Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata 700019

NATIONAL SCIENCE DRAMA FESTIVAL 2019-20

January 8-9, 2020

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), the parent body of 27 science museums/centres situated all over India, imparts non-formal scientific education among young generation, by organizing several unique programmes throughout the year. The National Science Drama Festival is one of those through which information related to scientific and technological issues is disseminated to the people at large. This year, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum on behalf of NCSM, will conduct the festival January 8-9, 2020 at BITM, Kolkata

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum will inaugurate the National Science Drama Festival 2019-20 in its auditorium on January 9, 2020 at 10:00 am. Shri Manish Jain, IAS, Principal Secretary, School Education, Govt. of West Bengal, shall inaugurate the Festival. Shri Vinay Sharma, Artistic Director, Padatik Theatre and Smt. Gouri Basu, Director, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre shall be present as the Guests of Honour in the inaugural function. Among other dignitaries Shri V. S. Ramachandran, Director, BITM was also present on the dais.

The Science Dramas for school students reading up to class X, were organized first in the district level, then in the state level and then in the zonal in all states the country by National Council of Science Museums. From each level, the winners and the runners qualify for the next higher level. The competition will finally culminate in the national Level. This year, In the National level 9 teams with 90 participating students (winners and runners from East, West, North, South and only winner from North East) will perform and shall be felicitated. The broad topic of the science dramas are ‘Science and Society’.

Five experts, namely, Prof. Subhashis Halder, Shri Nayan Prasad, Shri Suman Kumar, Dr. K. Ramakrishnaiah, Shri. Yogesh Soman from each of the five zones shall be present throughout the day of the Festival and give their opinion about the presentations for the benefit of the participants.

List of participating schools and their dramas may be found below:-

Judges’ Name :

1. Subhashis Halder
2. Shri Nayan Prasad
3. Shri Suman Kumar
4. K. Ramakrishnaiah
5. Yogesh Soman

National Science Drama Festival 2019-20 Prize list

9th January, 2020 [Thursday]

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

Inauguration of

Eastern India Science Fair & Science and Engineering Fair 2020

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

The 46^th Eastern India Science & Engineering Fair, the biggest exposition of Science & Engineering models in Eastern India, will be organized during 14 to 18 January, 2020 at Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata

This year 387 students & teachers participated with 160 models /projects representing 153 schools from 11 eastern India states, namely, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Tripura, Sikkim and West Bengal in the school level Science Fair. 45 students with 15 projects /models from 15 Science / Engineering Colleges have enrolled in the Engineering Fair.

Inaugural Programme will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 3:00 pm. Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal will inaugurate the Fair in the presence of Mr. Nick Low, British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata and Prof. (Dr.) Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata. Shri A. D. Choudhury, Director General, National Council of Science Museums and Shri V. S. Ramachandran, Director, BITM will be present on the dais.

After inauguration, the fair will remain open for students and general public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm till January 18, 2020.

Shri D. P. Duari, Director, Research and Academics, M. P. Birla Planetarium and Shri A. K. Chandra, Managing Director, P. C. Chandra Group shall give away prizes to the successful participants on Saturday, 18th January, 2020 at 4:00 pm.

The fair is supported by M/s. P. C. Chandra Group and MCKV Institute of Engineering.

Prize list

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

Astro Nights
April 01-02, 2023

This weekend, during April 01-02, 2023 Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata, in association with Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata; Science City, Kolkata; Sky Watchers’ Association, Kolkata and CESSI, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata presents a stargazing and lecture event ‘Astro Nights’.

Rain or shine, Astro Nights will feature:

• A short and accessible general-audiences talk by special guest DEBIPROSAD DUARI, Former Director, M. P. Birla Planetarium on April 01 and DR. DIBYENDU NANDI, Head, Center of Excellence in Space Sciences, India and Department of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata
• OPEN-AIR SCIENCE SHOW – Spectacular Physics activities for scientists of all ages.
• SKY-WATCHING – Observation of Celestial Bodies through Telescopes (weather permitting)

Talks begin at 6:00 PM and the activities and telescope viewing are drop-in until 8:30 pm.

You are requested to cover the session to increase the outreach of such initiatives.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

Hybrid Workshop

A Journey to the Sun

April 1 – 2, 2023

More than 130 students from differents schools from Kolkata, West Bengal, different states and also from foreign are going to participate the 2 days hybrid workshop on “A Journey to the Sun : from Basic theory to NASA solar satellite data analysis ” in Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata, a unit under National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture (MoC), Govt. of India.

BITM, Kolkata the oldest museum in India is organizing this 2 days hands on workshop for the school  students of class VI to class XII and undergraduate and postgraduate students of colleges. The students will learn basic theory of the Sun (solar Astrophysics) and how if affects space weather. Training will be given on hands on solar satellite  data analysis using python. Through this learning  with doing the concept of the subject will be crystal clear to the students rather than only theoretical class teaching.

You are requested to cover the sessions to increase the outreach of such BITM initiatives.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

Hands-on Training Programme on

Basic Techniques in Biotechnology

April 7 & 8, 2023

Birla Industrial and Technological Museum’s Biotechnology Lab, a Unit of the National Council of Science Museum, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India – presents A Hands-on Traning Programme on ‘Basic Techniques in Biotechnology ’ for B. Sc. Students of Biological Sciences.

