INAUGURATION OF SIKKIM SCIENCE CENTRE, MARCHAK

Date : 22/02/2008

Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy.  We are all aware that science and technology has also been in the forefront of transforming the economic structure. Therefore in the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the Science & Technology system, the Sikkim Science Centre has been created for communication, popularization and outreach of science and technology in the State.

 This Center has been set up at Marchak, East Sikkim with the support of National Council of Science Museums, Government of India.  It was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr.Pawan Chamling on the 22^nd Februrary, 2008.  This major science project which will have relevance to national needs and will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology. 

This Centre has been constructed at such a scenic location to provide a natural and free environment for students to learn, familiarize and spend creative holidays and for professionals in the field of science education to have a glimpse of innovations in science education. The centre has been created to enhance public understanding of science and spread scientific literacy.

The details of various facilities are summarized below:-

1. Thematic Gallery:               The gallery is on the theme of scientific importance as well as social, relevance with interactive exhibits, illustrations, photographic panels            and artifacts. The           gallery is of multidisciplinary nature and reflects         various aspects of chosen theme.

2. Fun Science gallery:           Fun science gallery has a group of interactive exhibits of physical science, mathematics,    geography, geology, electronics, life science, chemistry, environment and information technology. 

3. Outdoor Science Park:         Play and learn fundamentals of science.

4. Educational & Training Programme:          The Centre will hold regular educational programmes like science demonstration lecture, popular lecture, creative ability programmes, science quiz, seminars and fairs, community awareness programmes etc.

5. Other facilities:                 Auditorium, training hall, computer training room, science library, conference room, dormitory etc.

6. Exhibits Development Lab: For regular maintenance of exhibits and development of exhibits and kits in future, laboratory is equipped with tools and machines for fitting, carpentry, sheet metal, welding, electrical, electronics and painting works.

The Sikkim Science Centre has been developed with a view to attract and motivate students to take up science education and research so that they develop Sikkim into a knowledge powerhouse.

 

 

 

  

 

Inauguration of Sikkim Science Centre

Marchak, Ranipool, East Sikkim

February 22, 2008

Inaugural address of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr.Pawan Chamling

Respected Dr. Jayanta Sthanapati ji, Director, Birla Industrial Technological Museum and his distinguished colleagues from Kolkata, Hon’ble Cabinet colleagues and other Members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Chief Secretary and other Government Officials, College and School Principals, dear students, respected local gentry, esteemed members of media fraternity, ladies and gentlemen

It gives me immense joy to inaugurate the first ever Sikkim Science Centre today. I would heartily like to dedicate the same to the people of Sikkim as one of the unique facilities created in this part of the country for communication, popularization and outreach of science and technology. Let me welcome the Director and his colleagues to our State who will help us unravel the many scientific mysteries that continue to goad human imagination even today. No doubt, this facility will help develop a scientific temperament among our children facilitating a more diverse discourse and a scientific enquiry.

Sikkim, you are aware, is a biodiversity hotspot hosting over twenty six percent of Country’s biodiversity. Within a distance of over 114 kms., we find all the five climate zones from Tropical to Alpine where diverse shades of flora and fauna coexist amidst quiet splendour and brilliance radiated by Nature itself.  We have taken extra care to conserve our environment and ecology while undertaking development works. In fact, over the decades, we have initiated many innovative environmental conservation measures including ban on use of non-biodegradable material like plastic and poly bags in the State, ban on felling of green trees, ban on grazing, institution of Smriti Ban concept so on and so forth. All the conservation measures are being further consolidated in recent years by initiating the Green Mission spread through out the State.  

Given the huge concentration of Natural resources and the need for protecting its sanctity, more scientific studies and exploration is necessary to sustain human survival in this part of the country. You can, therefore, appreciate that scientific outlook and scientific measures should contribute towards identification, protection and promotion of environmental wealth found in our Himalayas, in the mountain, glaciers, flora and fauna, medicinal plants etc.

We have given major thrust to introduce Environmental Science at the elementary levels in Schools so that our young and budding minds will have access to information and knowledge with regards to natural sciences including our environment and ecology. The idea has been to familiarize them with our immediate surrounding through pragmatic approach based on scientific principles. Now with the establishment of this Science Centre, our children will have the privilege to see the working of the cosmos and the celestial bodies through animated observation.

