7th Science Expo had flying start in Regional Science City, Lucknow, a unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). The well-known writer, Prof. C. L. Khetrapal, Vice-Chairman, Centre of Bio-Medical Research, SGPGI, Lucknow inaugurated this mega Science Festival by lighting the lamp while Prof. V. K. Tandon, Former Head & Dean, Faculty of Science, Lucknow University presided over the function.
While taking the round of Science Expo after inauguration the Chief Guest and other invitees interacted with the representatives from different scientific institutions and showed keen interest appreciating the efforts in which students will be able to interact with the scientists face-to-face.
Project Coordinator of Regional Science City, Lucknow Shri Umesh Kumar welcomed the Guests and invitees. He told that Science Expo is very important step in bringing change in the society. He also said that the awareness is the first step of the change and Science Expo is doing this attempt since last 7 years. This programme has shown encouraging results and superstition from the society is fading away and scientific temper is being created in the society.
Dr. V.K. Tandon in his presidential address highlighted the efforts made by CST, UP for developing quality of Science Education in the State and specially mentioned the special schools set up by the government which are providing free education to its students. He also described the procedure and criteria for getting admission into these schools.
Chief Guest Prof. C.L. Khetrapal in his inaugural address also appreciated the efforts of Regional Science City and all the participating institutions in putting up this great show of science for the benefit of students and general public. On this occasion he also delivered a popular science lecture on the topic "Nuclear Magnetic Resonance" in very simple words and comprehensible manner. In his lecture, he described that by studying a small magnet and its properties how several scientists have won the Nobel prizes. He also mentioned a special equation because of which so far 7 scientists have won the Nobel prizes. This discovery of 20th Century has solved many problems of the society. The technique has helped us in studying the ill effects of alcohol on brain and also on pre-natals. The science behind this technique was also described by the speaker in very simple words. Prof. Khetrapal also told that in future the technique may be able to find out the effects on mind while chanting Mantras like "Om" and similar Mantras / recitation by other religions. There is a possibility that it may be established that all religious recitations / Mantras might be creating same effect on mind proving that all are same. Probably, the technique may also establish the fact that Yoga helps us to de-stress and to get peace. In this way perhaps the religious wall in the society and country may vanish taking the proof on the science and as such science will be able to establish peace all over the world.
In the last, Shri S M. Prasad, Joint Director, Council of Science & Technology, UP proposed Vote of Thanks and described achievements of the council and programmes for students being organized by the council.
In addition to all above the students participated in written quiz programme based on 'Know the Scientific Institutions" and general science. The puppet show was a big hit and in the evening there will be a Sky Observation programme too. In all around 1250 students and public participated in today's programme.
