STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The week-long “One Day as a Scientist” programme concluded today at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, having successfully engaged around 650 school students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The initiative offered students immersive exposure to laboratory experiments, scientific demonstrations, and interactive sessions with researchers.
The programme, organized from 21st to 25th July 2025, was held under the CSIR-Jigyasa initiative and was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call during the 119th Mann Ki Baat, urging students to visit science institutions and develop scientific curiosity.
Throughout the week, students participated in diverse activities. Day 1 began with lab visits and scientist interactions, while Day 2 featured hands-on DIY science activities, science games, and infographics sessions led by Dr. Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist & Head, FMB Division. On Day 3, a lab safety session by Dr. Ravi Shankar was followed by practical experiments across divisions.
Day 4 included a lecture on Antimicrobial Resistance by Dr. Avishek Mahapa, a science quiz, and an interactive session with Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu. Students enthusiastically shared observations and discussed research as a career. On the final day, students from both Jammu and Srinagar labs engaged in scientific demonstrations and attended a special lecture titled “Hidden Prospects of Oceans” by Dr. Ravail Singh.
A hybrid interaction on Day 4 with Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science & Technology and Vice-President, CSIR, was hosted at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi. He lauded the ODAS initiative as a step towards making science a national mission. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, also praised CSIR-IIIM’s contribution, highlighting the success of Jigyasa Hackathon 2024 winner Japteg Singh Bamrah.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Asha Chaubey with support from various divisions. The valedictory session was conducted by Dr. Vidhushi Abrol, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Poonam Choudhary. The programme left students inspired, curious, and eager to pursue science in the future.
