In order to cultivate a deeper interest and understanding in science
among undergraduate and graduate students and motivate them to take
science as career option, ‘Darwin Inspiring Science’, a project by
Department of Science and Technology (Govt of India) was launched by
Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences at
Postgraduate College for Girls, Sec 11 today.

Honourable Justice JL Gupta, Chief Justice (Retd) of Kerala High Court
was the chief guest. Justice Gupta appreciated the efforts of Shoolini
University, Solan in taking the lead to promote basic sciences as
career options among the youth of the nation. He further said, “The
science teaches us sense of enquiry and reasoning, which are essential
in our daily lives. Moreover, basic sciences provide the seeds of all
technologies and development of a nation”.

In his address Prof PK Khosla, Vice Chancellor of Shoolini University
said, “We want our students to know the importance of evolution in
agriculture, medicine, biodiversity conservation and biotechnology and
to popularize the theory of evolution and origin of species and their
effect on our life”. He lauded the various schemes of the Government
of India in promoting basic sciences.

Speaking on the occasion, the Guest of Honour Dr BP Singh, Advisor,
National Council for Science and Technology Communication, Government
of India explained the importance of motivational campaigns in
generating interest among the students and public on vital issues
affecting the society.

Mrs Achla Dogra, Principal, Postgraduate College of Girls, Sector 11
motivated the students for taking up scientific research as career.
She also assured all the facilities in her college for any future
student oriented awareness campaigns.

Professors SP Vij and IS Dua internationally renowned scientists
highlighted the contributions of Charles Darwin and importance of
basic sciences in their lectures.

The ‘Darwin Inspiring Science’ campaign is fully supported by
Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and
coordinated by Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management
Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh.

According to Dr JM Julka, National coordinator of his project, the
main objective of organising this event is to create mass awareness
among college students and teachers about Charles Darwin and his
contributions on the origin of species. Using Darwin as a symbol, this
campaign shall generate interest among students towards science.

In a paper reading contest on various science subjects held at PGCG on
the eve of kick start of the campaign, Prabhdeep bagged the first
prize, while Jaspreet, Prbhjyot and Gurleen got the second, third and
consolation prizes.

A set of 9 posters, a brochure and a documentary depicting the life of
Darwin and his contributions were also released on this occasion. A
documentary on the Life of Charles Darwin was also shown to the
audience.