Wednesday 4 July 2012

Journey So Far..



Flagged off on 30 Oct. 2007 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh and German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, Science Express exhibition train covered over 68,000 km across the country during its four phases. With over 63.60 lakh visitors at its 220 halts during 801 exhibition days, Science Express is now the largest, longest and most visited mobile science exhibition in India. 
  
Students visiting the exhibition have enjoyed learning about cutting-edge research in science; explained through interesting audio-visual exhibits and interactive tools. After the successful run over four phases, this iconic train is now being launched as ‘Science Express - Biodiversity Special’ in its fifth phase. SEBS is a collaborative initiative of Department of Science and Technology(DST) and Ministry of Environment and Forests, contributed by Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC). 




On the World Environment day 5th June-2012, Science Express-Biodiversity special was inaugurated by Smt. Sheila Dixit Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi; and started exhibition of 5th Phase journey from Delhi Safdarjung railway station, spotlighting the concept "Biodiversity" this time. Since the inauguration day Science Express has covered nearly 12 locations across India. Bihar, North-East India, Orissa regions have been covered so far punctually as planned.


The exhibition is planned to stay for 2 to 3 days at particular location. Till now Delhi, Patna, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam regions were thronged at SEBS to experience this innovative knowledge exchanging mobile exhibition of  Science and Biodiversity. With the astonishment and wondered by the facts of Science and Biodiversity of India, SEBS flame a fire of questions. Many of them were collected by the Science Communicators' team and the back stage team is giving their best try and time to respond as many as possible. 


@ Rangia  
As we are familiar with, the north-east India region is more famous for its traditional and cultural heritage. The land also thrilled by its rich biodiversity. SEBS recently visited the North-East India region which is more familiar with 'Seven Sisters’ forename. The exhibition became more interesting and rewarding for the reason that Science express is having dedicated coach on North-East India Biodiversity at Coach 4. Rangia, Mariani, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Kamkhya were the North-East regions, where SEBS exhibition was held up. 


Around 62,000 visitors were attended, and quantitative platform and out-reach activities were carried out successfully. Many students and visitors participated in the activities and were awarded with the certificate and other constructive study materials. 




SE and Students performing School Science Activity
West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa were the next plan destination for Science express. Siliguri, Malda town and Howrah were the three location of West Bengal where nearly 38,000 visitors made the visit.

At Jharkhand Science Express visited Dhanbad and Ranchi locations and welcome nearly 1,70,500 visitors; which is the enormous crowd of this journey till date. Another culture and historical state Orissa was the next destination for Science Express; where Sambalpur and Rourkela were the destination point and attended nearly 90,000 visitors.

Science Express – Biodiversity is on its way towards Southern part of India, and after that it will travel to West and to the North India, as planned.

Science Express - Biodiversity Special - Tour Plan



Students at Drawing Competition cum Platform Activity 
The train has received overwhelming response till now. There are number of Science Educators who are travelling with the train and attending the visitors, helping them to understand more about the science express train and Biodiversity of India with respected region/state. At each location they are conducting platform activities, hands-on science experiments and also visiting nearer schools of such remote area. Students and teachers are prime targeted audience for platform and science related activities. 


VASCSC has been entrusted with the task of coordinating the SEBS across India. VASCSC's team of well-qualified, trained and highly motivated Science Communicators travelling with the train explain and interpret the exhibition, answers queries, facilitate the visitors and conduct complementary activities. 


The Science Communicators' team is from across India location. The team is enthusiastic and very excited to convey the message for Biodiversity, Climate Change, Save Water Concept, Petroleum Conservation and etc. They communicate in local languages also as and when required. This is one of the adventurous and learning experiences connecting with the people of India, sharing the knowledge and awareness through the medium of Science Express is what the common joy of each team member.