Sikkim lies in the seismic zone rendering human lives in great risk. Major tremors have occurred in the past with recorded magnitude of as high as over 6 in the Richter scale causing great loss to human lives and properties. To study the seismic behaviour in the State, eight earthquake monitoring stations have been installed with the help of the Earth Science System Division of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.  The data collected is regularly sent to the Geology and Geophysics Department, IIT Kharagppur.

Owing to global effect on our environment, we experience very erratic monsoon season in our part of the Country. For example, due to torrential rain for twenty six days most of our communication links were snapped with road blockages in many places along 31A National Highway and other State Highways. In all these I find weather forecasting to be very crucial. We really lack in an accurate and institutionalised weather forecasting system. This has led to disastrous consequences. In a disaster prone region like Sikkim, we need the most modern system of weather forecasting. To strengthen the weather forecast database, we are already pursuing with the Ministry of Earth Sciences for setting up of a network of automatic weather stations and snow gauges.

Effects of climate change like unseasonal rainfall, lake outbursts, rising temperatures, increased flooding, etc. are already being experienced in the state. Very few studies have been conducted in Sikkim regarding the impacts of climate change so far. It is imperative that the state builds a knowledge database on the climate change for the state so that it can prepare itself for reducing the impacts and adapting to the forecasted changes.

We, the Sikkimese people, who intermingle and interact with Nature on a daily basis have observed the growing impact of global warming in erratic climatic behaviour, irregularity in the food chain system, unseasonal river floodings, landslides etc. With a sense of heightened urgency, we have been called upon to think clear and act tough on issues of safeguarding environmental sanctity in this region and generate abounding global commitment towards effective measures to contain global warming.   

It is precisely because of the gigantic challenges and very imminent dangers that we face today, our Government in Sikkim has, on its own initiative, constituted the first ever Commission in the Country to study the state of Glaciers and its impact on water system in Sikkim under the Chairmanship of Prof. S.I. Hasnain, Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi The objective of the Commission would be “to assess the seasonal and long term water resources in snow and glacier fed rivers originating in the Sikkim region, and to determine strategies for coping with impacts of climate change induced deglaciation on the livelihood of people in the state”. 

The Commission will review the current status of Glaciers & Snowmelt and potential impact of climate change on mountain eco-system. It would also suggest measures for modern scientific and technological interventions and provide a roadmap of actions required on human resources generation, training and management that would cater to glaciology and related environmental management.  We have already evoked response from glaciologist from Iceland who have offered their unconditional support to our endeavour.

We have also launched a programme of Biotechnology Mission for sustainable development and utilization of our rich biological resources using biotechnological intervention for employment generation and economic upliftment of weaker section of the society. Under the Biotechnology Mission, initiatives have been taken by the Government of Sikkim for construction of Biotechnology Research and Application Centre at Sajong, Rumtek, East Sikkim.  A demonstration pilot project under the Mission on production and utilization of quality planting material has also been initiated using biotechnological means.

I also take pleasure to inform this gathering that the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India has decided to locate ‘Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH) for the North East Region at Gangtok, Sikkim.  The proposed natural history museum will be an excellent gesture of goodwill to the State of Sikkim which will certainly boost the environmental awareness, eco-tourism and employment opportunity of the State.

            The Museum is also expected to provide an excellent opportunity for non formal education on environmental issues and will help in creation of public awareness on conservation of nature and natural resources. The proposed Museum will have thematic gallery on rich biodiversity and ethnic diversity of Sikkim and other North Eastern States. The Museum will also depict natural history of Himalayan Region and a specific gallery for issues related to Climate change and Global warming and its mitigation and adaptation measures.  Special focus will be given on Medicinal plant wealth of the Region.

A prestigious project, known as Environmental Information System (ENVIS) centre on eco tourism has been set up with the support of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India.  This centre is collecting and disseminating information on eco-tourism for the whole country with special emphasis on eco-tourism of Sikkim. 

My Government is very keen on the development of Science and Technology sector in the State.  Construction of a full fledged Science & Technology Bhawan will also be commenced shortly at Gangtok.  A full fledged Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System centre has been established under the Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology with the support of Department of Space, Government of India.  Various projects have been undertaken successfully by this centre.

Under the National (Natural) Resources Information System (NRIS), development of digital database on the natural resources of Sikkim has been taken up jointly with the Regional Remote Sensing Centre, Department of Space, Government of India, Kharagpur.  Under this project, database on drainage, lakes, road and other infrastructure, land use, soil, geology, revenue and management boundaries etc are created.  This information is being used by various departments for preparation of project proposals for wasteland development, irrigation and flood control programmes. 