Scheduled for April 7 & 8, 2023, in BITM’s Biotechnology Laboratory, the training programme is designed to give a hands-on experience in the areas of microbiology and molecular biology techniques– including a practical demonstration of microbiology techniques Serial dilution, Bacteria isolation, and enumeration from the given sample, Gram staining of the isolated bacteria and useful molecular biology techniques Polymerase Chain Reaction, Agarose gel electrophoresis, Visualizing and analysis of agarose gel– along with the operation of different instruments in the Biotechnology Lab.

The Hands-on training programme will be conducted in two batches (Morning-Afternoon sessions), where 45 B.Sc students of Biological Sciences from various colleges, including Gurunanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Kalyani Mahavidyala, Surendranath College, Swami Vivekananda Institute of Modern Science, Sarat Centenary College, Belur Sramajibi Swasthya Prakalpa Samity, Amity University Kolkata, Rishi Bankim Chandra College for Women, Gurudas College, Mindnapore College, Lady Brabourne College, Dr. Kanailal Bhattacharyya College have registered for the training programme.

You are invited to cover the sessions to increase the outreach of such BITM initiatives.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

in collaboration with

EARTH DAY NETWORK

Regional Office, Asia

jointly commemorate

Earth Day

April 24, 2023

Every April 22, stakeholders of all backgrounds come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day.

This year, we rally behind the theme “Invest In Our Planet”, which highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues. Investing in our planet is necessary to protect it and the best way to pave a path towards a prosperous future. When we Invest In Our Planet together, we are supporting healthy, happy, and wealthy communities worldwide.

Taking this opportunity to motivate action to tackle the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow, Earth Day Network, Regional Office, Asia and Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, a Unit of National Council of Science Museums jointly commemorate Earth Day on April 24, 2023 with ‘Eco Comic Contest for Youth’ with Workshop by artists Harsho Mohan Chattoraj and Charbak Dipta and writers Sourav Dutta and Sumit Surai.

Over 50 students and teachers are due to attend the sessions and compete in the event.

You are cordially invited to cover the programme and increase the outreach of such BITM initiatives.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

in collaboration with

PROF. J. J. GHOSH FOUNDATION

commemorate eve of

World Health Day

April 06, 2023

In 1948, countries of the world came together and founded the World Health Organization to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being. We commemorate this as World Health Day.

Taking this opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow, Prof. J. J. Ghosh Foundation and Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, a Unit of National Council of Science Museums jointly commemorate eve of World Health Day on April 06, 2023 with Popular Lecture ‘Important Health Issues in Student Life’ by Dr. Mouli Madhab Ghatak, Senior Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist; Secretary, Spinal Cord Society, West Bengal – to be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/VdgUM33DzKo – followed by Open-House Quiz ‘WHO@75’ celebrating the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization this year.

Over 100 students from Nabajatak Vidyabhavan for Girls; Techno India Group Academy; Saltlake Point School; Shri Shikshayatan School; Birla High School; Techno India Group Public School, Garia; Delhi Public School, Ruby Park and The Calcutta Emmanuel School are due to attend the sessions.

You are cordially invited to cover the programme and increase the outreach of such BITM initiatives towards achieving Health For All.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

in collaboration with

International Museum Day

May 18, 2023

Launch of New Gallery

Vintage Voyage: Communication Technology

The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness about the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”

This International Museum Day, May 18, 2023, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata – the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India – explores the power of communication and the technologies that enable it to create and transform societies. A new Gallery ‘Vintage Voyage-Communication Technology’, featuring over 75 vintage artefacts fostering connectivity, along with stories revealing the societal impact of such technologies will be showcased to facilitate conversations around the ongoing challenge of communication. The Gallery will be inaugurated by Prof. Abhijit Chakrabarti, Member, Governing Body, National Council of Science Museums; Chairman, Executive Committee, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum; Former Vice-Chancellor, Jadavpur University.

Visitors to this permanent Gallery at BITM will explore the fascinating stories of technological innovation and resourcefulness in overcoming vast distances in an often-hostile natural environment. Focusing on two-way communication– the Gallery will host an array of working artefacts (morse key, fire alarm with cranking system, semaphore, rail signal apparatus) and technologies, developed and designed in response to one of the fundamental drivers of our humanity – the innate need to connect. Technologies the Gallery will explore include communication methods past and present, post, telegraphy, telephony, radio and the innovations and technologies of various Indian path-breakers.

Innovating, automating, improving and sometimes scraping it all to make way for better  mechanisms – for better or for worse – the evolution of communicating devices is as alluring as the artefacts themselves. Murals, mannequins, multimedia and modern art installations complement the  teleprinters, ionosphere recorder, gramophone, manual telephone exchange, wall-mounted telephones, replica of Bell’s liquid transmitter and fire-alarm box which occupy prime positions.

Open every day (except Holi and Diwali), from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, celebrating true-tales about the men as well their machines, BITM invites visitors to embark on this vintage voyage of rare collectives – each a functional piece that charted the evolution of our communication technology, as we know it today.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

presents live-screening of

Soft-Landing of Chandrayaan-3

August 23, 2023; 4:30 pm onwards

After the successful launch on July 14 and the initial month-long journey of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission to Earth’s natural satellite, on August 23 robotic lander Vikram will begin a powered descent to a targeted landing site near the lunar south pole and deploy rover Pragyan which will carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility over the next lunar day.  This shall be a significant step forward for Indian Science, Engineering, Technology and Industry, symbolizing our nation’s progress in space exploration.

