Bengaluru: A two-day long event organised by National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) to celebrate the National Science Day 2018 under the theme "Science and Technology for Sustainable Future" had a turnout of nearly 5,000, with parents accompanying their inquisitive children at the convention centre. The event had more than 60 stalls covering various subjects that unearth the human mind. From neurophysiology to neurosurgery, sleep studies, neurology and disorders among children, the event dealt with many such topics. "I loved the stall on brain cancer and I know so much about it now," said Jeevitha, an 18-year-old student from BMS College who had come with fellow students. Parents were seen explaining their children about mind mapping and how rats are used to deduce human behaviour and stress.
Also, another stall on sleep and effects of yoga or meditation. "People have been walking in to know more about sleep hygiene and how to improve their quality of sleep," says Dr Bindu M. Kutty, who is the head of one of the sleep labs at NIMHANS. A study was done by her team which revealed that 55% of the people felt drowsy and lazy even after 7-8 hours of sleep. "This indicates how bad their sleep hygiene is," she explained.
The mega science exhibition, with an objective to showcase the scientific and clinical activities of the Institute, will be held for students, teachers and general public between 10 am and 6 pm on both days. Display of brain specimens, screening of films and documentaries on various aspects of mind-brain- behaviour, mind game for children and adults, demonstrations of brain activities, quiz competition, cognitive tests for assessing attention, display of instruments and equipment demonstrating the functions of mind and brain is the highlight of the event.
"This year the footfall has increased considerably compared with last year. The festival aims at kindling scientific temper among the younger generation and spreading the message about the significance of mental health and neurosciences in the daily lives of the people," said Dr Laxmi T. Rao from Nimhans.
