Propagating Science at rural schools

Praj – Marathi Vidnyan Parishad Join Hands

PUNE: Praj Industries Limited (Praj) and Marathi Vidnyan Parishad (MVP) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for pursuing the program “Science on Saturdays” to propagate science at rural schools in Maharashtra. The purpose of this program is to give students an experimental learning experience to cultivate a strong liking for science. As part of this MoU, Praj will provide financial assistance to this initiative for the period of next three years.

The majority of schools in the rural areas and even the Municipal schools in the Urban areas do not have adequate Laboratory infrastructure. As a result, students don’t get adequate exposure to performing experiments, which is the most essential element in studying science. The “Science on Saturdays” program was initiated with the objective to overcome this shortcoming so that more students are attracted to pursuing science-based careers.

As part of this program, Marathi Vidnyan Parishad through its Chapters selects certain schools and each of these schools selects a batch of about 40 students of 6th and 7th standard. On Saturdays, trained undergraduate students from the science stream, in an interactive participatory mode with school children, perform science experiments with a due explanation. As a result, school students have a better concept-level understanding of science fundamentals and their applications in everyday life. Hence Learning by Doing is the focal point of this activity.

Prof J. B. Joshi, President of MVP said, “We are grateful to Praj for supporting the Science on Saturday program that we will be able to extend this to 200 more schools in Maharashtra. This is one of the very successful programs run by our institution at the school level. The program receives overwhelming attendance not just from students but also from their parents and there has been marked improvement in their interest level in science subjects.”  

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman, of Praj Industries, said, “MVP is doing a commendable job for the past six decades to further the causes of science in education. We are very proud to associate with MVP in an initiative that aspires to ignite curiosity about science at a young age. We strongly believe experimental learning is the most effective way to inculcate a passion for science among students.  This program is aligned with our conviction that research in core sciences must thrive to facilitate Sustainable development.”

It is noteworthy that eminent scientists like Dr. Anil Kakodkar have endorsed this unique initiative in which college students facilitate the learning and education of school students using science experiments.