To mark this occasion, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata – the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India – invites students and general audiences to witness the live-streaming of this soft-landing on two giant screens installed in an outdoor setting inside the Museum, in addition to five more indoor displays. This will be supplemented with Chandrayaan-3 video captures, Hands-on Experiments and Slide-Show on ‘Moon’ and ‘Moon Missions’ – to be conducted for students and interested audiences, since 4:30 pm at the BITM premises.

The soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a monumental moment that not only fuels curiosity but also sparks a passion for exploration within the minds of our youth. It generates a profound sense of pride and unity as we collectively celebrate the prowess of Indian science and technology. It will contribute to fostering an environment of scientific inquiry and innovation.

You are cordially invited to cover the event and increase the outreach of such BITM initiatives.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

presents live-screening of

Launch of Aditya-L1 Mission

September 02, 2023; 11:00 am

To mark the occasion of launch of ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission – the first space-based observatory class Indian solar mission – Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata – the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India – invites students and general audiences to witness the live-streaming of this launch at the Museum. This will be supplemented with unravelling of model Aditya-L1 spacecraft, video captures, Hands-on Experiments and Slide-Show on ‘Sun’ and ‘ISRO Missions’ – to be conducted for students and interested audiences, from 11:00 am at the BITM premises.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

EASTERN INDIA SCIENCE DRAMA COMPETITION 2023-24

Theme – Science & Technology for the Benefit of Mankind 

September 27, 2023; 11:00 am onwards

National Science Drama Festival (NSDF) is an event where one can experience the extraordinary fusion of science and drama in delivering scientific knowledge to the community in an accepted comprehensive manner. This event celebrates the power of drama to make complex concepts accessible, engaging and captivating audiences of all backgrounds. NSDF showcases how drama can bring science to life through storytelling, dynamic performances, and creative stagecraft. By incorporating elements of theatre, such as dialogue and characterization, science dramas create relatable experiences that connect audiences to scientific ideas on an emotional level. The performances demystify scientific principles while entertaining and educating. They bridge the gap between the scientific community and public, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of science. The Festival is organized by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) every year. It provides an opportunity to bring the students of different states, languages and cultures to explore theatre as a medium to express and communicate. NSDF encourages students to participate in this refreshing experiment of comprehending and communicating science ideas through a creative art-form.

In a run-up to NSDF 2023-24, the Eastern India Science Drama Competition 2023-24 will be organized by Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), on September 27, 2023 (Wednesday), 11:00 am onwards. This year’s Science Drama Competition is based on –

Main Theme: Science & Technology for the Benefit of Mankind

Sub-themes:   Millets – The Superfood

Food Security

Modern Technology in Daily Life

Current Advances in Health Care

Superstitions in Society

For the inaugural session of the Eastern India Science Drama Competition 2023-24, Dr. Soumitra Basu, Former Professor, Department of Drama, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata has consented to be the Chief Guest. After this inaugural session, participating teams – winners of the State Science Drama Competitions from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Sikkim, Odisha and West Bengal, with students from classes VI – X, will stage their Drama within the stipulated duration of 30 minutes each – to be live-streamed on https://www.youtube.com/birlamuseum.

Two winning teams would represent Eastern India in the National Science Drama Festival 2023-24, due to be held during January 05-06, 2024 at Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

WEST BENGAL STATE SCIENCE SEMINAR-2023

Topic – Millets – A Super Food or a Diet Fad ? 

September 08, 2023; 11:00 am onwards

The National Science Seminar (NSS) for school students is the most impactful and popular nationwide annual event organized by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, ever since 1982. The seminar involves the nation’s school-going youth in critically examining current S & T issues of importance for the society and sharing their own views on these issues with the student and scientific communities of the country.

In a run-up to the NSS-2023, the West Bengal State Science Seminar will be organized by Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), in association with the Dept. of Youth Services & Sports, Govt. of West Bengal and Royal Society of Chemistry, Eastern India Section, on September 08, 2023 (Friday), 11:00 am onwards. Topic of this year’s Science Seminar is:

Millets – A Super Food or a Diet Fad ?

श्री अन्न- एक मूल्यवर्धित पौष्टिक अथवा भ्रांति आहार ?

মিলেট – পুষ্টিকর খাদ্য, না নেহাতই এক চমক ?

Commemorating the International Year of Millets – an opportunity to raise awareness of, and direct policy attention to the nutritional and health benefits of millets and their suitability for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic conditions – BITM will also be launching an exhibition ‘Millets – The Superfood?’, to be followed by Millet Fest at the BITM Canteen premises on the same day. For the inaugural session of the West Bengal State Science Seminar, Prof. Dr. P. Jaisankar, Chief Scientist & Head, Professor of Chemical Sciences, AcSIR; Department of Organic & Medicinal Chemistry, Laboratory of Catalysis & Chemical Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology and President, Royal Society of Chemistry and Sri Uttam Kumar Patra, Senior Special Secretary & Ex-Officio Director, Youth Services & Sports, Govt. of West Bengal have consented to be the Guests of Honour.

