2012 - Celebrating Year of Mathematics

...AS a tribute to Srinivasa Ramanujan - mathamatics wizard, year 2012 is declared as year of Mathematics by Hon'ble Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Team of Science Communicators and the authority thought of celebrating the same in different way. Science Express train has an educative training room; which is purposely used for Teacher training, meeting sessions and other events.  Science Communicators shown keen interest. “Maths an interesting learning” must be conducted at Science Express; became conversation piece.   

Tribute to Mathematicians 

Making of "Celebration of Mathematics Year 2012"

What to do? What suppose to be shared/presented? Who would be target audience?  What could be the maximum timeline? How to generate interest in mathematics? What will be the hands-on activities for participants? and etc. Last but not the least, how to manage the regular timeline with Science Express exhibition.

Well, it said “Make a mountain out of a mole hill, can’t make heads or tails of makeup one’s mind”. With the spirit of such lively mind, quickly one by one each ‘Wh’ questioned were disappeared.  Few Science Communicators took the charge initially, remaining choose to manage the exhibition show during the workshop.

AT Khadaki – Pune location the first Mathematics interactive session held between 8 Science Communicators and 20 Primary Mathematics teachers. The response was much appreciating and positive than expected, which gave flame to this creative thought and Science Communicator decided to continue the same at each station at least with one program. 

This activity became so interesting that teachers started demanding for more such programs for Maths as well as for Biodiversity, which of-course was taken up as a sincere effort and delivered too.

Brief of Program:

Two Mathematics and One Biodiversity Workshop has been conducted successfully so far and few more are on pipeline.

>   Being familiar to each other and the brief of total activity

>   Four different subjects were presented by different team member.

>   Mathematics activities: explanations and presentation shared with actual 3-D models.

> Biodiversity workshop: started with the basic knowledge and further taken up to the India as one of the big Biodiversity hot-spots.

>   As a hands-on activity each team member was requested to prepare 3-D model from the 2-D chart. (according to the figure and instructions given on the chart paper)

Science Communicators Presenting 
Session on Biodiversity 

Teachers at hands-on activity 

> At the end-of-session, feedbacks were collected and the participants  were awarded with certificate along with the Mathematics or Biodiversity material kit respectively.

These sessions were throughout monitored and in-charged by Mr. Raghav Pandya (Sr. Science Educator), who is associated with Science Express, since  first phase. For each program, he manages to conduct mock presentation of each Science Communicator with respective presentation. With all required changes and suggestions, he stand there throughout the preparation. His lively and humorous nature almost vanish the burden of program and made it a remarkable knowledge sharing time.

Mr.Raghav Pandya giving certificate and take-away material

The program was initiated, managed and supported by Mr. Sudhir Sharma (Science Express Manager), who has been contributing to Science Express since the day first. He made Joy-of-Science Lab open and main platform for this program, with all the basic need and facilities. He appeals each science communicator to be part of this activity and to give best of oneself; and the ‘high five’ was the immediate respond.  

  

A day in Western Ghat...

(Science Express - Biodiversity special is having dedicated coach for " The Western Ghats" of India. Some of the Science Communicator explore this region by their own way during the journey. Their experience in their own words.)

Konkan Railways is one of the greatest creations by humans. Even God would have felt jealous at this marvelous creation of the man. The 760-kilometre line connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka States — a region of serpentine rivers, plunging valleys and mountains that soar into the clouds. This is one of the most beautiful and scenic Indian railway networks. It passes through 91 tunnels and more than 2000 bridges. I woke up early morning travelling to Goa and enjoyed the natural beauty sitting on the door of the train. This nature watching went on for three hours. I saw a variety of birds; clouds shrouding the mountains and rivers brimming with rain water. The beauty of India is way beyond my imagination.