The village resource centres are also proposed to be established shortly with technical and financial support from Department of Space in the recently set up Block Development Offices.  These Village Resource Centres will have V-Sat and video conferencing facility and training and skill development programmes conducted at master resource centre at Gangtok can be simultaneously transmitted and viewed by villagers at Block Development Offices. 

            In order to create awareness on Intellectual Property Rights and enable patent searches and patenting for the universities, industries, government departments and Research & Development institutions in the State, Patent Information Centre has been established in Sikkim with technical and financial support from the Patent Facilitating Centre of Technology Information on Forecasting and Application Centre, Government of India. 

I am happy to know that the centre has thematic gallery on the theme of scientific importance as well as social relevance with interactive exhibits, illustrations, photographic panels and artifacts including outdoor science park among others.

This Centre will be our prized possession to disseminate and encourage scientific thoughts and rational thinking among our people especially our school children. This Centre will provide us fresh dynamism to hone scientific temperament among our people by holding regular educational programmes like science demonstration lecture, popular lecture, creative ability programmes, science quiz, seminars and fairs, community awareness programmes etc.

On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I would like to thank National Council of Science Museum and Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM) Kolkata, for their patronage, support and assistance to the establishment of this Science Centre.  We further look forward for support for taking up of more collaborative programmes with Sikkim State Government for promotion of science awareness programs and other related activities. I also would like to congratulate the Secretary and all other Officials and staff at State Department of Science and Technology for their consistency and hard work to promote the interest of the State and the people of Sikkim. 

Albert Einstein himself has very clearly said, “Imagination is greater than knowledge”. In our own humble way, we are trying to bring maximum benefit and joy to our people through thousand acts of imagination. Today, we have succeeded once again. Establishment of this Centre, I am sure, would profusely help in igniting the minds of thousands of our countrymen to make our society, State and the Nation stronger and more confident through scientific quest and technological invention.

Thank you for your kind presence and your patient hearing

 

 

Address of Hon’ble Minister, Science & Technology, Shri S.B.Subedi

Hon’ble Chief Minister  Dr. Pawan Chamling, Hon’ ble Speaker, Advisers, Deputy Speaker, Ministers, Chairpersons, Zilla Adakshyas, Upa-Adakshyas, Dr. Jayanta Sthanapati, Director-BITM, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries, Account General, Head of Departments, Distinguished Guests  ladies and gentlemen !

It is an honour and great pleasure to welcome all of you today to the inauguration of Sikkim Science Centre. I take this opportunity to formally welcome the dignitaries and the distinguished guests. I am extremely pleased to be here today at the inaugural function of Sikkim Science Centre for, this Centre is the first of its kind in our State.  This Centre has been constructed at such a scenic location to provide a natural and free environment for students to learn, familiarize and spend creative holidays and for professionals in the field of science education to have a glimpse of innovations in science education. The centre has been created to enhance public understanding of science and spread scientific literacy.

Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy.  We are all aware that science and technology has also been in the forefront of transforming the economic structure. Therefore in the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the Science & Technology system, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr.Pawan Kumar Chamling has embarked on this major science project which will have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology. 

The Government of Sikkim under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Kumar Chamling is committed to achievement of 100 % literacy in the State and the Sikkim Science Centre has been developed with a view to attract and motivate students to take up science education and research so that they develop Sikkim into a knowledge powerhouse.

The Government has always been strongly emphasizing on education and has taken up several important initiatives of which the important being the Academic Planning Initiative.   With an eye on the future, and to eradicate illiteracy from Sikkim, the Government has made huge budgetary allocation for the education sector for the ensuing financial year.

I would like to mention here the contribution made by Dr.Jayanta Sthanapati, Director of Birla Industrial & Technological Musuem, Kolkata under National Council of Science Museums, Government of India for the efforts made to conceptualize, design, develop and organize high quality science exhibits and other related educational programmes and activities. 

This Science Centre has a thematic gallery with interactive exhibits, illustrations, photographic panels and artifacts.  The group of interactive exhibits of physical science, mathematics, geography, geology, electronics, life science, chemistry, environment and information technology will attract students, academicians and general public alike.  The outdoor science park has been established with an objective “to play and learn the fundamentals of science”.  The Sikkim Science Centre also houses an auditorium, training hall, computer training room, science library, conference room, dormitory etc.

I also appreciate the Department of Science & Technology for the continued interest shown for construction of the Sikkim Science Centre and also for having a played a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the State. The department has taken up wide ranging activities to service the technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and technologies.