After this inaugural session, participating students, winners of the District Level Science Seminar from Kolkata, Burdwan, Darjeeling, Purulia and East Midnapore districts, from classes VIII – X, will deliver a presentation of 6-minutes duration, with supporting charts and visuals, followed by 2-minutes question-answer session with the judges on this topic. They will be judged on the Scientific Content in Presentation, Fluency in Speech, Performance in Viva and Written Test along with Novelty in use of Visuals. Dr. Suman Majumder, Director R & D, Actylis; Dr Madhumita Dobe, Chairperson, FAITH (Foundation for Actions and Innovations Towards Health Promotion) and Former Director, Head of the Department of Health Promotion and Education, All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health (AIIH&PH), Kolkata and Dr. Partha Chakrabarti, Senior Principal Scientist, Cell Biology & Physiology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology have consented to judge the participants. The winning student would represent West Bengal in the National Science Seminar 2023, due to be held on October 12, 2023 at National Science Centre, New Delhi.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

presents

Popular Talk

Aditya-L1 Mission – A Journey Towards the Sun

September 06, 2023; 11:30 am onwards

To mark the occasion of launch of ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission – the first space-based observatory class Indian solar mission – Astronomy Club of Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata – the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India – invites students and general audiences to a Popular Talk ‘Aditya-L1 Mission – A Journey Towards the Sun’ by solar physicist Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Director, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital and Lead Advisor, Aditya-L1 Mission.

Unraveling secrets about the past, present and future of the Sun, the Talk will focus on Aditya-L1 as a unique observatory to be parked at the First Lagrangian point – about 1.5 million km from the Earth – and transmit data much of which will come to the scientific community for the first time from a platform in space. The session will be attended by invited students and teachers, in person at BITM, Kolkata and online at https://youtu.be/Era1Ve6Cw4w, on September 06, 2023, 11:30 am onwards.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

INAUGURATION

Mock-up Coal Mine (Upgraded)

October 18, 2023; 11:30 am

The coal miner is the backbone of our country.

They are the ones that keep the lights on, the trains moving, and the steel mills producing.

– Richard Trumka

Former President, United Mine Workers

The most important and abundant fossil fuel in India, accounting for 55% of the country’s energy need, laying the foundation of our industrial heritage – coal is the energy of choice for India.

Commercial primary energy consumption in India has grown by about 700% in the last four decades. The current per capita commercial primary energy consumption in India is about 350 kgoe/year. Driven by the rising population, expanding economy and a quest for improved quality of life, energy usage in India is expected to rise. Considering the limited reserve potentiality of petroleum & natural gas, eco-conservation restriction on hydel project and geo-political perception of nuclear power, coal will continue to occupy centre-stage of India’s energy scenario.

Hard coal deposit are spread over 27 major coalfields in India – mainly confined to eastern and south central parts of the country. To educate and provide first-hand experience of a trip down one such deep, dark and dangerous underground coal mine – with special emphasis on safety regulations, pre-emptive measures and traditional and modern ways and means of overcoming all mining-related challenges – Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata, a Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India invites visitors to its upgraded Mock-up Coal Mine facility. Spread over an area of 540 sq. m., housing over 60 exhibits, this Mock-up Coal Mine is the first-of-its-kind in India, since 1983. Highlighting the issues of floor and roof convergence, the facility now features Telescopic and Suspension Convergence Indicators, Portable Hydraulic Banding Machine and Anchorage Testing Machine. It promises to visitors not mere enjoyment but an experience.

Inaugurated on October 18, 2023 by Director BITM, Shri Subhabrata Chaudhuri; Chief Guest Shri Sutirtha Bhattacharya, IAS (Retd.), Former Chairman & Managing Director, Coal India Limited; Guests of Honour Shri Gautam Dhar, Former Executive Director, Coal India Ltd.; Shri T. K. Nag, Former CMD, Northern Coalfields Limited and Shri Vijay Sagar, Media Advisor to Chairman, Coal India Limited – this ticketed facility will be open to visitors for fixed-time demonstrations during Museum hours – within 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, on all days, including weekends and holidays, except on Diwali and Holi. About 120 students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ballygunge and Behala Sarada Vidyapith for Girls were taken on a maiden tour of the facility during the inaugural session.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

In collaboration with

ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY

Eastern India Section 

presents

24^th NIROPROVA MEMORIAL LECTURE

The Elusive Aliens

A Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Delving on the systematic and scientific search for Earth-like planets, whilst celebrating the rare astronomical and geological coincidences that enabled life to evolve on Earth,  Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata, in collaboration with Royal Society of Chemistry (Eastern India Section) presents the 24th Niroprova Memorial Lecture, titled ‘The Elusive Aliens’.

Prof. Sujan Sengupta, Senior Professor, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru and Visiting Professor of Physics, Ashoka University, Sonepat, Haryana, will lead the discussion. Prof. Sengupta was one of the signatories, along with the late Prof. Stephen Hawking, Prof. Frank Drake, Prof. Kip Thorne, et al., of the Breakthrough Initiatives project – a suite of space science programs investigating the fundamental questions of life in the Universe.

The session is due to be attended by around 350 students and teachers from PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Ishapore; Loreto Day School, Elliot Road; Apeejay School, Park Street; South Point Institute; Serampore Girls High School; Taltala High School; St. James School, Kolkata; St. Xaviers’ Institution, Ruiya; St. Augustine’s Day School, Kolkata; Kamala Chatterjee School for Girls; Garbalia R. C. Manna Institution (H. S.); Bandipur Ideal Academy for Girls; Ranaghat Bharati High School; Lions Calcutta Greater Vidya Mandir and Uzirpukuria High School. The lecture will be live streamed on the BITM YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/kOo6hPBy9NA.

