Sambalpur, April 27: The Sambalpur University is conducting a five-day camp titled ‘Inspire Internship’ for students of the Vikash Junior College (VJC) in Bargarh. Sponsored by the Union science and technology department, the camp, which began yesterday, aims to motivate students to consider research and development as a career option.
One hundred and fifty students from 17 junior colleges from across the state are participating in the camp. Those who secured more than 82 per cent marks and 91 per cent marks in their Class X board exams last year under the Board of Secondary Education, Orissa, and CBSE, respectively, were invited to participate in the camp, said VJC principal Samarendra Panda.
Eminent scientists from different parts of the country, including fellows at the National Academy of Science, have been invited to the camp. This is expected to give young participants a scope to discuss the nuances of scientific invention and research with them. Fourteen of these personalities would deliver special lectures at the event.
“The students are unaware of the importance of research work. Consequently, India has progressed very little in this field. We hope the participation of eminent personalities would attract more students towards research and inspire innovative thinking among them,” said Panda, giving credit to Arun Pujari, vice-chancellor of Sambalpur University for organising the camp. “Some of the scientists include Sanjay Puri, Arabinda Mukhopadhya and Prof. Karmeshu, who have been awarded Bhatnagar Award for excellence in the field of science. Ankan Bhattacharya from the Indian Association for Cultivation of Science, Calcutta, is also expected to attend the camp,” Mishra said.
Archana Kar, a Plus Two science student at Damanjodi Saraswati Sishu Mandir and a participant, said nowadays students were mostly choosing professional courses. “They go for professional courses because at the end of the day they need a job. However, many of them are unaware that research could be one of the best career options,” she said.
“I got a chance to interact with distinguished personalities at this camp. The lectures delivered by A. Pal on diabetes and U.C. Biswal on photosynthesis were very informative. I got a fair idea about prospects in the field of research,” said Archana.
Trilok Agrawal, another participant and VJC student, said: “I was exposed to a lot of information here which are not taught under regular courses. The sessions with the aid of video clips were very interesting.”
“Last April too, the university had organised a similar camp which worked as a catalyst in motivating students to choose research work as a career option,” said Bijaya Kumar Mishra, head of the chemistry department of Sambalpur University.
