The Royal Society of Chemistry India and Salters Institute, UK conducted a three-day residential Chemistry Camp for Class IX students at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar from June 20 – 22, 2017. The Camp was inaugurated by Prof. Sudarshan Nanda, Professor of Eminence & Research Chair, KIIT University and Prof. B. K. Patel, HAG Professor & Head, Department of Chemistry, IIT Guwahati. This is the first time that theSalters Chemistry Camp was conducted in Odisha.
The aim of the Salters Chemistry Camps is to promote appreciation for chemistry by providing school students from diverse backgrounds, an opportunity to explore practical chemistry and inspire them to pursue chemistry at university and further. Around 60 school students from various parts of Odisha participated in the residential Camp, that infused fun in learning chemistry and motivated students to develop both – an awareness of and a long-term interest in chemical sciences.
The Salters’ Chemistry Camps India, part of the “Inspirational Chemistry Programme” project, is supported by Dr. Yusuf Hamied, Non-executive Chairman, Cipla, a leading Indian philanthropist and pioneer in the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Hamied has committed Rs. 8 crore for this five-year programme which includes training of the school teachers as well.
Along with conceptual theory classes by legendary chemists, the Salters Chemistry Camp provided an action-packed programme including hands-on practical activities in University labs, exciting chemical demonstrations, the chance to meet like-minded students, and a taste of hostel life in the University. Importantly, the camp activities were delivered in the local language, Odia.
The students were encouraged to handle the chemistry practicals in presence of six teacher-mentors, six demonstrators and six research students, who introduced them the finer aspects of the subject. In addition, they were inspired by the informative presentations by Prof. B. K. Patel, Dr. C. S. Purohit, NISER, Bhubaneswar and Dr. Sabita Nayak, Revenshaw University. The programme also included visit to Planetarium, National Museum and Science Park, Bhubaneswar.
The student participants and their guardians expressed gratitude to Ms. Bhakti Dhamdhere, Coordinator, Salters’ Chemistry Camp and Dr. Anita Pati, Local Coordinator for organizing such an educative, informative and inspiring camp for the students.