Nagaland celebrates ‘National Science Day’

KOHIMA/ DIMAPUR — Educational institutions across Nagaland celebrated ‘National Science Day’ on Wednesday. The day is celebrated on February 28 every year since 1987 to honour the great Indian Physicist, Sir CV Raman, who won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930. It was on this day in 1928, his discovery of the Raman Effect came to light at Indian Association for the Cultivation of Sciences, Kolkata.

Addressing the students from different schools in Kohima during a programme at Kohima Science College (KSC) in Jotsoma, assistant professor of Chemistry at KSC, L Kenneth Punyu, encouraged them to pursue Science education to bring about innovative ideas and solutions for mitigating the problems. He urged upon the government to encourage students taking up Science and pursue research.

The educator underscored the role of Science in solving the problems the world is now confronted with, be it climate change, global warming, water scarcity and other calamities and crises.

He added that fixing the problems cannot be left alone to the community of scientists, government officials and institutions but required efforts of people from all walks of life.

He pointed out the impact of fossil fuels and its consequences posed to the environment and also mentioned the efforts of the scientists to bring an alternative solution. In this context, he challenged the participants to adopt and adapt with changes in lifestyles that would be friendly for the environment.

While speaking about the ill effects of plastic, he enlightened the possibility of having bio-plastic that would be degradable. He further asked the students to commit and act towards a sustainable future by changing mindsets by way of creating awareness, engaging people through concerted efforts by way of changing lifestyles.

The general secretary of Kohima Science College Students Union (KSCSU), Angukali Wotsa, and the KSCJ president of Physics, Limanukshi Pongen, also spoke on the occasion.

In a related programme, the Science Club and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Phek Government College (PGC) observed ‘National Science Day’ on the theme “Indigenous technologies for Viksit Bharat.”

The resource person and assistant professor of Zoology, Lydia Keyho, spoke on the theme by focusing on the vision of a fully developed India and finding solutions to challenges confronting the country. She also stressed on the importance of Science and Technology in making India a self-reliant country.

The event was marked with a prepared speech competition on the topic “Science for a sustainable future,” with the participation of students from four schools.

The first position was won by Sugulu Nienu from Christian Mission Higher Secondary School, Phek, while the second position was won by Sebalu Rhakho from Royal Foundation School, Phek, and third position was won by Setseno Nuwiry from Holy Care School, Phek. The winners were awarded with certificates and cash prizes.

On the occasion, students from different departments of the college displayed exhibition basing on the theme.

Sao Chang College (SCC) in Tuensang also commemorated ‘National Science Day’ by organising a poster competition among the students. The 1st position was won by K Phunyang, BA 2nd semester student, while the second position was won by Takaienla of BA 6th semester.

Meanwhile, the Nagaland Science Centre (NSC) in Dimapur celebrated the National Science Day 2024 by organising the 4th Innovative Science Working Model Exhibition on Wednesday.

An update from the centre stated that the event was attended by Kevitso Kenneth, chief scientific officer from the department of Science and Technology, as the special guest.

It informed that the 4th Innovative Science Working Model Exhibition was won by Government Higher Secondary School, Purana Bazaar, Dimapur. It added that Great Commission School, Chümoukedima, and Pilgrim Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, won the second and third positions respectively.

Altogether, 16 schools from Dimapur and Chümoukedima districts participated in the exhibition.