“Youth must develop the spirit of questioning and inquisitiveness. These very skills turned Bhaskaracharya and Srinivasa Ramanujan into great scientists and helped several others make significant contributions and flourish in the fields of mathematics, science and technology,” says Director of Centre for Policy Studies A. Prasanna Kumar.
He was addressing students, dignitaries, and delegates from India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Nigeria at the inaugural of the second edition of the International Children’s Science and Mathematics Festival organised by Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan on Thursday.
After unveiling the book titled ‘The People’s Scientist — A Biography of Dr. Y. Nayudamma’, authored by K. Chandrahas, he said that the student edition had been launched at the right time to inspire young minds on the occasion of Children’s Day.
Students from national and international schools put up various projects at the festival, celebrated to mark the 900 birth anniversary of renowned mathematician Bhaskaracharya.
They said that the projects were aimed at promoting eco-friendly methods and cost-effective mechanisms in the spheres of science and technology.
“In the end, these projects will be assessed, based on innovation, presentation style, relevance of techniques applied, and other parameters,” explained Sudhakar C. Agarkar, a retired professor of Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education.
After receiving an overwhelming response in 2012, the second edition of the festival aims at exchanging cultural ideas.
“This kind of a platform not only empowers students with innovative ideas and technologies but also helps them groom beyond the four walls of a classroom,” says Ch. Vasu Prakash, director of Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan.
The inaugural of the three-day festival was attended by Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (retired) and author K. Chandrahas, chief marketing officer of Shriram Properties Private Ltd. R. Balaji, chief of World Conferences-International Council of Associations for Science Education from Nigeria Ben Akpan, and grandchildren of Dr. Nayudamma — Anjana and Varun — among others.
