 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Mar 6: Pondicherry University marked National Science Day 2026 with tremendous enthusiasm, featuring academic competitions, outreach activities, and a vibrant Science Open Day. The events drew eager participation from school and college students across Puducherry and neighbouring regions, fostering scientific curiosity, innovation, and awareness among young minds. Under the visionary guidance of the Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu, who delivered the Presidential Address at the inaugural function, the celebrations highlighted the University's commitment to nurturing future scientists.
The events kicked off with competitions for school students, attracting 650 participants from 29 schools in Working Model, Painting, and Essay Writing categories. Students showcased innovative models tackling real-world challenges, while paintings and essays creatively explored scientific innovation, environmental sustainability, and science's societal role.
College students, numbering around 350 from various institutions, engaged in Poster Presentations, Debates, and Quizzes. These platforms sharpened their knowledge, analytical skills, and scientific understanding.
A highlight was the Science Open Day, inviting Classes VI to XII students to explore the campus. All science departments-Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Food Science and Technology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, and the Central Instrumentation Facility-staged exhibitions, demonstrations, working models, and experiments. Over 1,500 school students visited, touring labs, interacting with faculty, and discovering cutting-edge research.
The celebrations culminated in a Popular Science Talk and Prize Distribution, honoring over 200 top performers. The inaugural featured a Welcome Address by Dr. Joseph Selvin, Dean, School of Life Sciences, and the Presidential Address by Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu. Prof. Sivakumar from the Department of Physics delivered a captivating Special Address on the "Historical Development of Quantum Physics," inspiring attendees with the evolution of modern discoveries. |
