National Science Day Call for spirit of innovation

Shillong, March 1 : The National Science Day cum Regional Innovation Conclave which was kick start on Tuesday was organised by State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (SCSTE), Meghalaya, in collaboration with North-eastern Council (NEC), National Innovation Foundation (NIF) India and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) in the premises of the State Central Library. The theme of the occasion is “Science and technology for the specially- abled people”. The main objective of the conclave is to inculcate the spirit of innovation and to develop a scientific temper in students across the state and to provide a platform for innovators to showcase their pioneering concepts. Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo said, “Meghalaya is rich in traditional knowledge and at this juncture students are fortunate to avail themselves the services of internet and other technology from which they can gather various information. We look up to you, students to be innovators.”  Regional Coordinator National Innovation Foundation (NIF) Nitin Maurya, said, “The country needs to build on resources that people are rich in, be it ideas or ethics etc. Culture of innovation and creativity is deeply prevalent and pervasive.”Referring to different innovations as exhibited at the conclave, he said, “We will shortlist all promising innovations and pick them for the National level.”Regional Director, Atomic Minerals Division (AMD), Department of Atomic Energy, Shillong, Sandeep Hamilton, informed that there are 22 nuclear reactors in India and 7 are under construction. According to him opportunity is the heart of innovation and it is the intelligent people who can identify the gaps in technology. Students of various schools from across the State were felicitated on the occasion, following their participation in the National level Children’s Science Congress at Baramati, Maharashtra. The schools included BSF senior secondary school Shillong, North Liberty School from Jowai, Little Flower Secondly School, Malki, Pariong Presbyterian secondary school, Pariong and Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Garo Hills. During the programme, students interacted with different innovators who have erected stalls on the premises of the State Central Library, probably learning an idea or two from them.