Clemencia........

.....the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago...the second best time is now......

‘Launching of the National Science Week at Manilal Doctor SSS, Lallmatie’

 

Speech - Launching of the National Science Week at

Manilal Doctor SSS, Lallmatie on Thursday 24 July,  2014 at 10.30 hrs

Protocol

The Context

Speech - Launching of the National Science Week at

Manilal Doctor SSS, Lallmatie on Thursday 24 July,  2014 at 10.30 hrs

Protocol

The Context

Good morning and thank you for inviting me to today’s event.  I am happy to be here on the occasion of the launching of the National Science Week.  Just to recall the first one was held at Rose Belle in 2013, and we had a series of around 10 last year and this year we are keeping this activity still on because of its huge success.

Well ladies and gentlemen

Science is such a universal subject that we cannot do away with it.  The country needs the critical mass of professionals with the scientific background in order to meet the future socio economic challenges.

The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC) has the mandate to promote Science and Technology among the general public and also among school students.  In this context the RGSC have been organising various programmes like the Sky Observation programme for general public, Science Through Colours, Science Project based competition for school students, all these activities have a common goal that is popularisation of Science.

Each of these activities has been tailor-made to attain certain clear specific goals. For example:

• The objectives of the Sky Observation are to provide the public at large, weather permitting  an exciting opportunity to be introduced to stargazing as a leisure activity and be initiated to the wonderful World of Astronomy.

• Science Through colours on the other hand had been conceptualised to create scientific awareness through drawing/painting and encourage students to explore scientific theme through creative thinking.

• The Science project competitions targeting the school students provide them the opportunity to investigate issues related to Science and Technology using the scientific method.  This experience also provides them the opportunity to undertake scientific investigation and also to enhance their written and verbal communication.

And today we are here with the National Science Week.

Science popularisation, ladies and gentlemen, is not only for scientifically literate public or for students who study science at schools but also for those not opting for science as a career. A basic knowledge of science is essential for better understanding the functioning of our own body, for being aware about proper nutrition as regards to health, to understand abrupt climatic changes etc.

It is precisely in this particular context, and also following a Cabinet decision that RGSC has come up with the National Science Week.

National Science Week

An important aspect of the National Science Week is to show the practical importance of Science and Technology in various sectors of the Mauritian economy. In a moment we will have the opportunity to discover together the exhibition that has been mounted by various stakeholders in the field of Science and Technology.

A series of interactive and eye catching science demonstrations has also been scheduled to explain science concepts and their applications in daily life, in a fun manner.  During the show audience involvement, observation and critical thinking is encouraged.

I am given to understand also that a series of sensitising talks by various stakeholders has also been scheduled during this two days programme.

By pulling all these resources together we wish to attain the following objectives:

a)    communicate Science and Technology in the community;

b)    promote public understanding of science issues and

c)     supplement the school curriculum in a non-formal, interactive and fun way. 

I am glad to note that we have had the contribution and the support of Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security, Mauritius, Blood Donors Association, Mauritius Research Council, Open University of Mauritius, Traffic Branch, Fire Services, MFDC, Université des Mascareignes  etc.

Famous Scientists

21 July 2014 (Birthday of Louise Blanchard Bethune – the first US Women Architect)

The reason why I am taking the example of this wonderful lady today, is to pass on the message that girls should not shy away from science or technical subjects as shown by various survey’s here in Mauritius.

Louise Blanchard Bethune (July 21, 1856 – December 18, 1913) was the first American woman known to have worked as a professional architect.

Bethune was elected a member of the Western Association of Architects (WAA) in 1885. She later served a term as a vice president of the W.A.A. She was named the first female associate of the American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.) in 1888 and in 1889, she became a fellow of the institute.

Bethune designed mostly industrial and public buildings.  She is especially known for designing public schools. Sadly, much of her work has since been demolished.

Her best-known design and masterpiece is the neoclassical Hotel Lafayette, which was commissioned for $1 million and completed in 1904. It has since undergone a $35 million restoration.

Conclusion

To end I have no doubt that you will all benefit from the exhibition and the sensitisation talks and take the message ahead in your neighbourhood so that we ultimately end up with an increased awareness and understanding among the whole community on the important role that Science and Technology plays in our life and hence aiming at a scientifically literate country.

Thank you for your kind attention!

‘Tree planting by Prof Shevgaonkar, Director of Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi on the occasion of the LAUNCHING OF IIT RESEARCH ACADEMY at Bel Air’

 

Launching Ceremony of ‘Technology for Society’ at the Floreal Women Centre

 

Speech - On the occasion of Launching Ceremony of ‘Technology for Society’

Organized by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre

in Collaboration with National Women Council and

Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare

Protocol

Introduction

It am delighted to join you for the launching ceremony of this new programme of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre - ‘Technology for Society’.

Why this programme?

Irrespective of our educational or socioeconomic background, age or occupation, we are all very dependent on Science and Technology for our day to day activities.  Indeed, technology is already playing a dominant role in our lives and is definitely shaping our society of the future. 

