Live with Scientific Thinking, Keep Your Curiosity Alive: Rajesh Dharamani

Appeals to Young Scientists after the State-level Children’s Science Congress

Hamirpur, December 17: Newly appointed Cabinet Minister Rajesh Dharamani concluded the 31st State-level Children’s Science Congress at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Hamirpur on Sunday, awarding the winners. The event, organized with the support of the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE), the Education Department, and the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), saw the participation of approximately 600 school students from various districts.

Addressing all participants and their guiding teachers on this occasion, Rajesh Dharamani congratulated them, stating that such congresses provide an excellent platform for students. He reminisced about the initiation of this praiseworthy effort during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2008. Dharamani urged students to live with scientific thinking and logic, emphasizing the importance of keeping their curiosity alive. He encouraged teachers and parents to respond to children’s questions rather than avoiding them.

Highlighting the impact of a scientist’s innovation that can change the lives of millions, Dharamani suggested that children should explore solutions to various problems around them through science and technology. He emphasized the need for practical application when creating scientific models and urged teachers to focus on this aspect.

Rajesh Dharamani expressed his vision for a developed India, stating that every state and village in the country should have all necessary facilities. He stressed the pivotal role science would play in achieving this goal. He mentioned that, currently, Himachal Pradesh contributes only 5 crore rupees to the software export of India, and efforts should be made to increase this to at least 100 crores. He called for the active participation of esteemed institutions like NIT to achieve this.

Before the main event, Satpal Dheeman, Joint Secretary of HIMCOSTE, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries. He shared that this year, the online platform of HIMCOSTE saw the registration of more than 26,000 students from over 4,000 schools for the Children’s Science Congress, setting a record.

The Executive Director of NIT, Dr. Anoop Kumar, and the General Secretary of the Science Teachers’ Association also welcomed the chief guest, other dignitaries, and all participants. The ceremony concluded with Rajesh Dharamani reviewing an exhibition set up by young scientists, praising the displayed models.