The train reached Goa unexpectedly much before time. Usually people like to visit the Goa beaches. But we took a detour. We, a group of seven science communicators, went to Pushkar’s (Pushkar is my team mate and a good friend) village which was across the Western Ghats on the beaches washed by Arabian Sea. Indian mythology has something to do in each place. It is believed that Lord Parashuram threw his “farsa” into the Arabian Sea and landmass rose up which is known as Western Ghats today. It was an amazing road journey amidst heavy rainfall. We saw lot of rivers and small ponds on the way. The road was undulating like a sinusoidal wave. On both sides, we could see fresh greenery which charmed the eyes. The real journey started when we rode uphill to the Western Ghats. I cannot describe the scenic beauty of Western Ghats in words. Here the linguistic brilliance of man loses the battle with the brilliance of the nature. But I would still try to describe the natural beauty. The roads were curvaceous and narrow. There were valleys and huge swathes of greenery. Amidst the greenery, we could easily spot some beautiful birds, small streams of water which originated because of the rain. There came the most beautiful scene which etched on my mind for ever. 

It was a sharp turn which took us round the mountain in clock wise direction. The very moment we took the turn, we had a glance of ferocious waves of Arabian Sea. This view first appeared, etched its effect on our mind and went away in no time.  At that moment, I could not stop myself from screaming at nature’s stunning beauty. It was hard to believe that there was actually a sea beyond the mountains we are driving up. We could not observe the sea again until we finished our downward journey and reached the lonely beach in our friend’s village. On the way down to the coastal land, we stopped at a Surya temple which is considered to be family God by our friend’s family. Standing on the sea shore, we saw the tidal waves hitting the mountains of Western Ghats mercilessly. That was a scene to behold. I never imagined that two most powerful creation of God (The Sea and The Mountain) will come together.

Pushkar's uncle is a humble man. He lives alone in a small house on the beach. Every step towards the house released the worldly pressure. It was calm air dotted with the sounds of unknown birds and purified by rain. The house had a wooden hedge around it. The entrance gate was made up of wood crisscrossed, possibly to make the structure strong. The rain water was dripping from the canopy of the coconut trees. These little drops seeped deep into my soul. Just besides the coconut trees, the steps on hill were going towards mango trees. We entered into his house which was dark because of rain outside. He welcomed us with a warm smile and offered us delicious food. He also loves music which was apparent from the harmonium lying nearby. We shared some light moments from our journey with the uncle. Pushkar lost into the past memories of his village and sat on the steps outside the house. The time had almost stopped. It was as if we are living here for a long time.

Although it was raining and the sea water was dirty, we still wanted to venture into the sea water. Some fishermen were busy catching the fishes and we were standing in the waters looking into the distant sea. As I looked into the sea, two black dots appeared and disappeared time and again as the tidal waves came and receded. I think that these two dots were some rocky islands. I tried to take the panoramic view of the sea. On the left hand side, it was some rocks where some fishermen were standing and then rotated my eyes clockwise; I could see the sea dotted with two rocky islands. A lush green island appeared after that. Immediately after the island, it was the invincible mountains diving into the sea. Then it was an isolated beach and the mountains reaching the sky. The black muddy water from nearby villages was meeting the sea. The sea never objected with the quality of the water. It embraced everything.

I could see birds sitting on the rocks beside the sea. They were waiting to catch the fishes and I was crawling like a child towards them to catch a glimpse. I spotted Egret, tern, kingfisher, sandpiper, common heron and few others. The journey to a village in Western Ghats will always be alive in my memories.

- Ankit Kapoor

Sensibly Religious Observant

"Sometimes we might reach the places we never planned for"

My flight was about to land Trivandrum. But what I could see from the top was Arabian Sea, backwaters and the thick coconut forest. I could not believe that there was actually a city amidst the coconut trees until the flight landed safely on the runway. It was a relatively calm, rustic and small city compared to other cities of India. The journey onwards had to be towards Kanyakumari where I had to catch Science Express. But sometimes we might reach the places we never planned for.

