Himachal Minister Rajesh Dharmani Attends Children’s Science Congress Closing Ceremony

The 33rd District-Level Children’s Science Congress concluded at Government Senior Secondary School, Dadhol, in the Ghumarwin Assembly constituency of Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh. Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani attended the closing ceremony of the two-day event as the chief guest.

During the programme, Minister Rajesh Dharmani praised the scientific models presented by students from various schools. He said the models reflected the students’ imagination, study and practical thinking. He said the Children’s Science Congress is a strong platform for promoting a scientific outlook, logical thinking, creativity and a spirit of innovation among students.

The minister said the models presented by the children showed their thinking about problems around them and possible solutions to those problems. According to him, this indicates that students are developing sensitivity towards society along with a scientific understanding.

He called upon the students to understand the problems around them, analyse their causes and move forward in the direction of finding solutions based on a scientific approach. He said science is not only a subject based on memorising facts. It is also a process of understanding the reasons hidden behind every event and situation.

Rajesh Dharmani said students should develop the curiosity to ask questions such as what, why, when and how. A scientific outlook encourages people not to accept any fact without checking and examining it, but to understand the logic and evidence behind it, he said. According to the minister, this curiosity later becomes the foundation for research, inventions and technological development.

He said most of the modern facilities used in human life today are the result of scientific research and technological development. He cited filtration, ultraviolet technology, ozone technology and reverse osmosis as examples of processes used in water purification.

The minister also referred to LED technology, which provides better lighting while consuming less electricity. In the medical field, he said, technologies such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI have expanded the possibilities of identifying and treating diseases.

The Technical Education Minister urged students to recognise their interests and abilities and choose future subjects and careers after careful consideration. He said students should not select subjects merely by following what others are doing. Instead, they should move forward according to their own curiosity, interest and ability.

Rajesh Dharmani also underlined the role of teachers in the education system. He said the role and commitment of teachers are important for improving the quality of education. He called upon teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity and independent thinking among students and to provide them with opportunities for practical knowledge.

He said students of government and private schools should be evaluated on the basis of fairness and merit. Talent is not limited to any particular school, he said, adding that every student should get equal opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.

The minister also stressed the need to increase students’ participation in science-related activities, quizzes and other competitions in every school. He described creative activities such as theatrical presentations as useful, saying these can help science-related information reach students who do not study science as a subject.

He further said initiatives such as mathematical Olympiads, quizzes, model exhibitions and activity corners play an important role in developing students’ talent. These activities, he said, can give students opportunities to express their understanding, strengthen their interest in science and improve their creative abilities.

Speaking about the growing use of artificial intelligence, or AI, Rajesh Dharmani said students should use it as a support tool. He said obtaining information through AI and using it to improve one’s work can be useful. However, he stressed that students must also understand the basic concepts of the subject.

The minister cautioned that depending only on technological tools could affect independent thinking, memory and problem-solving ability. He said the proper use of technology is one that increases a person’s knowledge and capabilities.

During the closing ceremony, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani also honoured the students who stood first. He extended his best wishes to them for participating in the upcoming state-level competition.

Before the ceremony, the minister closely inspected the models prepared by children from different schools. He also interacted with the students and encouraged them to continue moving forward.