Together, through a thorough and informed discussion, we hope to graduate to the galactic scale, learn the secrets of seeking other forms of life, and in the process, discover more deeply who WE are.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

presents live-demonstration of

Achieving of L1 Point

by ISRO Aditya-L1 Solar Satellite

January 06, 2024; 3:00 pm onwards

To mark the occasion of ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission – the first space-based observatory class Indian solar mission – reaching its final destination, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in Kolkata – the first science museum in the country under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India – invites students and general audiences to witness the live-demonstration of this event at the Museum.

Aditya-L1 will join more than four active spacecraft at the first Lagrange point – a nearly stable region in the gravitational field between Earth and the Sun, at approximately 1% of the Earth-Sun distance. Once Aditya-L1 reaches this “parking spot” it will be able to orbit the Sun at the same rate as the Earth. From this vantage point it will be able to watch the Sun constantly, even during eclipses and occultations, and carry out scientific studies. The orbiter carries seven scientific instruments which will observe and study the solar corona (the outermost layer); the photosphere (the Sun’s surface or the part we see from the Earth) and the chromosphere (a thin layer of plasma that lies between the photosphere and the corona).

After lift-off on 2 September, 2023 the spacecraft went four times around the Earth before escaping the sphere of Earth’s influence on 30 September 2023. The radiation, heat and flow of particles and magnetic fields of the Sun constantly influence the Earth’s weather. They also impact the space weather where nearly 7,800 satellites, including more than 50 from India, are stationed. Aditya-L1 mission is expected to help scientists understand solar activity, such as the solar wind and solar flares, and their effect on Earth and near-space weather in real time.

At BITM, the session will be supplemented with exhibition on orbit of Aditya-L1, demonstration on the Sun and its layers and slide-show on Solar Physics – to be conducted for students and interested audiences, from 03:00 pm at the premises.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

presents

Eastern India Science & Engineering Fair 2024

January 09 -12, 2024

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India popularizes science & technology among the students, strives to create a scientific temper in the society and supplement formal science education with discovery-based learning of science in order to nurture creativity in students. With this aim in mind, BITM had started the Eastern India Science Fair (EISF) in 1975. Since then it has been the most popular annual event organized by this museum. Overwhelming response from the schools of eastern India and general public to EISF has encouraged us to broaden our domain and start the Science and Engineering Fair (SEF) in 2002. Both these fairs now act as a platform for the students of eastern India to bring out their scientific creativity in form of innovative models & projects and present it to a large audience coming from different states.

The Eastern India Science Fair (EISF) and Science & Engineering Fair (SEF) is the biggest show of innovative science models/exhibits by school students of Eastern India. It provides a unique platform for showcasing the creative potential in our youth. This four day long mega event brings students, teachers, parents, scientists, technologists, industrialists and common people together on a single meeting ground for a rewarding intellectual, social and cultural interaction. The Science Fair is a multi-tier competitive event conducted first in District Level, then in State level and finally, in the Interstate level in Eastern India. Students up to class XII are eligible for participation- either individually or in-groups of two – with their models and exhibits from schools. EISF is organized in collaboration with the SCERT and Education Depts. of all the Eastern Indian States; NCERT, New Delhi and Dept. of Youth Services, Govt. of West Bengal. In the Engineering Fair, college students, selected by their respective colleges, get direct entry.

The 47^th Eastern India Science Fair (EISF) along with 21^st Science & Engineering Fair (SEF) was organized at BITM, Kolkata, during January 09-12, 2024, based on the following theme:

Main theme: Science and Technology for Society

Sub-themes:

1. Health
2. LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
3. Agriculture
4. Communication and Transport
5. Computational Thinking

Programme Schedule of EISF 2024

Inauguration: January 09, 2024 at 3:00 pm

Chief Guest –

Prof. Abhijit Chakrabarti

Former Vice Chancellor, Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Chairman, Executive Committee, BITM

Guests of Honour –

• Tapas Chakraborty

Vice Chancellor, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal

• Shri A, D, Chowdhury

Director General, National Council of Science Museums

• Shri S. Kumar

Deputy Director General, National Council of Science Museums

Exhibition Hours:

January 09, 2024 – 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

January 10 to 11, 2024 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

January 12, 2024 – 10:00 am to 3:30 pm

Valediction & Prize Distribution: January 12, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Chief Guest –  

Prof. Susanta Kumar Chakraborty

Vice Chancellor, Vidyasagar University

Guests of Honour –

• Rajib Bandyopadhyay

Department of Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering, Jadavpur University

• Krishnendu Sarkar

Director, NSHM Knowledge Campus

• Mrs, Ritu Singh

Regional Manager, State Bank of India

84 models and 26 projects by around 280 students from 84 schools and 17 colleges were showcased at the BITM premises during the period. Participants included winners from Bihar, Odisha, Sikkim and West Bengal. Besides the Science Exhibition, Quiz-Contest, Meet-the-Scientists and Science-Shows were organized for all participants during the period.

Divine Light Public School, Sheikhpura, Bihar and Army Public School, Sukna, Darjeeling, West Bengal were adjudged State-Best Model Winners. The J. C. Bose Trophy for the Best Individual Exhibit was awarded to Government High School, Koraput, Odisha. The P. C. Ray Trophy for the best Team Model was won by Singhik Secondary School, Mangan, Sikkim. The Best Project Scholarship of the Science & Engineering Fair 2024 was awarded to RCC Institute of Information Technology, Kolkata. Winner of the Best Applied Technology Project was Ramkrishna Mahato Government Engineering College, Purulia.