It is therefore crucial that our population is aware of the benefits and drawbacks of this technology driven world so that we are all better equipped to face it and interact with it.

Life without Science and Technology

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would ask you to imagine how life would be if:

Imagine when you wake up in the morning, there is no electricity.  There is no light, you cannot use a water heater, you cannot iron clothes, you cannot listen to radio, this will disturb your daily routine.  Are you aware of amount of Science and Technology that is involved in producing your T-Shirt? Right from the source when the cotton plant is planted and  the bols harvested from the pod, to the making of  yarn in factories, the dyeing process as well as the design and making of the T-shirt, there is a lot of Science and Technology which is used at all stages. 

Imagine how life would be without a telephone… This small apparatus that we tend to take for granted today, is one of the revolutionary inventions of mankind.  The large cumbersome telephone that we had in the past, has evolved into the slim mobile smart phones that we possess today.  Science and Technology has made all this progress possible.  What was previously a luxury for some, is now almost a basic necessity for everyone.   “Smart-phones”, little portable computers that have everything in one device : accesses the internet, have GPS, compass, games, video and still camera,  music player and F|M Radio, etc. 

As you can see, Science and Technology have a predominant place in our life: If today we can watch football matches live on TV, It is thanks to Science and Technology.  Fiber optics have revolutionized communications. These hair-thin pieces of glass or plastic can stretch thousands of miles under the oceans to connect continents, and can carry telephone, television, and computer communications in the most efficient with the  lowest cost possible. We now have communication at our finger tips.  I wonder what more is to come in the next ten years!

Let us leave all that alone.  Let us consider food production.  Whether we buy fast foods, processed foods or cook our own healthy “manzé Lacaze” we are using the products & tools of science and technology all along the line.

What is Technology?

Technology is an application of science for a specific purpose, to solve a problem for example.  Technology and science work hand-in-hand to accomplish a specific task or solve a particular problem.

From the examples, I have mentioned above, we see that we apply technology in almost everything we do in our lives, we use technology at work, we use it to extract materials, we use technology for communication, transportation, learning, manufacturing, creating artifacts, securing data, in business and so much more.  Our life would be impossible without technology. Just name it: Tooth brushes, toothpastes, microwaves, light bulbs, refrigerators, mobile phones, agriculture, cars, games just name it and you will find the presence of technology.  Technology involves tools, materials in the home and systems devices made possible by developing scientific ideas and moving from theory to practice..

Drawbacks of Technology

If technology is well applied as most of it is, it can benefit humans.  However, if it is wrongly applied or used, it can cause harm to human beings.  Therefore, it is our duty to understand some aspects of technology to prevent misuse and to protect ourselves, our families and society. 

Overuse or misuse of certain equipment may lead to health problems for example radiation from telephones, microwaves, medical equipment, etc. 

Some Scientists have argued that too much dependence on technology for doing our work may change the way our brain functions.

Responsibility at Home

Therefore, as parents it is crucial what we understand some aspects of technology so that we can protect our families and guide our children in the right direction.  Women are the pillars of the home and you are in the right place to dispense education and best practices to your children and other members of the family. 

Interesting Facts on Science and Technology on Science and Technology at Home

Dear Ladies, I understand that the workshop today will be around the theme ‘Home appliances’.

Let me share some interesting facts with you

The  Microwave – an accidental invention

The microwave oven was inadvertently invented in 1946 by engineer Percy Spencer. Spencer, who was working at the Raytheon Corporation on a radar project, happened to be standing near a device that emits microwave radiations. He had a bar of chocolate in his pocket and noticed after some time of standing next to the machine, that the chocolate had melted.

He focused the microwaves into a metal box and the microwave was born. Although it took 11 years for a domestic version to be introduced to the public, the microwave has now become one of the most common kitchen appliances available.

The Potato Chips –invented by an annoyed chef

In 1853, a chef named George Crum unintentionally invented the potato chip. 

Annoyed with a patron who constantly sent back French-fried potatoes because he felt they were too thick and soggy, Crum decided teach the picky customer a lesson.

Crum sliced a new batch of potatoes as thin as he possibly could, and then fried them until they were hard and crunchy. To top them off, he doused the chips with salt thinking the customer would hate them. To his surprise, the customer loved the new chips and they quickly became a popular item at the lake house and throughout New England.

Did You Know?

The nutrition enrichment ingredients in baby food were discovered during NASA sponsored research for sending humans in space.  

Inventions

17 July 1902:  Air conditioner

Willis Haviland Carrier completed drawings for what came to be recognized as the world's first scientific air conditioning system

17 July 1790:  Sewing Machine

 In 1790, Thomas Saint, a London cabinet maker, patented possibly the first sewing machine, fitted with an awl that makes a hole in leather and allows a needle to pass through it.

Note of Thanks

This is why my Ministry if fully supporting this laudable initiative of the RGSC and I wish to thank the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare and the National Women Council for collaborating the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre for such types of Activities.

On this note, I wish to thank you for your attention and I wish you a fruitful workshop.