Gandhinagar : The ongoing efforts of Central Government to popularise Science and Technology in the country specially among its younger generation got a major flip today when third phase of mobile Science Exhibition Train popularly called “Science Express” was inaugurated today that is on 2nd October, 2009 at Gandhi Nagar Capital Railway Station in Gujarat by Chairman Railway Board S.S. Khurana.
This project has been organised by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India with the active support of Indian Railways. Department of Science and Technology (DST), has entrusted Vikran A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), Ahmadabad with the task of coordinating and managing the “Science Express” across India.
In the current phase, it will travel to 55 locations, mostly not covered earlier, covering about 18,000 kms in seven month of its journey. It is covering the entire length and breadth of the country. At each of the locations, it would halt for 3-5 days, during which students and general public would visit the exhibition.
Indian railways have been providing active support since the beginning in making this science express a reality & a huge success. The sparkling white fully air conditioned train with 16 coaches was custom made and specially fabricated at Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala. In the first two completed phases of the run, the train was successfully taken to 108 stations of the country. In the third phase, Indian Railways will be providing online maintenance and upkeep support during the entire itinerary for a smooth and trouble free run. The exhibition in various cities will be held in the station premises with an active support of local railway administration providing exhibition space, basic amenities and security etc.
After flag off of First phase of this prestigious exhibition train from New Delhi on 30 October 2007 by Prime Minister of India and Chancellor of Germany, it has been showcased in 108 cities across India in two phases. The Exhibition, which create four National records, received overwhelming response at all halts. Over 35 laks people, mostly students have enjoyed learning about cutting-edge research in science, explained through interesting audio visual exhibits and interactive tools.
The sparking white, fully air conditioned train has 16-coaches. The exhibition, with more than 300 large-format visual images, over 150 video clips and multimedia exhibits, deals extensively with cutting-edge research and technology. In the 12 exhibition coaches, most of exhibits have been developed by the Max Planck Society.
Germany, a noble laureate powerhouse while some exhibits are indigenous. Through these the visitors explore wide areas in science in a fascinating manner and delve into the mysteries of our world, groundbreaking discoveries, emerging issues, cutting edge science and future-oriented technologies. The exhibits explain our universe-how it all began, glimpses of space, black holes, galaxies, on the way to the Big Bang, our home in the cosmos, Spaceship Earth, simpler cold atoms, ultra short light, biotechnology, building blocks of life from “gene to organism”, the world of sense, architecture of the mind, renewable energy, technologies and energy sources for future, nanocosmos, bio-engineering, genetics, cell biology, computer applications in medicine and global challenges.
There is a dedicated coach on “Climate Change-Cause, Effect, and Mitigation”. One coach showcases glorious legacy of India, future programmes in science and technology, India’s achievements in IT, Biotech, Space, Nanotechnology, besides film shows on innovations, inventions, discoveries and topical issues.
Another special feature is the “Joy of Science Lab” of VASCSC in a coach, where students can conduct hands-on experiments in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths.
Though the exhibition is open for all, it primarily targets high school and college students. It attempts to develop scientific temper among them and encourages them to pursue careers in science. Further, it strives to take modern research out of the lab and reveal just how relevant science is to everyday life.
There is no entry fee for seeing this interesting exhibition on wheels.
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