National Science Day observance underway
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 20 2024: Manipur Science & Technology Council (MASTEC), Imphal in association with STFM, MAPS, MASCA and GENIM began observance of National Science Day under the theme 'Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat' at its Takyelpat complex, here, on Monday.

The inaugural function of the five-day observance was attended by Science and Technology secretary Hungyo Worshang as chief guest and MASTEC director Dr L Minaketan as president while Science and Technology joint secretary Chingakham Sachi and CSIR-NEIST Imphal chief scientist Dr Huidrom Birkumar were present as guests of honour.

In his speech, Hungyo Worshang recalled that he realised the importance of science during his time in the Power Department.

With scientific advancement, there will be new innovations and technologies.

While there are challenges with the onset of climate change and biological research, the matter would be more known to the biological researchers, he said.

Observing that around 70-80 per cent of IAS officers have medical, engineering or science background, he emphasised the importance of science in administration, adding that as science and technology advances, the service delivery of administration will improve.

He continued that science has no boundary and stressed the need for teachers to play their part in motivating the students.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Birkumar observed that in Manipur, anything related to science is assumed in the context of physics, chemistry and launching rockets.

However, there is huge scope in biological sciences with regard to research and development.

He continued that Manipur is biodiversity hotspot in the Indo-Burma centre.

While people have a vague idea about biodiversity, it needs to be understood that there are two parameters involved.

A rich biodiversity needs a large populace of endemic species.

In Manipur's context, there are 100 endemic species, which unfortunately is being destroyed by us humans.

If this is not controlled, the resources will disappear and Manipur will cease to be a biodiversity hotspot, he cautioned.

Dr Birkumar further said that the biodiversity hotspot of Indo-Burma centre is not a permanent tag but a temporary assignment.

Thus, there is both joy and despair of being a biodiversity.

Instead of orientating students towards research on rocket science, they should also be encouraged to conduct research in bio-resource and biological diversity fields, he added.

During the five-day event, various programmes such as science model exhibition, declamation contest, short-play (science) competition, quiz competition and mathematics competition will be held.

For the science model competition, around 50 science models will be demonstrated by participating students.

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