HONOURED: S.P.Thyagarajan, Vice-Chancellor, Madras University, presenting the lifetime achievement award for women to scientist Usha Chandrasekhar at Science City in Chennai on Tuesday.

CHENNAI: More number of students should take to learning science and pursue a career in science, the Madras University Vice-Chancellor, S.P. Thyagarajan, said on Tuesday.

It is through science and technology that one acquires not only economic wealth but also spiritual wealth, Prof. Thyagarajan told a gathering of students at the National Science Day celebration organised by the Science City and the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre.

Call to youth

Pointing out that the trend of less students pursuing science as their career was prevalent all over the world, he said teachers of science should ignite the youth to develop the spirit of enquiry and enable them to acquire a deep interest in the subject.

Understanding concepts

Learning of theories should not be a "memorising type of exercise." The emphasis should be on understanding the concepts.

The Vice-Chancellor called upon people to prepare themselves to keep pace with the momentum in science and technology which was being witnessed in other parts of the world.

He gave away awards instituted by the Science City, an arm of the State Higher Education department set up to popularise the subject of science among people. T. Ramasami, Director of the Central Leather Research Institute, emphasised the importance of identifying role models and taking cue from their lives. He said instead of the method of "reductionism," integrated system of learning should be adopted.

There would not be any difficulty in doing so as this route was traditionally followed in India, he added.

A. M. Raman, vice-chairman of the Science City, presided over the function and P. Iyamperumal, executive director of the Science and Technology Centre, spoke. The lifetime achievement award for women was given to Usha Chandrasekhar (food and nutrition). Recipients of young women scientist award were: P. Chitdeshwari (agricultural science); S. Kanmani (engineering and technology); Rajeshwarisivraj (environmental science); T. Devasena (life science); P. Annapoorani (medical science and native medicine) and P. Sridevi (veterinary science).

A number of school students received student scientist awards and maths talent search prizes.

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