A 20-member Telangana State National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) team comprising of 13 child scientists and state coordinator among others took part in the NCSC national event from December 27 to 31 at Baramati, Maharashtra. The theme was science, technology and innovation for sustainable development — With special emphasis on accessibility for persons with disability.
The young scientists presented their projects on this theme, and competed with around 650 projects from all over India and also from certain SAARC and ASEAN countries.
Every year, NCSC provides an opportunity to young scientists to interact with eminent scientists. Member Secretary, Telangana State Council of Science and Technology (TSCOST), Y. Nagesh Kumar, says, “The kids from Telangana worked hard for three months. The aim of the event is to inform people that knowledge of basic science is more important before thinking of becoming rocket scientists. Late Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam used to attend the event to encourage the kids. The only drawback is that students from rural schools aren’t able to participate. From next year, information will be sent to all schools in the rural areas too.”
Hyderabad girl G. Manasa presented her project. “I’m happy that I got this opportunity. Blind students like me don’t take up engineering and I want to change that. I’m working on inventing buzzers and clips to help people like me. I want to become a scientist when I grow up. My guide R. Parameshwaran has helped me a lot,” says 16-year-old Manasa, who studies at Devnar School for the Blind in Begumpet.
Shaik Muzammil Pasha presented his project called ‘Cool Home’. The 14-year-old studies at Castle Town High School in Yousufguda. He says, “I’ve worked on many projects before and I’m glad that I could represent my project at NCSC this year. My inspiration is Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and I want to be a scientist like him.”
15-year-old B. Harika studies at Fatima convent high school in Kagaznagar. She says, “My project is called “Be cautious! Life is precious”. There are gadgets in the US, which can be used while driving cars. These gadgets help the car to stop when it sees an obstacle in front of it. I want to bring them to India.”