I thought I should visit this old and famous temple called Padmanabha Swamy.  This temple is very close to the bus stand. As I strolled towards the temple, few people stopped me and took me inside the cloak room. They took away my laptop and other belongings. No personal belongings were allowed inside the temple. Then they asked me to take off the jeans and put on dhoti. I did the same. Later they asked me to even take off t-shirt and proceed to the temple with bare chest and dhoti. It was quite odd for me when somebody took all my clothes off before entering the temple. There was a small pond near the temple for the holy bath if you want.

The air was filled with the chanting of holy words. The temple had a huge entrance. I could see everyone outside and inside the temple with a bare chest and a dhoti. As I entered the temple, one of the priests handed over some flowers and worship material and asked for 50 rupees. There was no scope to say no. I proceeded further with the flowers. I was trying to analyse how old this temple would be. What is the meaning of the hymns and holy words?  Why the deities are in particular position? The mind was brimming with questions of religions and it was searching for the souls who could answer some of them. Or they could at least provide a lead to those questions. I met a couple of priests in the temple and read the book on history of the temple. If I believe the book and the local people, then this is the temple of all the temples in India. The walls and roofs had turned black and all the figures had lost their details.

The interior buildings of the temple gave a rustic charm. The wait for the most awaited moment was over. I saw Lord Padmanabha in his full glory in the central sanctum; I was stunned to see the deity which was almost 20 feet long, visible through two small doors. Lord Vishnu was in reclining position on Sheshnaga. From his naval came out the flower of lotus on which Lord Brahma was sitting. His fingers of right hand were pointing towards the Lord Shiva. The priest took the flowers from me and offered it to the eternal. It was a wave of belief and logic sweeping in counter direction in my mind.

Outside the main sanctum, there was another temple of Lord Krishna. This temple is considered to be older than Padmanabha temple. The priests estimated that it was some 5000 years old. It has been mentioned in some religious documents that the temple was formed on 950^th day of Kaliyuga. Another interesting and unknown thing about this temple is that it caught fire in 1686 A.D. after which it all turned into ashes. It was then rebuilt by the king of Travancore. Since then the royal family of Travancore takes care of this temple and considers itself to be servant of Lord Padmanabha.

In March 2011, the six secret cellars of the temple were opened on the order of honourable Supreme Court of India. What was found created a world record and blinded the people with its glitter. Gold deities and animals, jewellery and other precious things were found. The total value of the gold was estimated to be $22 bn. Padmanabha Swamy temple became the richest temple in the world after the disclosure of the information.

Thiruvananthapuram word finds the history of its name in this temple. Thiru means respect, Anantha means infinite or God, Puram means Abode. Thiruvananthapuram means "Abode of respectable God" (Padmanabha Swamy). A must visit place for anybody who comes down to Trivandrum and wants to understand the history and firmness of Indian religion.

- Ankit Kapoor

(one of silently-sincere Science Communicator of Science Express-Biodiversity Special 

- found of ancient places, good observer and keen learner for   surrounding nature and culture)

Science Express runs by fuel of such young people, who loves to fly high beyond such boundaries and sharing vast Biodiversity of India.   

needless to explain: "वसुधेव कुटुम्बकम |"

Science Express' Curious visitors ...

"Science is our food"

In Brahmapur, Odisha, the Science Communicators on the SEBS had a unique experience. Being in coach 1, I witnessed a trio of interested young boys making the journey through our train for the second time that morning. One thing lead to another, and soon, I was impressing upon them the need to care for their surroundings, and most importantly, find out the details regarding the biodiversity of Brahmapur and the problems facing it.

"Planting trees is level one", I said. "You boys must upgrade to level two." The boys soaked in every word about Government efforts, about the necessity of biodiversity and dependance of humans on biodiversity. After spending quite some time with them, the trio moved on to the second coach. Much later, when I was leaving for my lunch break, I found them talking to Ankit Kapoor (a fellow Science Communicator) in coach 7. Apparently, they had reached coach twelve when they had a doubt regarding radiation, so they walked back to coach four to talk to Rubul Borah. After wishing them the best, I went on my way. Imagine my surprise, then, when I returned from lunch and the boys were still in coach twelve. They had not yet exited the train! I asked them whether they had lunch, and one of the boys replied with all the innocence and honesty that only childhood bestows, "Sir, the science and information we have learnt on this train itself is sufficient. We don't need lunch."

