President inaugurated National Exhibition 2013 in Sikkim

VOICE OF SIKKIM

Gangtok : The Hon’ble President of India Mr Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 40th Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathemetics and Environment Exhibition 2013 for children at Epica Garden, Saramsa in presence of the Governor of Sikkim Mr Shriniwas Patil, Chief Minister Mr Pawan Chamling, Union Minister of State, HRD Dr Sashi Tharoor and a host of dignitaries of the State and Central Government during his two days visit to the state, today. The President along with other dignitaries also visited the stalls displayed by the participating students. The exhibition organized by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi and hosted by the Human Resource Development Department Government of Sikkim saw around 130 participants across the country showcasing their exhibits. Science and Society was the central theme for this year’s exhibition with sub themes like industry, natural resources and their conservation, transport and communication, community health and mathematical modeling.

During his inaugural address, President of India mentioned that the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who was a statesman, philosopher, thinker and also the first education Minister of India falls today and is observed as the National Education Day throughout the country. This exhibition organized by NCERT is to seek encourage, popularize and to inculcate scientific temperament in the students. The President also expressed his gratitude to the NCERT for the endeavor in inculcating scientific temperament in the students. He also lauded the State Government for the conservation of its rich biodiversity and added that one should learn to live in harmony with nature. While appealing the students, the President said that younger generation should be aware of their responsibilities and visualize the future of nation as science, technology and innovation is a key to productive future. (Please find attached herewith the complete text of the Hon’ble President’s Address).

The Governor Mr Shriniwas Patil in his address expressed that the exhibition is held to exchange ideas amongst the students of the nation on their innovative methods based on scientific knowledge and mathematics and added that the dimension of new thinking of students should also be prioritized. The Governor also mentioned about the Sikkim’s environment conservation measures and also asked the participant students to see and learn to live in harmony with nature from the state. The Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling also expressed his gratitude to the NCERT for choosing the state as a host of the exhibition as he felt that organizing such event is the testimony to the rapid development being taken in the state. Further, this exhibition is a platform to the students to exchange ideas with other counter parts in various themes and subjects as well he added. (Kindly find attached herewith the complete text of the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s address).

Dr Sashi Tharoor, Union Minister of State in his address expressed that Lt. Pandit Nehru continued to inspire the people of India with his love towards children and hoped that this exhibition ignite the minds of young students in many more innovations and researches. Prof. B.K. Tripathy, Joint Director, NCERT placed a brief background on the exhibition.  Earlier, the Minister for HRDD, Government of Sikkim Mr N.K. Pradhan delivered a welcome address while the vote of thanks was proposed by Principal Secretary, HRDD Mr Thomas Chandy.