Fostering scientific social responsibility through corporate involvement is crucial for advancing education and innovation in India.

“We have successfully implemented 40 mega science labs and 450 mini science labs that have brought quality education to doorstep of school children in rural & urban Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Bangalore, and many other towns across India.”

By Ashutosh Pandit

The five days 104^th Indian Science Congress was organised at Tarakarama Stadium in Sri Venkateswara University of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh during January 3-7, 2017. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the gathering. This year the conference focuses on ‘Science and Technology for National Development’.

Government’s Commitment to Scientific Knowledge

Prime Minister emphasized that the government is committed to support the different streams of scientific knowledge from fundamental science to applied science with an emphasis on innovations.

Introduction of Scientific Social Responsibility

Realizing the need to change the way knowledge is imparted at the grassroot level, our honorable Prime Minister instituted the concept of ‘scientific social responsibility’. Underlining the need to inculcate the concept of ‘scientific social responsibility (SSR)’, akin to corporate social responsibility, Shri Modi put the impetus on corporates to actively participate in developing science and technology centres across India.

Corporate Contribution and Transforming Education

Since the inception of CSR, corporates have contributed significantly towards the cause of sustainable development which has benefitted the society as a whole. To ring in the next phase of progress, transforming the education system is important. With the concept of SSR, the idea is to increase the participation of corporates in developing educational system in India.

STEM Learning Initiatives

To make SSR a success, corporates can join hands with STEM Learning to develop science centres in schools across India. Science centre transforms learning from ‘words’ to ‘working models’. We develop interactive math & science working models that encourages students to understand and make Career in Science streams. Not just that, our Science Learning Models are also Syllabus mapped. It offers sustainable and accountable CSR solutions which add purpose and pride to corporate entities. We help ease corporate involvement by creating customized CSR vehicle that can make difference in lives of many. From sponsoring education to donating Science labs, possibilities are endless.

Successful Implementation and Maintenance

We have a team of expert academicians that have devised over 100 models and visual representations of core Math and Science concepts. We have successfully implemented 40 mega science labs and 450 mini science labs that have brought quality education to doorstep of school children in rural & urban Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, Bangalore, and many other towns across India. We not only develop and install Science Models, but also maintain them. We conduct Teacher Training Programs to impart Teachers with Knowledge on multiple concepts our Models help explain.

Emphasis on Practical Training

Shri Modi stressed on the need to develop skills and provide practical training to students rather than imparting bookish knowledge. He quoted “This will ensure that our youth get high-end training and exposure to the best of science and technology to make them job-ready in a competitive world”.

Importance of Interactive Science Centers

Interactive, entertaining and informative science centres help open a new dimension for children to watch-observe- question and learn. The experiments and models give the children a first-hand exposure to popular scientific theories and principles.

Equal Opportunity in Science Education

I strongly believe that India can be able to produce quality and talented manpower only when their will be equal and equitable opportunity for Science Education. Progress of nation and progress of science education is closely linked.

Corporate Involvement in PM Modi’s Vision

To help PM Modi’s vision come to life, corporates have to come forward and wholeheartedly volunteer towards SSR. Active participation of corporates will help enhance the capabilities of the next billion. Thus investing in education will reap rich rewards to corporates. In STEM, they have an able partner to ensure hassle free participation in their endeavor to change the landscape of education in India.