  I strongly believe that in future too, the Sikkim Science Centre will incorporate innovative ways to communicate science to enthuse, entertain, initiate, excite and bring the developments of science & technology to the doorstep of common people for prosperity, awareness, and improving the quality of life.

Thank you all.

 

Address of Secretary, Department of Science & Technology Shri M.L.Arrawatia

 

            It gives me immense pleasure to extend warm welcome to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan Chamling, Chief Guest on this auspicious occasion for inaugural function of SIKKIM SCIENCE CENTRE here at Marchak which has been developed jointly by the National Council of Science Museums, Government of India and the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Sikkim.  Hon’ble Chief Minister always whole heartedly supports various programmes for development of Science & Technology in the State.  His visionary and dynamic leadership is a guiding force for initiating various innovative programmes in the State.  I also extend my hearty welcome to Madam Tika Maya Chamling, W/o the Hon’ble Chief Minister on this occasion.

            I heartily welcome Hon’ble Speaker, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, all Hon’ble Ministers, Advisors to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Chairpersons and Chairman of various organizations, Zilla Adhakshayas and Up-Adhakshayas present on this occasion.

            We extend our warm welcome to Shri Subediji, Hon’ble Minister, Forests & Environment, Science & Technology and Mines, Minerals and Geology on this occasion.  We also extend our warm welcome to respected Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, All Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Heads of Department and senior officers from various departments of the State Government for gracing the occasion by their presence.

            I also welcome Heads of Department and senior officers of the Central Government organizations, representative from various banking organizations, press media, All India Radio, Nayuma Channel, NGOs, representative from Tours and travel associations.  We extend our warm welcome to Dr. Jayanta Sthanapati, Director, Birla Industrial and Technological Museums, NCSM, Government of India, Kolkata and his entire team on this occasion. He and his dedicated team has taken keen interest and leading role and tremendous pains and dedicated efforts in completion of Sikkim Science Centre. I also welcome Secretary-cum-Principal Chief Engineer, Buildings & Housing Department, Government of Sikkim and his whole team who has completed the construction of this beautiful centre in a time bound manner.

            We extend our warm welcome to all Panchayat members and all public of the adjoining areas present here today.  We welcome Principals and Professors from Sikkim Government College, Principals and teachers from various schools. We also welcome whole heartedly the young children from various schools who are the future of our nation.

            Sikkim Science Centre, first of its kind in the state, communicates Science & Technology in an enjoyable and non formal way with prime objective for developing a scientific temper and promoting creative learning among people at large, including the students.  Its galleries on unique human kind and fun science, children activity corner, Science Park, taramandal show and various educational activities are steps towards the aspired goal.

            Science & Technology are the important drivers of growth in the contemporary world.

            Since independence, India has endeavoured to bring economic and social changes through science & technology.  The efforts have been both in upgrading traditional skills to make them relevant and competitive and developing advance capabilities in the frontier areas of science & technology.  India is already leading nation in the field of space technology.  Major hospitals in country are favoured destinations for treatment for patients from even most developed nations.

Scientific knowledge and expertise, innovation and skilled workforce are the currencies of this new era.  Leading role of India in Information Technology is a glaring example of this.  It is major foreign exchange earner and providing major job opportunities in the country.  The progress of India in the field of communication is exemplary.

            The Sikkim Science Centre in its own humble way will provide an opportunity for development of scientific temperament in younger generation of our State.  This will help in attracting and retaining young and meritorious students in pursuing scientific and technological studies and career. This will help in understanding many of scientific principles and scientific laws in very non-formal and playful environment in enjoyable manner.

            This Centre is a step towards promoting science in the State and act as catalyst in producing top scientist and technologist like doctors, professors of national and international fame from Sikkim.

            With these words, I once again welcome one and all.

 

Visit of Prof.V.L.Chopra to Sikkim Science Centre

 

Prof. V.L.Chopra, an eminent agricultural Scientist and Member of Planning Commission, GoI visited the Sikkim Science Centre on 13/03/2008.  He was delighted to see such a facility at Marchak.  He visited the thematic gallery, fun science gallery, outdoor science park and other facilities such as the auditorium, office rooms etc.  He also held an informal discussion with Secretary, DST Shri. M.L.Arrawatia and highlighted the importance of Science education in the State.  Prof.Chopra also planted a sapling. 

Prof. V.L.Chopra being received at the Sikkim Science Centre