DST-Sponsored Event Engages Over 150 Top Students in Hands-On Learning, Lectures & Activities
The 37th Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspire Research (INSPIRE) camp, sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, kicked off on July 2 at Shoolini University. This five-day event, organised by the Faculty of Science, inspired and nurtured scientific curiosity among more than 150 students of grades 11 and 12.
INSPIRE is a flagship initiative of the DST, designed to attract young talent to science. The program targets students who rank among the top one per cent in their Class X Board Examinations, encouraging them to pursue science in Class XI and beyond. The camp allowed these bright minds to engage with eminent scientists and experience the thrill of scientific discovery.
During the inaugural address, Prof Sunil Puri, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, motivated the students to strive for excellence. He said, "You are the future of the nation. Ask questions and gain as much knowledge as possible." Prof Amrik Singh Ahluwalia, Pro Vice Chancellor of Eternal University, Baru Sahib, was the chief guest. He emphasised the rare opportunity these students have, stating, "You excelled at school and now have the chance to advance in innovation. Small things in life always provide opportunities for innovation."
Empowering Messages
Chancellor Prof PK Khosla inspired the attendees with a call to hard work and ambition. “Work hard to achieve greatness, and one day, you may become a Nobel laureate," he said. Prof Rachna Verma, Head of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, expressed gratitude towards DST for their sponsorship and acknowledged the outreach team for bringing students to the camp. The introductory session was conducted by Assistant Professor Ruhi Thakur, who set the stage for an engaging and educational experience.
Highlights of the Camp
The camp featured a mix of lectures, quizzes, practical sessions, and activities that kept students engaged and inspired throughout the five days.
- Quizzes and Lectures: The camp began with a Biology and Mathematics quiz conducted by by Assistant Professor Dhriti Kapoor and Professor Neeraj Gandotra. Professor Renu Bhardwaj from Guru Nanak Dev University delivered a lecture on ‘Phytoremediation: Nature's Green Clean Technology’, highlighting eco-friendly solutions to environmental challenges. Following her, Prof RK Sharma from IIT Delhi made a presentation on ‘Algebra and Cryptography’, showcasing the applications of mathematics in secure communications.
- Practical Sessions: Students participated in hands-on learning sessions led by Professor Rohit Goyal from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. They enjoyed conducting experiments on plant drug extraction, quantifying phytoconstituents using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and more. Parveen Kumar led practical classes in chemical sciences, providing students with valuable hands-on experience.
- Engaging Activities: The camp also included Computer-AI Classes by Piyush Sewal, a science documentary session managed by Amit Kumar, indoor sports supervised by Vikrant Chauhan, and a visit to the Yogananda Library. Students watched the inspirational movie ‘12th Fail’ and participated in various recreational activities.
- Concluding Day Highlights: On the final day, former Panjab University, Chandigarh, Vice Chancellor Prof RC Sobti presented lectures on computational approaches in biological sciences. Prof Savita Bhatnagar led a workshop on ‘Magic Squares’. Mahavir Singh discussed ‘Magnetic Nanoparticles for Technological Applications’, and Prof KK Bhasin shared insights on advanced chemistry topics. The day also included a physics quiz, an educational trip to Jatoli Temple, and a cultural night at the Open Air Theatre with student performances. Shoolini University Chief Learning Officer Dr Ashoo Khosla led a critical thinking exercise featuring Anand Narain Singh's presentation on ‘Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services’.
The camp ended with a valedictory ceremony, where students received scholarships and diplomas for participation and achievements. In his concluding talk, Prof PK Khosla highlighted the various activities that made the camp engaging and motivating for all. He shared how the camp improved the students’ scientific knowledge and skills and created a sense of community and teamwork, inspiring them to pursue their scientific dreams and contribute to the future of Indian science and innovation.
July 7, 2024