The Scientific Aptitude Assessment Exercise, a key event under the CSIR’s JIGYASA program, was held online on December 20, 2024. The event saw students from 37 constituent laboratories of CSIR participate in a large-scale scientific demonstration and experiment. This event marked a unique milestone as it was the first time that so many students participated in such an experiment simultaneously.
Inauguration of the Event
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Souvik Maiti, Director of the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi. During his address, Dr. Maiti emphasized the importance of education beyond textbooks. He stated, “Education is not only attained by reading textbooks or giving exams; going beyond textbooks and regular curriculum is also important.” He praised the event for providing students with practical skills that are crucial for their scientific development.
Introduction to the Event’s Theme
Dr. Beena Pillai, Chief Scientist at IGIB, introduced the theme of the event. She highlighted the significance of DNA, genomics, and molecular biology in various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare. Dr. Pillai cited Dr. Mitali Mukerji, a former Chief Scientist at CSIR-IGIB, as an example of a notable figure in human genomics and personalized medicine.
DNA Isolation Experiment
As part of the event, students were provided with DNA isolation kits and briefed about the protocol by Dr. Arya Sidharthan. She demonstrated the process of DNA isolation, after which approximately 550 students successfully isolated DNA from their saliva. The experiment was a major success, with students displaying enthusiasm and satisfaction after completing the task.
Address by Dr. Geeta Vani Rayasam
Dr. Geeta Vani Rayasam, Outstanding Scientist and Head of the CSIR-Human Resource Development Group (HRDG), thanked Dr. Souvik Maiti and the IGIB team for organizing the event. In her address, she highlighted CSIR’s role in both scientific technology development and human resource development. She encouraged students to think critically, go beyond textbooks, and engage in extracurricular activities, which would also help policymakers consider various student engagement initiatives.
Participation at CSIR-NIScPR
The event was also convened at CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), where students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Gole Market, along with their teachers, participated in the DNA isolation experiment. Ms. Pratibha, a key organizer, provided background knowledge and addressed students’ queries regarding the experiment.
Conclusion and Certificate Distribution
After the experiment, students were given a questionnaire to assess their performance in the Scientific Aptitude Assessment Exercise. Shri CB Singh and Dr. Suman Ray distributed participation certificates to the students. In his closing remarks, Shri CB Singh thanked all the participants and praised the efforts of the CSIR-IGIB, CSIR-JIGYASA team, and other volunteers.
About CSIR-NIScPR
CSIR-NIScPR is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. It specializes in science communication, policy research, and studies related to science, technology, and innovation. The institute publishes various journals, books, and reports on science and technology and conducts research on science communication, policy, and diplomacy.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. Who inaugurated the Scientific Aptitude Assessment Exercise under the CSIR JIGYASA program?
A) Dr. Beena Pillai
B) Dr. Arya Sidharthan
C) Dr. Souvik Maiti
D) Dr. Geeta Vani Rayasam
Answer: C) Dr. Souvik Maiti
2. What was the main focus of the event organized under CSIR JIGYASA?
A) Practical skills in DNA isolation
B) Understanding human genomics
C) DNA isolation from saliva
D) Science communication and policy research
Answer: C) DNA isolation from saliva
3. Which scientist’s work was cited by Dr. Beena Pillai during the event?
A) Dr. Souvik Maiti
B) Dr. Mitali Mukerji
C) Dr. Arya Sidharthan
D) Dr. Geeta Vani Rayasam
Answer: B) Dr. Mitali Mukerji
4. Where did the students from Kendriya Vidyalaya participate in the event?
A) CSIR-IGIB
B) CSIR-NIScPR
C) CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication
D) CSIR-HRDG
Answer: B) CSIR-NIScPR
5. What did Dr. Geeta Vani Rayasam emphasize in her address?
A) The importance of DNA isolation
B) The role of CSIR in scientific technology development and human resource development
C) The importance of genomics in agriculture
D) The need for critical thinking and extracurricular activities
Answer: B) The role of CSIR in scientific technology development and human resource development