The Fair was supported by The Neotia University, Ashok Hall Group of Schools, EIILM, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, JIS Group, NSHM Knowledge Campus, P. C. Chandra Group and State Bank of India.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

presents launch of

Exhibition

Cracking the Science Nobels 2023

3D Film

Fly Me to the Moon

Popular Lecture

সুস্থ দেহ ও প্রশান্ত মন : খাদ্য এবং শারীরিক কার্যকলাপের গুরুত্ব

Healthy Body and Peaceful Mind: The Importance of Diet and Physical Activity

January 15, 2024; 11:00 am onwards

The average human measures one-hundredth of one-septillionth (10^-24) the size of the observable universe and lives for a couple octillion (10²⁷) attoseconds. We are thus stuck in the middle of two extremes of the cosmos – independent from the scale at which the most important processes in nature unfold. No wonder then that gauging the space and pace of research observations related to the Nobel Prizes 2023, awarded in Physiology or Medicine, Physics and Chemistry is no mean job. The exhibition ‘Cracking the Science Nobels 2023’ plays with analogies, comparisons and contrast whilst celebrating the awarded research – all of which are a constant reminder that there’s still plenty of room at the bottom.

‘Fly Me to the Moon’ was one of the first animated features created expressly for 3-D. This follows three young flies who set off on a courageous mission to become the first insects on the moon by hitching a ride on the historic Apollo-11 space flight. What happens thereafter is the crux of this 17-minutes adventure story.

Stressing on the importance of Diet and Physical Activity, Prof. Asim K. Duttaroy, Group Leader, Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway and Member, Nobel Prize Selection Committee for Physiology or Medicine will be delivering a Popular Lecture titled ‘সুস্থ দেহ ও প্রশান্ত মন : খাদ্য এবং শারীরিক কার্যকলাপের গুরুত্ব’.

Starting January 15, 2024, the Exhibition and 3D Film will be available to all visitors of BITM, Kolkata. Additionally, the Popular Lecture will be livestreamed and shall be available to all at https://youtu.be/dbQlBWGJPg4.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

in collaboration with

Department of Youth Services & Sports, Govt. of West Bengal

&

Kolkata Municipal Corporation

presents

Kolkata District Student-Youth Science Fair 2023-24

January 29 -30, 2024

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India popularizes science & technology among the students, strives to create a scientific temper in the society and supplement formal science education with discovery-based learning of science in order to nurture creativity in students. With this aim in mind, BITM, in association with Department of Youth Services & Sports, Govt. of West Bengal & Kolkata Municipal Corporation presents ‘Kolkata District Student-Youth Science Fair 2023-24’.

To be organized at BITM, Kolkata during January 29-30, 2024, the Fair will be based on the following theme:

Main theme: Science and Technology for Society

Sub-themes:

1. Health
2. LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
3. Agriculture
4. Communication and Transport
5. Computational Thinking

Programme Schedule

Inauguration: January 29, 2024 at 11:30 am

Exhibition Hours:

January 29, 2024 – 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm

January 30, 2024 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Valediction & Prize Distribution: January 30, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Participants would include students from Secondary, Higher Secondary and Undergraduate Levels of schools and colleges in Kolkata. Around 30 models will be showcased at the BITM premises during the period. Winners will be eligible to participate in the West Bengal State Student-Youth Science Fair 2023-24, to be held at Salt Lake Stadium during February 08-09, 2024.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

presents

Popular Lecture

Uncovering Space Weather – From Sun to the Earth

February 22, 2024

Daily weather forecast is one of the oldest practices, dating back to the 18th century. With the beginning of the space age in the 20th century, the exploration of space weather was initiated. Space weather differs from the planetary weather originating in a planetary atmosphere. Space weather originates at the Sun and is primarily driven by solar activity.

The Popular Lecture ‘Uncovering Space Weather – From Sun to the Earth’, delivered by Dr. Sanchita Pal, NASA Postdoctoral Fellow, Heliophysics Science Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, deals with space weather’s beginnings at the Sun, its effects on Earth, and propagation from the Sun to Earth. Discussions include the process, current developments, and opportunities in space weather predictions.

Organized by the Astronomy Club, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata on February 22, 2024, the session was attended by over 250 students from the Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search and Rabindra Balika Vidyalaya. Additionally, the Popular Lecture was live-streamed and is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/cHVFJ-V3rX0.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

commemorates

National Science Day

February 27-29, 2024

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India popularizes science & technology among the students, strives to create a scientific temper in the society and supplement formal science education with discovery-based learning of science in order to nurture creativity in students.

As a part of commemoration of National Science Day 2024, Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata intends to organize a series of Popular Science Lectures in English and/or Bengali, during 27 – 29 February, 2024 at the BITM premises. To be delivered by stalwarts in their respective fields, these interactive sessions are meant to provide fascinating insights into Conservation of Biodiversity, Scientific Research and Applications in Physics, Chemistry and Opportunities in Space Sciences.

On Day-1, Interactive Session ‘Save Bees – Save our Biodiversity’ with Dr. Saikat Kr. Basu, Executive Research Director, PFS, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada will be featuring workshop on bee conservation, education & awareness for children – to be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/mO2L-gY41Zw on February 27, 2024; 11:00 am onwards.

On Day-2, in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry, Eastern India Section, Popular Talk ‘The Well-kept Promise – A Journey to Cherish’ on the story of discovery of Raman Effect and Sir C. V. Raman’s Nobel Prize winning research, will be delivered by Dr. Aniruddha Ganguly, Academic Faculty, Dept. of Chemistry, Scottish Church College, Kolkata – to be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/iLLoWCIyudM on February 28, 2024; 11:00 am onwards. This will be followed with screening of BITM documentary ‘Characterizing Colour-Sir C. V. Raman at Work’ and Open-House Quiz on ‘Indian Scientists’.

