Karnataka minister seeks ISRO support for ‘student–scientist interaction’ at state's science centres

Bengaluru: Karnataka's Science and Technology Minister Ajay Dharam Singh has sought the support of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to organise direct interaction programmes between its scientists and students at science centres across the state with the objective of taking the subject beyond textbooks and making learning more experiential.

During his meeting with ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan, the minister formally proposed the initiative and requested support to enable students to learn directly from scientists about space science, research, satellite technology, and career opportunities in science and technology.

"When students get an opportunity to interact directly with scientists, science begins to appear not merely as a subject in a textbook, but as a future opportunity. The experiences and achievements of ISRO scientists can inspire curiosity, a research mindset and bigger aspirations among young students," he said.

The minister said the state government is expanding science centres, mobile planetariums and telescope-based learning initiatives to promote practical and interactive science education among students.

The Science & Technology Department’s Mobile Digital Planetarium programme has already reached 3,282 schools and benefited more than 5.46 lakh students and teachers.

In addition, under the Providing Access to Telescopes (PAT) programme, telescopes have been provided to KREIS schools and colleges, along with training for science teachers.

As a next step, the proposed ISRO Scientist–Student Interaction programme at science centres would help bring space science and technology closer to students in a more engaging and meaningful way, the minister said.

"Science must be shown, experienced and questioned. Direct interaction with scientists can strengthen scientific temper among students and help nurture the next generation of scientists, researchers and technology professionals," he said.

Through ISRO’s partnership, the government aims to extend these interaction programmes across science centres in the state and create opportunities for students not only in cities, but also in districts and taluks, to engage directly with scientists.

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