I've always been amazed by nature and matters related to the scientific disciplines, but to hear that this trio of boys had been waiting outside our train from 9 am that day, and were yet to leave the train well-past three pm was a shock even to me. The determination, desire and simplicity with which these boys approached our train made me look at our train in a whole new light. It inspired me to believe that there can be young folk out there who are passionate enough to spend time to educate themselves about the world around them. Definitely, such young people can take this world to a better place.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention. Two of the boys were back again that evening, by half-past six at the railway station, and stayed till about half-past eight to "see us off". We just couldn't believe the respect and admiration these boys showed for our train, and the science communicators aboard the train.

- Daniel Divyakumar H (Science Communicator)

The Celebration time...

Science Express – Biodiversity special’s visit to Chennai came up with many celebrations.  SEBS exhibition was held up for four days from 11^th to 14^th August.  At Chennai SEBS was innograted by Dr. G.Narayanan, additional general manager of southern railway Chennai on 11^th August.  Department of Science and Technology head Mr.Chandar Mohan and Director of VASCSC Mr.Dilip Surkar made their presence during this time.

11^th August, 2012

Science Express hit 7 lac visitors of its Vth phase Biodiversity Special at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh location during 7th to 10^th August. It is the total number of general visitors, students and teachers who actually took the benefit of Science Express Biodiversity exhibition. That truly demanded a party; so there it was. Mr. Chandar Mohan, Mr.Dilip Surkhar  host a dinner party for Science Express Team on a very first day of exhibition at Chennai on 11^th August, 2012. Mr.Chandar Mohan and Mr.Dilip Surkar congratulated entire SEBS team for this big success and shared a small speech for Science Communicators; which turned out a real boost for them.

For SEBS staff, the joy of welcoming more than 7 lac visitors, when Science Express is yet to complete its half of the journey; was not less than a milestone. Everybody celebrated the joy of it by singing their likely song. Science Communicators, K.C.Joshi and Puskar Samant were the rockstar of event. After dinner Dr. A.P.Singh joined and was welcomed by Chaitrshri’s semi classical dance performance. She presented such an energetic and expressive performance on the rytham of “Radha kaise na jale”. The party was called off nearly after a small motivational speech by Dr. B.P.Singh. He also added that, “this is such a remarkable moment in Science Express’ history, and a proof of Science express’ popularity and demand of Science knowledge nowadays”.

12^th August, 2012

Science Express celebrated the 7 lac visitors at Chennai. On second day 12^th August, exhibition made open after celebrating Dr.Vikram A Sarabhai’s birth anniversary. Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai was a very famous scientist and also the founder of Community Science Center (VASCSC) at Ahmedabad. As VASCSC has contributed major in designing and functioning Science Express; Mr. Dilip Surkar, Director of VASCSC and Mr. Chandar Mohan shared his tribute with the SEBS team.

15^th August, 2012

Science Express exhibition was closed on Independence Day. But the Science Express staff decided and met at early morning sharp at 7:30 for flag hoisting ceremony. Everybody came in their regular Science Express dress and salute Indian flag and recite Indian anthem. The team dispatched after sharing sweets.

As it was an off for an exhibition, departing from there science express team took a chance to visit Chennai. Mahabalipuram, Crocodile bank, Daxinadrusti and Marina beach were the places, explored more. Some famous market places were also been visited by the team.

After Chennai visit the SEBS team is again as on trek like earlier, it has reached to Kudal Nagar (Madurai) and Kanyakumari and Enarkulum are the next planned destinations. 

Some thing like this also happens...

Say Quiz.. 

Confused??..

Straight from Science Communicator's diary..

Being Mumbaikar, local train is part and parcel of my life. Though office was 45 minutes away from home via local, for assignments and other stuff I had to travel by local train. At that time I never thought of having a job on Indian Rail Tracks. But all of sudden life took a sharp turn and I landed on meter gauge.

