Jigyasa – 2017 at CSIR-CEERI

A two-day science research camp ‘Jigyasa-2017’ was organised during July 7-8, 2017 at CSIR-CEERI, Pilani for the students of class 9, 10, 11, and 12 from the schools in and around Pilani, Rajasthan. The theme of the camp was to explore the world of electronics and allied engineering sciences. The camp was aimed at triggering and motivating the young minds towards the science through live interaction with the scientists and providing an opportunity to present their ideas.

One hundred students were chosen out of 330 applicants from 17 schools. The applications were received through online as well as offline.

The camp was inaugurated by Prof. Raj Singh, Chief Scientist by lighting the lamp. He welcomed the students and congratulated them for being part of the science research camp. He explained the true sense of the word Jigyasa (curiosity) at length. He briefed the participants about the establishment of CSIR and its 38 laboratories. From the beginning, the human nature has been curious to understand his surroundings, as a student, one must keep asking questions and continue with the curiosity all the time. It might be possible that one would not find replies for all the questions but he or she must keep trying until they find replies/solutions. It would be the real temperament in finding the solutions. Whatever comforts and facilities we found around us today, such as fan, bulb, light, air conditioner, etc were the result of human curiosity. There exist several issues/mysteries to be resolved in the universe and the only possible remedy would be our curiosity to explore. He narrated the scientific and engineering methods how they help us. He further said that they were the proven methods to verify our findings. He explained the historical evolution of electronics and the role played by CSIR-CEERI in developing the technologies relevant to our country. A researcher has been a lifelong student and he himself wanted to remain as a researcher in the position of a student. There were several queries from the students on various topics and subjects.

The inaugural session was followed by the illuminating talks on ‘Towards smaller and smarter electromechanical machines’ (by Dr Kamaljit Rangra) and on ‘Microwave devices and systems’ (by Dr AK Bandyopadhyay). Thereafter, technological demonstrations along with interactions with concerned scientists were arranged on milk adulteration detector, scanning electron microscope, microwave and plasma device systems, glass blowing and mechanical workshop.

Earlier, Dr Suchandan Pal, Coordinator, Jigyasa-2017 gave a brief overview of the science research camp and informed that a few selected ideas of the students would be supported to pursue for the full academic year at CSIR-CEERI.

On the second day, the valedictory function was presided by Prof Santanu Chaudhury, Director CSIR-CEERI. He delivered a talk on “Science: An Adventure” and explained the features of science and technology. Telling about the science, he said that it was like reading a detective story. One would develop an interest in the story as he gets going. He emphasised that the

curiosity (Jigyasa) was the basic entity to the learning process. He explained the inter-related features of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics subjects. One must always be prepared to do something new and it would be possible through creativity. Science would be the best tool to understand the nature. Technological inventions such as mobile phone did not exist in nature but they were developed based on rules of science. The students interacted with him on a wide range of concepts and received satisfied responses. Towards the end of the speech, he wished the students a bright future.

Earlier, talks were delivered on ‘Evolution of lighting technology (with demonstration)’ (by Dr Suchandan Pal) and on ‘Evolution of computer communication (with demonstration)’ (by Mr Pramod Tanwar). There were also technological demonstrations along with interactive discussions on computer components, solar panel instrumentation and RO plant instrumentation.

Multiple choice questions (MCQ) test was conducted on the topics covered in the research camp. The students exhibited their ideas through posters and power point presentations; there were 18 posters and 8 individual/group power-point presentations. The posters and presentations covered ideas on technologies that would likely to happen in the future. The presentations were made on futuristic ideas like electromagnetic suspension and levitation, smart slippers, how to communicate with animals, generating electricity from vibration, trolley with sensors, the next generation spacecraft, piezoelectricity, auto-trash detection system, early detection of earthquakes, mind to mind communication, e-brail, time machine, etc. An evaluating committee went through the overall participation of the students at various proceedings and applied weighing parameters to decide the best performers.

It created a pleasant environment for fruitful interactions between the students and scientists. The director, Prof. Santanu Chaudhury, was also present during the power point presentations.

Towards the end of the camp, a feedback proforma was received from the students. All the participants expressed that they were fully satisfied with the content and thoroughly enjoyed. They thanked the organisers for providing an invaluable opportunity and desired to have the camp for an extended period. All the students received the participation certificates of the camp.