News | New Science Lab 'Vigyanalaya' at IIT Kanpur's Opportunity School Champions Environmental Awareness
In a significant stride towards advancing scientific education, the Opportunity School at IIT Kanpur marked a milestone today with the inauguration of 'Vigyanalaya' - an Applied Science Laboratory. The ceremony, graced by distinguished personalities including Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, witnessed the official unveiling of this state-of-the-art facility. Prof. S. Ganesh, Director of IIT Kanpur, and Prof. Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources and Alumni, alongside other esteemed dignitaries, were present to commemorate the occasion.
Established in 1967, the Opportunity School has been dedicated to providing education to the children belonging to economically disadvantaged backgrounds in and around the IIT Kanpur campus. Since February 2020, the school has been operating from its new premises, the 'Shri Harihar Prasad Singh Building,' generously funded by Dr. Chandralekha Singh.
'Vigyanalaya,' envisioned by the eminent Padma Shri awardee and former faculty member of IIT Kanpur's Department of Physics, Prof. Harish Chandra Verma, along with the late Prof. Sameer Khandekar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is poised to revolutionize scientific learning. Serving as a haven for exploration, the laboratory aims to kindle curiosity and foster creativity among students by addressing real-life challenges through scientific inquiry and innovation.
During the inauguration, students showcased a plethora of innovative experiments and models, including magnetic car races, bottle wave experiments, and crafts crafted from recycled materials. Their adeptness in addressing guest inquiries reflected their confidence and comprehension of scientific principles.
Beyond experimentation, Vigyanalaya also serves as a repository of scientific instruments, offering a wide spectrum of tools spanning various disciplines. From advanced measurement devices to laboratory equipment for chemistry, biology, and physics, including telescopes and microscopes, the laboratory provides indispensable resources for scientific exploration.
The laboratory's activities range from elementary tasks like crafting earthworm models to more complex endeavors such as electrolysis and the design of sensor devices using Arduino. Engaging younger students in activities like replicating wall drawings fosters skills in estimation, precision engineering, and unit conversions.
The inauguration of Vigyanalaya was followed by "Abhyudaya," the school's annual cultural program, which commenced with traditional rituals like the lighting of lamps and Saraswati Vandana. The event featured captivating performances by students, portraying eminent Indian scientists and presenting skits focused on environmental conservation and scientific concepts.
The cultural extravaganza included mesmerizing Rajasthani folk dances like Ghoomar, vibrant Holi folk dances, and spirited Punjabi folk dances, enthralling the audience. The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and the rendition of the national anthem, marking a celebration of both cultural richness and scientific advancement.