Praj, MVP tie-up to propagate science at rural schools

Praj Industries and Marathi Vidnyan Parishad (MVP) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for pursuing the programme “Science on Saturdays” to propagate science at rural schools in Maharashtra. The purpose of this programme is to give students an experimental learning experience to cultivate a strong liking for science. As part of this MoU, Praj will provide financial assistance to this initiative for the period of next three years.The majority of schools in the rural areas and even the Municipal schools in the Urban areas do not have adequate Laboratory infrastructure. As a result, students don’t get adequate exposure to performing experiments, which is the most essential element in studying science. The “Science on Saturdays” program was initiated to overcome this shortcoming, so more students are attracted to pursuing a science-based career.As part of this program, MVP through its Chapters selects certain schools, each of which selects a batch of about 40 students of sixth and seventh standard. On Saturdays, trained undergraduate students from the science stream, in an interactive participatory mode with school children, perform science experiments with a due explanation. As a result, school students have a better concept-level understanding of science fundamentals and its applications in everyday life. Hence Learning by Doing is the focal point of this activity.Prof JB Joshi, President of MVP said, “We are grateful to Praj for supporting Science on Saturday programme that we will be able to extend this to 200 more schools in Maharashtra. This is one of the very successful programs run by our institution at the school level. The programme receives overwhelming attendance not just from students but also from their parents and there has been marked improvement in their interest level in science subjects.” Speaking on the occasion, Dr Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman, Praj Industries, said, MVP is doing a commendable job for the past six decades to further the causes of science in education. We are very proud to associate with MVP in an initiative that aspires to ignite curiosity about science at a young age. We strongly believe experimental learning is the most effective way to inculcate a passion for science among students. This programme is aligned with our conviction that research in core sciences must thrive to facilitate Sustainable development.”Notably, eminent scientists like Dr Anil Kakodkar have endorsed this unique initiative in which college students facilitate the learning and education of school students using science experiments.