CSIR’s JIGYASA Program Hosts Groundbreaking Scientific Event
On December 20, 2024, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducted a remarkable event under its JIGYASA program. This initiative aimed to enhance scientific aptitude among students. For the first time, students from 37 constituent laboratories of CSIR participated in a large-scale online scientific demonstration and experiment. This event marked a significant milestone in the program’s history, showcasing the importance of practical learning in science education.
Inauguration and Opening Remarks
The event commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Souvik Maiti, the Director of the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) in Delhi. He welcomed the online participants and expressed gratitude for their involvement. Dr. Maiti emphasized that education extends beyond textbooks and exams. He highlighted the necessity of practical experiences in fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. His remarks set a positive tone for the event, encouraging students to engage actively in their learning processes.
Dr. Beena Pillai, Chief Scientist at IGIB, introduced the theme of the event. She referenced Dr. Mitali Mukerji, a former Chief Scientist at CSIR-IGIB, who has made significant contributions to human genomics and personalized medicine. Dr. Pillai stressed the relevance of DNA, genomics, and molecular biology in various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare. Her insights aimed to inspire students to appreciate the real-world applications of their studies.
Hands-On Learning Experience
The core activity of the event involved students performing DNA isolation experiments. Each participant received a DNA isolation kit and was guided through the protocol by Dr. Arya Sidharthan. Following her demonstration, approximately 550 students successfully isolated DNA from their saliva. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, reinforcing their understanding of molecular biology.
Dr. Geeta Vani Rayasam, an Outstanding Scientist and Head of the CSIR-Human Resource Development Group (HRDG), expressed her gratitude to Dr. Maiti and the IGIB team for organizing the event. She underscored CSIR’s dual role in advancing scientific technologies and developing human resources in India. Dr. Rayasam encouraged students to think critically and engage in extracurricular activities. She emphasized that such experiences would not only enhance their learning but also inform policymakers about the need for engaging educational activities.
Celebrating Success and Participation
The event concluded with a sense of accomplishment and joy among the students. After successfully isolating DNA, participants filled out a questionnaire to select the winner of the Scientific Aptitude Assessment Exercise. Shri C.B. Singh and Dr. Suman Ray distributed participation certificates to all attendees, acknowledging their efforts and enthusiasm.
In his closing remarks, Shri C.B. Singh thanked all participants and praised the contributions of the CSIR-IGIB, CSIR JIGYASA team, and volunteers. The smiles on the students’ faces reflected their excitement and satisfaction after completing the experiment. This event not only provided a unique learning opportunity but also fostered a sense of community among young scientists.
About CSIR-NIScPR
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) is a key laboratory under the CSIR, operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It specializes in science communication, evidence-based policy research, and studies related to science and technology. The institute publishes various journals, books, magazines, newsletters, and reports, contributing significantly to the field of science communication. Additionally, CSIR-NIScPR conducts research on science policy, innovation systems, and the science-society interface, promoting effective communication between science and the public.
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