10 Million Eyes Gleamed with Science Excitement

Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, felicitated the 5 millionth visitor of the Science Express. Shri Chavan said that this unique experiment in the area of science and technology communication is unparallel elsewhere in the world and it again reiterates the belief that India is not only leading in pure and applied sciences but also in science and technology communication.

Elaborating the details of the exhibition Shri Chavan said that with visual images, video clips and multimedia it exhibits, demonstrates cutting-edge research. In 12 coaches, the visitors explore wide areas in science in a fascinating manner, such as Our Universe, Space, Black Holes, Galaxies, Big Bang, Our Home in the Cosmos, Spaceship Earth, Nanotechnology, Building Blocks of Life, from ‘Gene to Organism’, the World of Senses, Architecture of the Mind, Technologies and Energy Sources for Future, Computer Applications in Medicine, Biotechnology, Genetics, Cell Biology, and Global Challenges.

The Science Express was flagged off by Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh and Chancellor of Germany from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on October 30, 2007. The Phase III started on October 2, 2009 from Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Most of exhibits have been developed by the Max Planck Society, Germany, while some are indigenous, such as glorious legacy of India, future programmes in science and technology, achievements in IT, Biotech, Space, Nanotechnology, innovations and discoveries including current issues.

Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India credited the occasion as a landmark in science awakening as so far 5 million people have visited Science Express. Dr. Ramasami felt that the satisfaction achieved and the excitement created would pave the way for the growth of Indian science.

Dr. Kamal Kant Dwivedi, Adviser & Head, NCSTC said that new science activities are being added during halts, such as astronomy popularization through mobile planetarium, scientific explanation of so-called miracles, hands-on science experiments and demystification of myths. Dr. Dwivedi has said that the objective behind this venture is to develop curiosity amongst youth and attract them to pursue their careers in science.

A gleam of excitement was observed in the eyes of one and all as it was a moment of celebration as the Science Express has crossed the 50 lakh visitors’ mark, over its three phases spanned over 600 days covering 150 locations across the country. The train will be open for public at Delhi Cant Railway Station during April 5-9, 2010 between 10 am to 5 pm. The science communicators aboard interpret the exhibits, explain queries and facilitate them. Though Science Express is open for all without any entry fee, it targets high school and college students.

Source: Press Information Bureau
Date: April 06, 2010