Antony calls for focus on science education

Kerala chief minister A K Antony today called for inculcating a scientific culture among school children so as to equip the state's education sector to cater to the growing demand for scientific personnel around the globe.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the Sastraposhini scheme of the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) at the Government Model High School in Thiruvanathapuram, he also urged the 100 per cent literate populace in the state to "concentrate more on scientific education, in tune with the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru".

"It was Panditji, our first prime minister, who strived to create a scientific culture in the country. It is mainly because of his efforts that the country could excel in all fields of science and technology," he said. He said the quest for science should be enhanced as it assumes critical importance in fields such as water, irrigation, agriculture, electricity and so on.

He also said his government would strive to create a conducive atmosphere for the endeavor. "The task ahead is to forge pragmatic tools for the purpose," he added.

M S Valiathan, executive vice-president, KSCSTE, said, "Science is the only subject which cannot be taught through blackboard, but only by doing hands-on practical experiments. Unfortunately, nowadays, the excitement of science is denied to students, especially those who are studying at government schools."

Saying that a full-fledged laboratory is seen only at tutorials now, he said, "The alarming decline in the standard of science education forced the council to craft the Sastraposhini project and to set up model laboratories in the schools in the state."

Under the scheme, assisted by the State Education Department, selected schools in Kerala will have a well-equipped laboratory each in physics, chemistry and biology. The laboratories will be set up in all the educational districts.

In the first phase, 10 schools will have Sastraposhini labs. K R S Krishnan, director, KSCSTE, said the Sastraposhini scheme was aimed at stimulating the interest in science through practical experiments. The programme envisages a scenario wherein students will be free to conduct science experiments.

"The Sastraposhini scheme will lead to better enrollment for science courses, improved competitiveness of science graduates and larger number of students getting drawn towards opting for a career in science," he said.

V Ramachandran, vice-chairman, Kerala State Planning Board, M Gopalan, director of Public Instructions and P Gopalaraman, chairman, Apex Resource Group, Sastraposhini also spoke at the function.

Sastraposhini Model Laboratories came into being today at 10 schools simultaneously, including the Government Model High School, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram.