Nurturing love for nature among students

A State level Vacation Training camp for students was organised by MSSRF’s Wayanad Centre with support by Kerala State Council for Science & Technology, (KSCSTE) Thiruvanathapuram this year. The camp, for students awaiting their Class X results had 29 enthusiastic participants from different parts of Kerala from May 12 – May 26, 2017. The residential camp was inaugurated by T Usha Kumari , District Panchayat President.  (one line about what she said)

. The students had a multi dimensional curriculum including class room lectures, interaction with scientists, experts from the field related to environment and conservation activities as well as with farmers. They also had the opportunity for project work, field and exposure visits to various research institutes.

The end of the camp, was marked by a function on May 26, 2017. Dr. S Pradeep Kumar, Member Secretary, KSCSTE who spoke at the function, pointed out that climate change can be curtailed and our carbon foot print can be successfully reduced by students. He said thatthe role of students is significant in bridging the distance between science and society.

Manjunath a student at the camp shared his experience on how the camp made them realize that biodiversity was important. Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Senior Director MSSRF, pointed out that inquisitiveness among students can lead to discoveries and inventions which the world needs of

Dr. Balakrishnan, Head, MSSRF CAbC, Wayanad,  reminded the students of the fragility of ecosystems, the plight of farmers and need to include sustainability in development planning. He noted that the state and district, is more than ever, facing the severe impacts caused by climate change. Mr Girigan Gopi, Principal Scientist, MSSRF also spoke of how students could help find solutions for the present day issues. He also pointed out that only the science can meet the challenges faced by today’s world and students should find their own way to solve this.

This is the ninth consecutive year that MSSRF has organized the Vacation training programme in Kerala. The camp’s aim to inculcate the interest of young students in science & technology, to popularize science, and to focus on topics related to environmental conservation. MSSRF’s Every Child a Scientist programme initiated in 2002 aims to connect students with science and the environment and has reached out to over 4000 students in Chennai, Kerala and Odisha.