Thrissur: On National Science Day, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Peechi, launched First Question, a helpline on nature for children.
The scientists at KFRI said that kids, their teachers or parents could ring up the helpline and shoot questions on anything under the sun.
The idea is that the doubts and curiosity of the kids should never go unattended.
“The questions kids ask are important for their genuineness and the intense urge to get them answered," said principal scientist and coordinator Dr T. V. Sajeev, who came up with the idea.
"They would be highly receptive to answers, which would prompt them into further questions. Along with their development, equal and parallel development and change in their questions and subjects also happen unless we suppress it. We believe every question from a child is very important and should be addressed seriously.”
He says the "unanswered kids" gradually lose their curious mind and end up in the conventional education system where he even could not understand the purpose of it.
“We are trying to keep up the enthusiasm among children to ask questions. Lack of time and awareness of elders should not be an excuse for leaving them unanswered. More importantly, questions are the backbone of science. Anybody can call the helpline and ask your kid’s questions,” he said.
Dr Haridasan, the former director, Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) at KFRI, inaugurated First Question on Wednesday. According to KFRI director Dr Syam Viswanath, it's a subunit of the well-managed helpline of the Institute that addresses questions related to tree health.
"However, it served as a multipurpose helpline on several occasions. During the hot debate on the Gadgil report, it answered questions on its content," he said.
"During the 2018 floods, it worked as a 24 x 7 helpline for assisting rescue operations."
The FQ helpline number 0487 2690 222 will be live from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