But this journey is something different. It is not just any tour or trips neither picnic. It has proper route which is taking each and every individual attached to this train. I don’t know what route others will choose but I have not decided any of them; so just decided to note down different routes.

Journey started on 5^th June for train, but for me it started on 27^th May. I and one of my colleagues from Times, were going home. Usually, train is the mode of travel in city. But sometimes four wheels are better than 36. So we decided to go by taxi. Journey to this place and coming one started that day. Got a call from Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre offering post of Science Communicator on Science Express; a train dedicated to promotion of science. It travels across the India to popular science among youth as well as school children. I had given a test and interview but could not make it. I was on waiting list since it is a train. But I guess I got RAC i.e. reservation against cancelation. Andrenaline Rush was at its peak again and it never got down till the last word I typed in this sentence.

As soon I came to know about this offer, further decisions and procedures geared up. It was not easy though. Leaving an organization like Times was really difficult task for me. It was official agreement of course but emotional particles were densely occupied my whole body. Cutting that connection might have made me little matured though. I never wanted to leave those people that corner seat and lots of human bodies filled up with emotional fluids. Somehow it happened. Sudden exit.

That taxi dropped me at my place but took totally different route. I told each and every thing to Mr. Arvind Mishra, driver of that taxi. That middle aged fellow couldn’t believe it. I took his blessings, hugged him and got down to take new route.

I was completely unaware of till the date science express was inaugurated. Being studied IT and Masters in Communication and Journalism with two years experience in media house like Times, I had pinch of knowledge about biology and related stuff. Somehow I started studying, reading and asking colleagues about various stuff. Slowly I started grasping and understanding the things. But to explain them one has to be clear with concepts. That took and is still taking some time.

We are here to explain content given coaches, give some knowledge or gyaan, clear few concepts and above all spread awareness and message of save biodiversity to janata coming for exhibition. Apart from that SEBs i.e. Science Express Biodiversity Special provides is Joy of Science lab, outreach activity and platform activity. Explaining is the domain for each and everything on board. Making people aware about losing biodiversity, saving trees, water, energy and more on suggesting them some new and innovative ways to help them in making this world a better place; is fun, enjoyment, entertainment, experience, learning-teaching and sometimes frustrating also.

Two months are passed and we have come to Southern India from North via North-east. We have not only crossed and passed just directions or states but also the way of communication. Many of us use innovative ways and ideas to convey the message and spread awareness. Planting a tree, recycling plastic, starting eco-clubs, adopting some trees or endangered animals are few examples which many of science communicators have used. Whenever I get coach of climate change, I tell students to save paper. School children have this strange impression in their mind that in exams, more number of supplements means more marks. So I keep telling them that no teacher gets impressed with number of supplements but with quality of answer. If one starts improving quality then there will be no need of quantity.

Explaining and other things are there but one of the best parts which I have had till now is quiz competition on platform at Cuttack with Rishabh Asthana. We both were assigned platform activity. Our plan was to start something new other than climate captain, who am I etc. We just came up with idea of quiz and we implemented it. We used to go into each coach and ask that particular science communicator to give some questions about that particular coach. On second day we were ready with few questions and started it. For right answers we had bought alpanlebe chocolate to give. We also gave those chocolates as token of appreciation to kids who solved all the puzzles on platform.

On third day we were ready with more questions and that too little difficult. This time we had bought three books – Tell me Why, Puzzles by Shakuntala Devi and Crossword. We decided to give these books to a person who will answer all questions. On third day we got only one guy who could answer all questions. Not only that but he could answer the most poisonous animal in the world, which was something not there inside coaches. We were impressed by his answers and awarded him with puzzle book.

Last and fourth day in first half we did not get good crowd. But post-lunch some interesting students started showing up. We started quiz competition and announced via microphone that winner will get some nice prizes. We were asking questions one after another, for some we were getting answers whereas for some we got silence from students. But suddenly one group of boys and another group of 3 girls came and joined the quiz. There started something like competition between boys and girls. Both groups were answering right and made tie. So we planned to ask last one question and those who answer correct will be announced as winner. Question was which – Gum of this plant is beneficial in treatment of diarrhea. Name it. We had made this question on the basis of content in coach 6 i.e. Indian desert and semi-arid zone. None of them couldn’t answer so we gave little hint. As soon as we gave a clue, girl replied with correct answer and she got the award.

