singh also stressed the importance of multidisciplinary pedagogical approaches in schools. He cited the example of Einstein, who excelled as both a mathematics professor and a renowned scientist, illustrating the power of cross-disciplinary excellence.
The event was further enriched by the presence of Professor Muninder Ruwali from NCERT, whose insights added depth to the discussions. Dr. Sajad Hussain Mir, Coordinator of the program and Head of the Department of Science and Mathematics, played a pivotal role in organizing the event.
He extended a warm welcome to the chief guests and expressed gratitude to JD SCERT Shri Pakhroo for his support and inspiration.
The Exhibition particularly highlighted around 50 innovative models/prototypes focusing on the five sub-themes of agriculture, health, lifestyle for the environment, communication and transport, and computational thinking set by NCERT in the guidelines of RSBVP 2023-24 event.
In the seminar, the Participants highlighted the importance of Millets and demonstrated their knowledge of dietary components of millets, water-efficient farming techniques, nutritional comparisons with other grains, and the sustainable packaging solutions for millet-based products.
The opening ceremony proceedings were skillfully moderated by Javaid Ahmad Dar, Sr. Academic Officer from the Department of ESM. Adding to the discourse, Ms. Anjali Om Raina from DEL and Mr. Riyaz Ahmad Dar from Central Planning shared their valuable insights and praised the students’ efforts. The event also saw the participation of two AU Heads, Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Dar and Mr. M Sultan Khan, further underscoring the importance of the exhibition/Seminar in the educational landscape of the region.
A distinguished panel of jury members evaluated the exhibition and seminar. This panel included Dr. Sajad Ahmad Mir (Physics), Dr. Saima, Dr. Amarpreet Kour, Riyaz Ahmad Dar (Central), Basharat Saleem (Central), Sheikh Gulzar Ahmad (DEL) and Syed Ashaq Hussain. Their expertise ensured a fair and comprehensive assessment of the student’s work. Shahzeeb Bilal class 9th student from Radiant Public School Anantnag got selected for the State-level competition in seminar out of the ten toppers at the divisional level.
Around 15 best models/prototypes from Kashmir division would be forwarded to NCERT-New Delhi for participation in National level event (Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani-2024) that will be held in the month of November, 2024.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from SCERT & DIET faculty, escort teachers, and students, marking the successful completion of the UT-level program’s first phase. The second phase is scheduled to be held in Jammu in the second week of August at the SCERT-divisional Office Jammu, promising to further expand the scope of this scientific celebration.
As we reflect on the success of this divisional-level exhibition, it’s clear that events like the Rajya Stariya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani play a crucial role in shaping the scientific temper of our youth. They not only provide a platform for showcasing talent but also inspire a new generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
The Rajya Satriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani 2023-2024 at SCERT Kashmir Division has set a high benchmark for fostering a scientific spirit among the youth, with a special emphasis on sustainable and healthy food systems.
It stands as a shining example of how educational institutions, dedicated educators, and supportive communities can come together to nurture the innate curiosity and innovative potential of our children, paving the way for a brighter, more scientifically advanced, and sustainable future.
