Indo-French science expo opens in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: ‘Science Beyond Borders’, an exhibition showcasing the history of Indo-French scientific collaboration, was unveiled at BM Birla Science Centre here on Friday. The exhibition will be open from 10.30 am to 8 pm until June 26.

This event is a part of ‘Bonjour India’, an artistic cultural, educational and literary initiative by the Embassy of France and its cultural wing, Institut Francais en Indi, the Alliance Francaise Network and Consulate of France in India.

In his welcome address K.G. Kumar, director of Birla Planetarium, said, “the exhibition retraces the evolution and progress of the three-century old Indo-French collaboration in science and technology. Converting scientific concepts into exhibits is a challenge and converting history into exhibits is a bigger challenge as we need to connect people, emotions, politics and thoughts.”

Consul General of France, Thierry Berthelot, said, “It is important while building new research projects in science to understand the background, history and all that our two nations have achieved together. This exhibition showcases stories across mathematics, medicine, nuclear science, biodiversity, aviation, physics, visual analytics, locomotive, cartography, space and more”.

Dr Samuel Berthet, director, Alliance Francaise of Hyderabad, said, “Such events will spur young Indian scientists and thinkers to work closely with their French peers. These partnerships will find solutions to the myriad challenges that we face today for a more rewarding tomorrow.”

Anuradha Reddy, convener of the Hyderabad chapter of INTACH, said, recalled the services of Monsieur Raymond, a French General in the Nizam’s Army who set up gun factories in what is today known as Gunfoundry.