On Day-3, in association with United States Consulate General Kolkata, Popular Talk ‘A Session with NASA Scientist Dr. Swati Mohan – Her Personal Journey’, by Dr. Swati Mohan, Mars 2020 Guidance, Navigation & Controls Operations Lead, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California – will be held at the BITM premises and will also be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/xWebNPVAjpQ on February 29, 2024; 10:30 am onwards.

The sessions will be attended by registered students from Santoshpur Rishi Aurobindo Balika Vidyapith, Jodhpur Park Boys’ School, The New Horizon School, Ruby Park Public School, Naktala High School, Army Public School, PM Shri K V Ballugunge and Patha Bhavan.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

in collaboration with

WWF-India

commemorates

World Wildlife Day

March 03, 2024

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India popularizes science & technology among the students, strives to create a scientific temper in the society and supplement formal science education with discovery-based learning of science in order to nurture creativity in students.

World Wildlife Day 2024 (WWD2024) intends to investigate digital innovation’s potential to support wildlife conservation, sustainable wildlife commerce, and human-animal coexistence in an increasingly interconnected world. The digital divide is gradually narrowing, with improved connection and internet access reaching 66% of the world’s population. However, around 2.7 billion people still remain offline and not comfortable to practice online improvisation. Although technological innovation has made animal conservation more effective and precise, uneven access, environmental contamination, and unsustainable implementations of technologies continue to be key concerns in reaching universal digital inclusion by 2030.

WWD2024 provides a venue for intergenerational exchange and youth empowerment through art, presentations, and discussions about the possibilities for a sustainable future in digital wildlife conservation. As a part of commemoration of WWD 2024, BITM, Kolkata, in collaboration with WWF-India will be hosting an exciting line-up of events connecting people and planet – on March 03, 2024.

Featuring:

* Digital Poster Presentation

* Inauguration of Raptor Exhibition ‘WingsOfWonder’

* Story-Telling Session

* PopularTalk by Dr. Kuladeep Roy, Assistant Manager, WWF-India

The sessions will be available to registered students and interested audiences – live at the BITM premises or online at https://www.youtube.com/birlamuseum.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

commemorates

International Women’s Day

March 08, 2024; 11:00 am

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India popularizes science & technology among the students, strives to create a scientific temper in the society and supplement formal science education with discovery-based learning of science in order to nurture creativity in students.

Inspiring inclusion and recognizing the invaluable contributions of Women in Science globally, this International Women’s Day, BITM, Kolkata will be hosting an interactive session ‘The Journey to Green Chemistry’ – an experiment-backed narration of the evolution of Chemistry into Green Chemistry – by Dr. Kamalika Sen, Assistant Professor, Department of   Chemistry, University of Calcutta.

This will be followed up with the Open-House Quiz ‘Women of Wonder’ – visual quiz on the Life and Work of Women Scientists and Film show ‘Women in Science who Changed the World’.

The sessions will be available to registered students from Mattrix Modern School, Beleghata Deshbandhu Girls’ High School, Agrasain Balika Siksha Sadan, New Horizon School, La Martiniere for Girls and Mitra Institution – live at the BITM premises and online at https://www.youtube.com/BirlaMuseum.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

and

PROF. J. J. GHOSH FOUNDATION

jointly commemorate

World Health Day

April 08, 2024; 11:00 am

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India popularizes science & technology among the students, strives to create a scientific temper in the society and supplement formal science education with discovery-based learning of science in order to nurture creativity in students.

Taking the opportunity to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, Prof. J. J. Ghosh Foundation and BITM will jointly commemorate this World Health Day with Popular Lecture ‘Towards a Healthier Future’ by Dr. (Prof.) Sujoy Ghosh, Dept. of Endocrinology, IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata. This will be followed by an Open-House Quiz on ‘My Health, My Right’, celebrating the theme for World Health Day 2024.

The sessions will be available to over 270 registered students from Nabajatak Vidyabhaban for Girls, Behala Girls’ High School (H.S.), Birla High School, Mukundapur, Children’s Welfare Association High School for Girls’ (H.S.), Bidya Bharati Girls’ High School, Modernland Girls’ High School, Beltala Girls’ High School, Agrasain Balika Vidyalaya, PM SHRI KV Ballygunge, Techno India Group Academia – South Kolkata, Techno India Group Public School – Konnagar, and Delhi Public School, Ruby Park – live at the BITM premises and online at https://www.youtube.com/BirlaMuseum.

BIRLA INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

(A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India)

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kolkata – 700019

presents

Astro Nights

April 19 to 21, 2024; 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India popularizes science & technology among the students, strives to create a scientific temper in the society and supplement formal science education with discovery-based learning of science in order to nurture creativity in students.

Astro Nights sessions at BITM celebrates the inherently democratic sky. It’s accessible — in principle anyway, by anyone, everywhere —  just simply by the act of looking up. In the last few years, there has been a surge of beautiful night sky images popping up all over the web. In a day and age, when many of us live in large cities and most people have never even seen the Milky Way, these photos bring to life a part of the world that has nearly been lost. They make us look twice and wonder – what goes on up there?

