Speech - ‘ 6th Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Lecture’
Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre - Thursday 21 August
2014
H.E Ms Susan Coles
Australian High Commissioner
Prof. Graham Durant, Director, Questacon
Dr. A. K. Maulloo, Director, Rajiv Gandhi
Science Centre
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning,
It gives me immense pleasure as the
Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research & Technology to be
present at the 6th edition of the Rajiv
Gandhi Memorial Lecture.
This event is a
commemoration of the birth anniversary
of Rajiv Gandhi – born on 20 August 1944. It aims at promoting science through
lectures by eminent scientists. This year, we have in our midst an eminent
scientist and science communicator Prof.
Graham Durant, Director of Questacon, Australia.
Much of the science we read in
books is hard to imagine. Think of electrons in an orbit, DNA double helix,
silicon chips, nuclear reactors, tectonicplates, evolution and many others, the
world is awesome to experience. It becomes extremely difficult to encapsulate the innumerable scientific phenomena
in straight- jacketed textbooks. And, much more difficult for students to grasp
the complexities associated with such phenomena.
Science Centres however, lend
a helping hand, simplifying complex ideas and explaining them through working models.
Science exhibits at such places are
unique resources for non-formal education helping
develop skills and positive attitude towards science. They not only give wings to our imagination but also
provide a better understanding of the world around us. They are places to discover,
explore and test ideas about the natural world.
In recent times the role of science
centres has been changing. Science centres popularize science by inculcating a
scientific attitude among the people.
They also present the advancements of science and technology and their
applications in industry and human welfare. Mobile exhibitions, seminars,
lectures and various other programs organized by science centres help to bring
the common man closer to science.
The Rajiv
Gandhi Science Centre which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year has been contributing to dissemination
of information on science through a wide range of activities, the most popular
ones being the Junior Science Adventure,
Science Quest, Sky observation programmes, Science Fun Day, National Science
Weeks and Junior Mobile Science.
I have been
appraised that our distinguished guest from Questacon has already conducted two
interactive workshops. The first one was targeted to school
students on the theme “ A World of
crystals’’ where students had the opportunity to look at crystals and learn
different techniques for growing crystals thus participating in the
International Year of Crystallography 2014 as declared by the United
Nations.
The second
workshop was meant for our educators entitled ‘Hands up for
hands-on’’ that introduced some of the ways that formal and informal
institutions can work together to build a community of learners.
It
is envisaged to embark on discussions for the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
between Questacon and RGSC for professional
development of RGSC staff in the communication of Science and Technology as
well as participating and conducting activities and training/workshops/seminars
to enhance their knowledge/skills in matters relating to Science &
Technology not only for RGSC staff but also professionals from other
institutions, the education community and the public in general.
Mauritius has a huge potential for economic growth and Science and Technology is going to play
a key role in the economic development of the country. The country needs future
scientists, engineers, technicians to work in various fields. The country needs
youngsters to develop an interest in science and technology.
In this context Government is sparing no effort to provide the opportunity for every child to access
tertiary education. With the aim of transforming Mauritius into a knowledge
hub, the government has reiterated its commitment by investing in the
International Institute of Technology Research Academy (IITRA) project which will
operate with the support of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
On this note I wish you all the best and I
have the pleasure to declare the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Lecture’ open.
