JAMMU: A Week-long "One Day as a Scientist" event for school students concluded today at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, in which about 650 students from schools of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh UTs got the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of various labs, experiments as well as interaction with the scientists.

During the week, students actively participated in lab demonstrations, interactive scientific sessions, and hands-on exposure to research practices at CSIR-IIIM. Day 1 commenced with immersive lab visits and scientist interactions; Day 2 focused on exploring the science DIY activities including science games and infographics by Dr Asha Chaubey, Senior Pr. Scientist & Head, FMB Division. On Day 3, students attended a lab safety session delivered by Dr. Ravi Shankar, Principal Scientist, followed by experiments in various divisions. Day 4 program, an awareness lecture on Antimicrobial Resistance was delivered by Dr. Avishek Mahapa, Senior Scientist in Infectious Diseases Division, followed by hands-on experience in labs and science quiz. Students also got the opportunity to interact with Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, discussing their observations, curiosities, and aspirations.

The session encouraged critical thinking and offered students insights into research as a career path. On Day 5, students from both Jammu and Branch Lab Srinagar engaged in science activities and enthusiastically interacted with scientists and research scholars.

A special lecture was also delivered by Dr. Ravail Singh, Senior Scientist, Plant Sciences and Agrotechnology division, on "Hidden Prospects of Oceans". Overall event was full of eager, enthusiasm and aptitude for scientific learnings throughout the week

Pertinently, inspired by the call of the Hon'ble Prime minister, Narendra Modi, during his 119th Mann Ki Baat address, wherein he emboldened the students to visit research laboratories, planetaria, space centres, and science institutions to nurture their curiosity and foster a scientific temperament, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, a premier research institute of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR) under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, GoI, organized a week long programme as ‘One Day as a Scientist' event from 21st July, along with other 37 CSIR labs/institutions throughout the country.

On Day 4, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Union Minster of Science and Technology, Govt. of India and Vice-President, CSIR was the Chief Guest and interacted with the students. The event was held in our sister lab CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi in hybrid mode.

In his address, Dr. Singh, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity among youth. He stated that science is not just a subject but a nation-building mission, and lauded the One Day as a Scientist (ODAS) initiative for fully filling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision-shared in Mann Ki Baat-into a national movement of scientific engagement.

In her address, Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR, GoI, appreciated the role of CSIR-IIIM in mentoring young scientific minds. She specifically acknowledged the achievements of Japteg Singh Bamrah, one of the winners of the Jigyasa EPIC Hackathon 2024, who received mentorship from CSIR-IIIM Jammu. She remarked, "Till now we only spoke about the lavender-based Purple Revolution from Jammu. But today, we are seeing the beginning of a new Jigyasa Revolution."

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, expressed pride and satisfaction in the institute's efforts to foster research-based learning and said that the programme has significantly contributed to nurturing scientific temperament among school students.

Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head, RMBD & IST Division, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, highlighted the importance of hands-on engagement and real-world problem-solving in science education.

The One Day as a Scientist (ODAS) programme was also organized at Branch Laboratory of CSIR-IIIM, Sanant Nagar, Srinagar which was coordinated by Dr. Khursheed Ahmed, Senior Principal Scientist.

The overall program was coordinated by Dr. Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist & Head, Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Division & Nodal Scientist, CSIR-Jigyasa Program, with the active support of the Heads of various divisions, staff members, research scholars and students.

The valedictory event was conducted by Dr. Vidhushi Abrol while as Poonam Choudhary presented the vote of thanks.