Gearing up for a greater Vijayawada
P. SUJATHA VARMA
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The Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition was out to promote scientific temper especially in children.
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PHOTO: RAJU V.
BRING IT TO LIFE: A model of future Vijayawada
Though the gala fair organised at Swaraj Maidan by the Krishna Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition Society is an annual affair, the cherry on the cake came only last year when the society members introduced a science expo on the premises.
Named after the late Katragadda Bhagwat Singh, educationist and a founder member of the society, the venue is attracting huge crowds of inquisitive minds, especially school children. The expo, which began on a humble note last year, has witnessed enhancement in quality by leaps and bounds in just a year.
This year's special features include a medical pavilion, a corner that provides a closer look at an operation theatre, an intensive care unit (ICU) and the equipment used to operate upon patients. A separate computer wing, engineering section and focus on issues like global warming are also part of the expo. Under global warming, nature is depicted as a temple to stress the need to protect the globe.
Model magic
There was an impressive illustration of the "Greater Vijayawada" concept, which occupies the central place. Clearly depicting the role of science and technology in the development of Vijayawada city, the model encompasses features that will define the city in the years to come, such as the proposed ropeway from the Kanakadurga Temple atop Indrakeeladri Hill to the Gandhi Hill, development of greenery on canal bunds, I-Max theatres, Singapore model townships, flyovers and software technology parks.
"Our objective is to throw up ideas on how to make the city self-sufficient in the years to come," says G. Sree Ram, convenor of the exhibition.
Besides the charts that throw light on the infrastructure facilities like water supply, construction of roads and provision of electricity, there are also charts that depict the saga of the city development in the last 120 years. For example, how many of us know that the city had a population of just 10,000 in 1888?
Making their presence felt at the science expo are members of the Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, who have displayed posters and CDs on chemical technologies. In addition to a power point presentation every day, children can also feast on some exciting demonstrations by the Jana Vignana Vedika, an organisation that works to propagate rationalism and popularise science, which are aimed at warding off superstitions.
The society members also intend to display outstanding science models secured from various schools.
"Our attempt is to create a platform for school children and promote scientific temper by raising their curiosity in different aspects. Parents should play an active role in encouraging their wards to developing interest in science, instead of pushing them all the time into courses like medicine and engineering," says Mr. Ram, explaining that the country is in need of good scientists who are a rare breed.
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