Museum near Kalpetta is one of India’s 75 under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) opened a Science Museum near Kalpetta in upstate Wayanad district, carrying forward the Union government’s objective to promote scientific approach among the students as well as local communities.
RGCB Director Dr Chandrabhas Narayana handed over the state-of-the-art facility to the Principal of the Government Higher Secondary School, Meppadi, Wayanad, Shri Moncy Joseph. It is among the 75 such museums the Centre has planned as part of nation-wide Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav which also promotes public awareness about scientific intervention through bio-resources.
The museum, which was developed and guided by Dr Narayana with core focus on biotechnology, has been conceived to reach out to students to inspire them for a career in science while celebrating the history and future of research as well as innovation in the country. With a view to providing updates on new scientific discoveries, the museum has the potential to attract students to the field of research in science and technology.
Dr Narayana said Covid-19 has kindled unprecedented interest among common people on biotechnology. Noting that the new museum goes beyond conventional features, he pointed out that “it, for instance, features the model of a body to show all its functions,” at the function in Meppadi, 450 km north of the state capital. “Our idea is to inculcate scientific temper among the public at large, with the Department of Biotechnology cooperating with RGCB in the project.”
The function was followed by a science workshop for students. It was led by experts Dr T.R. Santhosh Kumar, Dr Sabu Thomas and Dr Tessy Thomas.
The museum, besides displaying a variety of research equipment, will host lectures, seminars, scientific camps and outreach programmes at its premises, 12 km southeast of Kalpetta. The highlights of the facility include videos, posters and graphic representations of research findings, global research scenario and bio-resources management including plant tissue culture and GM crops. It also displays instrument used in biotechnology applications and research, lending the ambience of a well-equipped laboratory.
The RGCB, is an autonomous institute under Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. With ‘Discoveries for a better tomorrow’ as its mission, the centre strives for sustainable use of resources through biotechnological interventions for the socio-economic growth of the region.