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Pankaj Kumar and others seen here releasing a souvenir.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 19
To develop scientific knowledge and temper among Naga children at various points of education and filtration is a rare privilege, Prof KK Sharma, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of NEHU has said. The former teacher is the lifelong president of the Nagaland Institute of Health, Environment & Social Welfare of Kohima.
He said this in his presidential address at the 25th anniversary celebration of Nagaland Institute of Health, Environment & Social Welfare on the theme ‘Catalyst and proficiendum’ today at Zonal Counci Hall, Kohima.
Pankaj Kumar, the chief secretary of Nagaland and Nikhashe Sema, ex-officio director and secretary of the department of Science and Technology were the chief guest and guest of honor, in that order.Appreciating the NIHESW for achieving a milestone since its formation way back in 1990, Prof Sharma said one of the rare sustained achievement of the institute, is delegating young students from the state along with students from other parts of India for wider exposure in the field of science education and also giving an opportunity to rub shoulders with children of other countries at International level.
On the occasion of the silver jubilee, to further all possible efforts to raise its status Pof Sharma has proposed for a collaboration with Nagaland central university while instituting a faculty of health sciences including climate change and social issues, establishing an autonomous institute of alternative medicine for north eastern states located at a suitable place in Nagaland and also creating a spcial institute of yoga and naturopathy by the government of Nagaland.
Also urging NIHESW members, he said while evaluating the institute functioning and its achievements during the last 25 years of its life, there is a need to bring out its road map for the next 25 years, and is optimistic that days are not far off when the institute shall raise its status to an autonomous institue.
Addressing the students, Pankaj Kumar said a very important feature of science and the beginning of scientific temper is when a scientist admits that he/she knows very little and there is a large body of knowledge to be discovered and tested, which needs to be kept in mind.
He also stressed on the need for curiosity among students so that one have indepth knowledge and become master in their respective field. Basing on past experience, he also urged the students to develop the habit of noting down things and notes and follow them up so as to help them become more observant as well as widen the perspective of their knowledge.
The chief secretary also assured that state government and the department of science and technology will do more to support NIHESW activities in particiular and promotion of science and environmental and health institute in the state.
Earlier the chief secretary also unveiled the jubilee plaque, launched NIHESW website and released the jubilee souvenir.
Speaking on the occasion, Nikhashe Sema both failure and success has to be taken as a challenge and an eye opener in any organization. Encouraging the members of the institute, he said ‘if we really put our mind to work dedicating our enthusiasm for the glory of Almighty God and NIHESW, we can extend greater service to the needy people, especially the children’. He also assured that his department will be working collaboratively with NIHESW in the field of children’s science congress.
Jaideep Baruah, Head Environment Division, Assam Science Technology & Environment Council, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Assam who was also present at the program remarked that children from Nagaland are doing exceedingly well whereby the quality of scientific thoughts and ideas are appreciated by others.
He said there is a pool of talents among the students, which needs to be brought about and given a platform, and maintained that given an opportunity the NE and especially Nagaland can proof their capability and be at par with other countries of the world.
NIHESW is an NGO working in the service of Naga society formed way back in 1990 by Prof KK Sharma and Dr (Miss) KK Angami, Former Director of Health Services with an aim to promote general health of the people, mobilize people’s active participation in dissemination of information on environment and promote science popularization activities.
Besides, the Institute is dedicated, committed and devoted in the field of health, protection of environment coupled with identification and documentation of rare species of wildlife and plants found in natural vegetation in Nagaland.