CSIR, KVS join hands to develop scientific temperament in students

With the objective to connect Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) institutes with school students to develop 'scientific temper' in young minds, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and CSIR have entered into an agreement on Thursday. The programme is expected to connect 1,151 KVs with 38 laboratories of CSIR targeting 1 lakh students and nearly 1,000 teachers annually.

According to the MoU, which was signed between KVS and CSIR, 38 laboratories of CSIR would be available for KVS students and they would interact with scientists during their visit. As pe the MoU document, the CSIR would also design training programme for students and teachers in consultation with KVS.

The new venture that has been christened as 'Jigyasa' would help in inculcating scientific acumen among the KVS students. The MoU Jigyasa was signed by KVS Commissioner Santosh Kumar Mall and CSIR DG Girish Sahni in the presence of HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar and Science & Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan. On the occasion, Vardhan said that the Jigyasa programme was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a new India and "scientific social responsibility (SSR)" of scientific community and institutions.

"It is a historic day when two ministries are collaborating on the youth who are the future of the nation. The day also coincides with the birthday of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who is an inspirational figure and a role model for all Indians," Vardhan said.

Speaking at the event, Javadekar said, "To inculcate scientific temper among the students, we have to make them aware about the impact of science on the society. Science has played a very important role in changing our lives."