The India-Mauritius STEM Week 2022, as part of the celebrations marking the 75 years of India’s Independence – ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, opened at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC), Bell Village.
A joint initiative of the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology and the High Commission of India, the event also marks the National Science Week 2021/2022 celebrations.
The opening ceremony was held in the presence of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, and the Acting High Commissioner of India, Mr Janesh Kain.
During the five-day event, a Science and Technology Exhibition will be held from 31 May 2022 to 04 June 2022. A series of lectures, webinars, and science-related activities will also be organised.
On this occasion, science kits were presented to four selected schools, namely Forest Side SSS, London College, Loreto College St Pierre, and Dr Maurice Cure State College.
In her keynote address, Vice-Prime Minister Dookun underlined that the event aims to raise awareness and increase the visibility of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives resulting from the collaborations between India and Mauritius.
She spoke of the importance of basic sciences adding that they contribute in dealing with crucial challenges in the field of energy, health, food security, and climate change hence the need to educate the youth and inspire them towards science and technology.
The event, she said, testifies the strong relationship existing between Mauritius and India adding that the latter’s support has been remarkable in various fields. Several projects in the field of STEM such as the Ebène Cybercity and Metro Express project have been realised with the assistance of India, she added.
She extended her gratitude to the Indian Government and looks forward to more STEM initiatives with this collaboration. The Vice-Prime Minister also urged the youth to work hand in hand to make use of optimum resources in the STEM and to find solutions for greater community.
With regard to science kits presented to schools, Mrs Dookun-Luchoomun indicated that the initiative will help promote science clubs in schools and inspire students to turn to creativity, innovation, and research.
For his part, the Acting Indian High Commissioner stated that STEM has always led to the path of development adding that challenges such as climate change and food security require more research and innovation in the field of science and technology. The event, he underlined, will inspire young students to take up STEM subjects and further encourage their overall development.
Speaking on the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, he indicated that the celebrations will portray India’s achievement over the decades and uphold the cooperation between Mauritius and India in the field of STEM.
