Resource person, Prof Shalabh, Department of Statistics and Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Kanpur addressing the students on the study of science at Greenwood School, Dimapur on April 29. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 29
An interaction programme on ‘science education’ with the higher secondary students of science stream began at Greenwood Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on April 29. The resource person for the event was Prof Shalabh, Department of Statistics and Dean of Academic Affairs, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
The four-day event is an initiative of the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) in commemoration of the NBSE’s Golden Jubilee year. It aims to encourage and promote the study of science education, to create awareness on its scope and benefits amongst the students as a career option. The event from April 29–May 1, calls for participation from science students, science teachers (physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology), and principals of respective schools having science stream in Dimapur, Mon, Peren, Chümoukedima and Kohima.
The interactive programme will culminate on May 2 at the NBSE office with a session for principals and science teachers of Kohima, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Phek, Wokha, Zunheboto, Kiphire and Longleng districts.
On the first day, a total of eight schools from in and around Dimapur, with more than 500 students attended the afternoon session. Mention may be made that the morning session was held at St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima.
During the interaction, Prof Shalabh talked about the 23 IITs in India who were producing stellar alumni, thriving in different fields. He noted the importance of science which will enable the society to make informed decisions. As such, the institute will train students on how to think critically, fostering innovation and sustainable progress along the way. Prof Shalabh mentioned about the flexible undergraduate and graduate programmes according to one’s interests.
Secretary of NBSE, Rangumbuing Nsarangbe who was present at the event told The Morung Express that, in celebrating the jubilee year, the board wanted to bring something a little different and recognised the importance of promoting the study of science among the students which goes way beyond “being a doctor or an engineer.” He held that most students in Nagaland preferred Arts stream to Science, and it was time that students begin to take interest in the many advances of science which will take the nation forward.
Nsarangbe maintained that the event may be held as the first, even in the country where an institute like IIT Kanpur was interacting with students and the school boards, while acknowledging that the NBSE was fortunate to have a resource person from one of the best IITs who is keen on promoting the study of science.
The next session will be held at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on April 30 with students and a separate session with principals and science teachers from Mon, Peren, Dimapur and Chümoukedima.