We conducted other activities also but quiz was something I and Rishabh always loved and we do. It is not just answering correct but knowing things related to the answer of that question and there lies the fun as well as interest of quiz.

-          Pushkar Samant

Science Communicators: Science Express' Engineers

“Give me your hand; I’ll stumble with you,

From history to present,
Let’s unfold the lines of romantic bards,

Let them sing along..!

Let me hold you through,the times of our oceans and lands,

From the epic plateaus of ancient mountains to the deep blue waters,

Let out footprint live on green pasture and our busy asphalt roads,

During rains and sandstorms our caravan moves on in a life full rhythm,

Which will throb my guests in the womb… 

Remember 'me', the time the place the talk we exchanged,
Don't forget to smile back... it may lose my nerves,
Deeming, your buddy is listening the sum..."

Science Communicators team is a group of youth across all over India, have chosen way to travel with science express train, till 22^nd December 2012. They are student, graduates and professionals having educational/professional expertise in science. Few of them have already contributed in previous phases of Science Express. Even in fact, some of them are engaged with other profession, and have taken break; to join this unique journey. Needless to add, due to different edge of India, they represent in individual cultures at a time. In spite of all the differences, they are travelling    and cherishing time together; possibly generous and acquaintance way.

“It’s a unique, adventurous experience; one who is craving for knowledge, wants to explore different shades of India, will not let go such opportunity for sure.” – communicates a Science Communicator. Flame of energy and confidence for self are the main assets for them. Any more doubt for young India?

A question to an individual, how long one can travel by train? one, two or  three days at most,.. The longest route of Indian railway is Kashmir to Kanyakumari; which takes minimum 4 days journey. Science Express is planned to travel continuously for 7 months from 5^th June to 22^nd December (201 days, 6 Months and 18 days). For Science Communicators SEBS is home, workplace and mode of journey till 22^nd December 2012.

Before on-boarding, they were trained by the people who are directly-indirectly involved in design of train/content of biodiversity for the thought to represent them as actual bridge between the exhibition and the visitors. Now, how is it actually?

Science Express is a powerful medium to give multiphase experiences of different avenues of science. It exposes the curious learners to info, knowledge, history and present state of scientific progress. But it is the Science Communicator who personalizes, explanations, triggers pertinent questions and fill the visitor with a sense of wonder. The info gets transformed into sciencetific attitude and values. Thus the science communicator is the agent who activates the fundamental aim of science express in its true spirit. 


Science Express is for the people by the people, sharing joy of science in its own way. The whole effort and investment for Science express is to spread awareness across the country about Science, Biodiversity, Water and Petroleum Conservation, Global Challenges, Climate Change and etc. It is there; open for all, welcoming everyone equally. Anyone can come, visit, read the contents and move ahead but; A Science Communicator actually realize significance of it; standing there, assisting to be familiar with the contents, sharing additional information, answering/attending science queries, and moreover what the exhibition is all about and what is biodiversity. Apart from exhibition, science based platform activities and outreach activities are also have been carrying out for the students and schools.

“For you it may be just an easy experiment, but once you actually put it in front of student, and when they look at you with ‘wow’ surprising smiling face,, that moment your realize it is just not an experiment for them, it is one of magical moment to invest wonderful and experimental interest of science. And when you realize you are a cause of it, can you think how much obsequious is it? ” – from science communicator’s diary.

In short, the train misses its educative function without science communicators, and they can be counted as actual engineer of the train.

Isn’t it wonderful itself, seeing them together, stand side by side for significant endeavor, “Share the joy of Science and edify Biodiversity of India”… seems like they themselves is a live example of “Indian Biodiversity”, What do you say?

We wish you a very happy journey :)