Science Internship Program for School Toppers (INSPIRE) inaugurated at Manipal

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 27 May 2013: The fourth DST-sponsored INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) residential program for students in classes X and XI, conducted by the School of Life Sciences (SOLS) and Manipal University, was inaugurated at the Fortune Inn Valley View today. About 170 student toppers from schools in all districts of Karnataka are participating in the five-day long program, which was inaugurated in the presence of two eminent personalities – Dr. YS Rajan (Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Professor, ISRO, Bangalore) and Mr. Chakravarty Sulibele (popular journalist and writer). In a wide-ranging and captivating address to the audience, Dr. YS Rajan touched upon the various aspects of decisions that the students have to make in their life. Stressing upon the need for wealth creation in a country where 70% of the population lacks basic facilities, Dr. Rajan asked the participants to ensure that they create wealth through their hard work first, so that they will be able to make a useful contribution to the society. He also stressed the need for physical and mental health for success in any walk of life.

 

 

Mr. Sulibele, in his inimitable style, showed the audience how science permeates our quotidian lives. With a range of suitable examples and anecdotes culled from Upanishads, ancient and recent history as well as contemporary practices he explained the essence of science to the enthralled students and how it helps addressing the issues that the country is facing. He asked the participants to learn as much as they want; travel as much as they could, before working for the betterment of the country.

 

Earlier, Dr. GK Prabhu (Registrar, Manipal University) welcomed the gathering that included mentors for INSPIRE, various heads of institutions of Manipal University. Dr. Padmalatha Rai (Professor, SOLS) delivered the vote of thanks. The participants will have the opportunity to listen to and interact with eminent mentors in various fields of science. They will also learn through demonstrations in various laboratories and educational visits. The residential program, sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India and Manipal University under the coordination from Dr. K. Satyamoorthy who is the Director of School of Life Sciences, aims to inculcate a scientific temper in the youths of the country and introduce them to various aspects of scientific research.