Students to sensitize society on healthier world

Bhopal, Jan 20: Several states propose to identify students as 'Earth Explorers' who would fan out to areas surrounding their colleges or universities to sensitise the community on methods to improve the planet's ''health,'' National Council for Science and Technology Communication Head Anuj Sinha has said.

''At a forthcoming assembly, young scientists will debate critical issues that can contribute to a safer, healthier and wealthier world as part of the Planet Earth outreach programme. This National Youth Parliament will be a culmination of state and regional discussions during 2008,'' he said.

A two-day National Consultation, on the outreach campaign by the science and technology councils from various states and union territories, concluded at the Vigyan Bhavan yesterday and arrived at several key decisions. The discussion was initiated by Prof Harsh Gupta who is the scientist leading this campaign in India.

Varsities will organise lecture demonstrations, film shows, exhibitions, field projects and arrange competitions to sensitise students to issues such as health and nutrition, climate, oceans, urbanisation and hazard management.

A pioneering recommendation involved organising a National Science Conference to deliberate on paradigms in nurturing nature.

Scientists will present papers in regional languages. Several activities, recommended for students and teachers of colleges, include setting up of HAM radio clubs, a biodiversity park, college fests, art competitions, energy audit and conservation.

The Consultation was inuagurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
UNI