Guyana looking to brighten outlook in science, technology – as India: A Culture of Science exhibition opens
Georgetown, GINA, August 20, 2012 -- Source - GINA
President Donald Ramotar assists these St Joseph’s High students to cut the ribbon to open the Indian Science Exhibition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue
India’s evolution in science and technology over the last 7000 years will be showcased for the next four weeks in Guyana as a stimulus to the latter country building more prominence in the sciences and utilising it in developing the country.
President Donald Ramotar cut the ribbon to the fair, titled ‘India: A Culture of Science’ at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall after an opening ceremony at the National Cultural Centre in the company of Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Indian High Commissioner Puran Mal Meena, Director General of India’s National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture G.S Rautela and Chairman, Governing Body of India’s National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) Professor R. C. Sobti.
Patrons visiting the exhibition will benefit from onsite demonstrations by “master craftsmen” of some of India’s world renowned craft technology while others will provide enlightening information on India’s advances in science in agriculture, chemistry, space technology, geological science and information and Communication Technology (ICT).
A special section with at least 25 exhibits showcases India’s initiative in making science and mathematics education more enjoyable in the classroom with the objective of fostering a strong manpower in science and technology.
“We have to invest in science and technology and encourage more students to take studies in natural sciences, technology and mathematics,” President Ramotar remarked at today’s opening ceremony which also featured cultural presentations.
Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Puran Mal Meena greets President Donald Ramotar at the National Cultural centre as he arrives for the opening of the Indian Science exhibition. Also in photo is Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony
Guyanese were urged not only to maximise the use of science and technology in the classrooms but, also to take advantage of the sector in the construction and development of society, according to Minister Anthony who pointed to the rapidly emerging economies of Brazil, China and India as models.
Millions of people the world over have benefitted from exhibitions of a similar nature, according to Professor Sobti who touted the sciences as the answer to several of today’s challenges.
The Guyana Government values the sciences as a main development tool but, for the country to be in a position to contribute to further advancement in science and technology, the gap between access in the developed and developing countries has to be considered.
Head of State Donald Ramotar tries out one of the interactive exhibits at the Indian Science Exhibition
“For a country like ours, the challenge is great. We have been dependent not only economically but also in the field of science and technology. This, of course, is very important to consider, third world countries have a major deficit in this regard,” President Ramotar said.
Countrywide consultations with stakeholders in the future will see the establishment of a National Science and Technology Council which President Ramotar announced will be guided by a draft science and technology policy.
His announcement came with great optimism about the outlook for persons seeking to build careers in the sciences, with support from the Indian Government in providing scholarships for Guyanese abroad.
Patrons at the Science exhibition at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
Even though there was overwhelming concern about underperformance in the core subjects at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), President Ramotar highlighted the many scholars who have performed with distinction locally and abroad.
President Donald Ramotar is pleasantly surprised as an explanation is given about this exhibit
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to learn of India’s remarkable science achievements which have aided the country’s rapid technological advancement through 3D interactive models, artifacts, multimedia games, graphic displays, and riveting videos.