Featuring Daily:

• EXHIBITION – Wonders of the Universe
• OPEN-HOUSE QUIZ – Space Science
• SKY-WATCHING SESSION – Observation of Celestial Bodies through Telescopes *

Special Attractions:

April 19, 2024

POPULAR-SCIENCE LECTURE – Warped Space-Time Symphony & Gravitational Waves

by DR. RATNA KOLEY, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Presidency University

To be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/BirlaMuseum

April 20, 2024

VIRTUAL SIMULATION – Sky from Another Eye 

April 21, 2024

OPEN-AIR SCIENCE SHOW – Spectacular Space

Entry is open to all and free after 5:00 pm.

*Sky-Watching Session is subject to clear sky

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kol-700019

Press Release

WEST BENGAL STATE SCIENCE SEMINAR-2024

Topic – Artificial Intelligence: Potentials & Concerns

September 20, 2024; 10:00 am onwards

The National Science Seminar (NSS) for school students is the most impactful and popular nationwide annual event organized by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, ever since 1982. The seminar involves the nation’s school-going youth in critically examining current S & T issues of importance for the society and sharing their own views on these issues with the student and scientific communities of the country.

In a run-up to the NSS-2024, the West Bengal State Science Seminar will be organized by Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), in association with the Dept. of Youth Services & Sports, Govt. of West Bengal and Royal Society of Chemistry, Eastern India Section, on September 20, 2024 (Friday), 10:00 am onwards. Topic of this year’s Science Seminar is:

Artificial Intelligence: Potentials & Concerns

कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता : संभाव्यता और सरोकार

কৃত্রিম বুদ্ধিমত্তা: আশা ও আশঙ্কা

For the inaugural session of the West Bengal State Science Seminar, the Chief Guest, a Siksha Ratna 2019 Awardee himself, Prof. Nitin Chattopadhyay, Dept. of Chemistry & Former Dean, Faculty of Science, Jadavpur University will deliver the Inaugural Address while Shri Prasanta Mandal, WBCS (Exe.), Joint Secretary, Dept. of Youth Services & Sports, Govt. of West Bengal and Prof. Sriparna Datta, Head, Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta and Vice President, Royal Society of Chemistry, Eastern India Section have consented to be the Guests of Honour.

After this inaugural session, participating students, winners of the District Level Science Seminar from all 23 districts of West Bengal, from classes VIII – X, will deliver a presentation of 6-minutes duration, with supporting charts and visuals, followed by 2-minutes question-answer session with the judges on this topic. They will be judged on the Scientific Content in Presentation, Fluency in Speech, Performance in Viva and Written Test along with Novelty in use of Visuals. Prof. Kumar Deb Banerjee, Dept. of Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering, Jadavpur University; Prof. Soumen Roy, Dept. of Physical Sciences, Bose Institute, Unified Academic Campus and Prof. Sankar De, Applied Nuclear Physics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics have consented to judge the participants. The winning student would represent West Bengal in the National Science Seminar 2024, due to be held on November 20, 2024 at Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai.

Birla Industrial & Technological Museum

A Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India

19A, Gurusaday Road, Kol-700019

Press Release

EASTERN INDIA SCIENCE DRAMA COMPETITION 2024-25

Theme – Science & Technology for the Benefit of Mankind

September 30, 2024; 10:00 am onwards

The National Science Drama Festival (NSDF), organized by the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India is an event where one can experience the extraordinary fusion of science and drama in delivering scientific knowledge to the community in an accepted and comprehensive manner. This event celebrates the power of drama to make complex concepts accessible, engaging and captivating audiences of all backgrounds.

NSDF showcases how drama can bring science to life through storytelling, dynamic performances, and creative stagecraft. By incorporating elements of theatre, such as dialogue and characterization, science dramas create relatable experiences that connect audiences to scientific ideas on an emotional level. The performances demystify scientific principles while entertaining and educating. They bridge the gap between the scientific community and public, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of science.

Annual Science Drama Competition is organized in the District, State and Eastern India levels by Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), a Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. School students from classes VI to X are eligible to participate & stage their dramas on a pre-decided scientific topic/issue of social significance. Winners at every stage move to the next higher level that ultimately culminates in the National Science Drama Festival.

In a run-up to the National Science Drama Festival 2024-25, the Eastern India Science Drama Competition 2024-25 will be organized by BITM, on September 30, 2024 (Monday), 10:00 am onwards. Theme of this year’s Science Drama Competition is ‘Science & Technology for the Benefit of Mankind’. Sub-themes include:

• Global Water Crisis
• AI & Society
• Modern Technology for Disaster Management
• Health and Hygiene
• Climate Change and its Impact

For the inaugural session of the Eastern India Science Drama Competition 2024-25, Shri Debdut Ghosh, Eminent Drama Personality & Veteran Film Actor has consented to be the Chief Guest. After the inaugural session, 07 participating teams – winners of the State Level Science Drama Competition 2024-25 from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal – will stage their Science Drama, in Hindi, Odia and Bengali, streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/birlamuseum. The Science Dramas will be judged on Presentation, Scientific Content & Effectiveness by Siksha Ratna 2019 Awardee, Prof. Nitin Chattopadhyay, Dept. of Chemistry & Former Dean, Faculty of Science, Jadavpur University; Prof. Siddhartha Chakraborty and Prof. Subhashis Halder, both from the Department of Drama, Rabindra Bharati University.

Top two winning teams will represent Eastern India in the National Science Drama Festival 2024-25, due to be held during December 27-28, 2024 at National Science Centre, New Delhi.