Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated Centre for Science Learning & Creativity (CSLC) established at cost of Rs. 11 Crore, near Shoghi in Shimla district. This state-of-the-art institution is a joint endeavor of HIMCOSTE and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and is equipped with 60 interactive science exhibits, thematic galleries, and informatics displays, all housed within the Institutional Block.
Fully funded by the state Government, this Centre would revolutionize science education, particularly for students hailing from rural background stated the Chief Minister. He evinced keen interest in the exhibits displayed at the centre, developed in collaboration with the National Council of Science Museums, and dedicated science educators and said that it was due to the unwavering commitment of the Government that such a centre has been developed in the State, the foundation stone of which was laid way back in 2014 during the congress regime.
The Chief Minister said that a modern Planetarium, set to be operational by the end of 2024, will play a pivotal role in promoting astronomical studies. It was due to the efforts of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the ‘Father of Information Technology and Telecom Revolution of India’, that rapid stride has been made in the IT sector across the country and besides India has emerged as a prominent player in the global IT sector. He said that the CSLC would kindle the curiosity in the young minds towards scientific studies enabling them to learn the modalities of science more effectively.
Furthermore, the students from Himachal Pradesh now need not to venture outside the state for pursuing scientific studies. A ‘Hall of Fame’ highlighting the accomplishments of the leading scientists of the country is also a one of its kind attraction. Additionally, the centre has also introduced a library and a YouTube studio. He said that the hostel facilities here will make possible for both the students and the teachers to dedicate much of their time in engaging themselves in science-related activities in an effective manner.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government was bringing major changes in the field of education, and the government’s intends to make Himachal the first literate state in the country in terms of ranking. He said that the State Government was taking steps to make the state self-reliant in the coming four years and Himachal Pradesh will become the most prosperous state in the country in next 10 years. The Chief Minister said that the State Government is actively implementing significant changes in the education sector, with results expected to become evident over time.
The government’s main objective is to propel Himachal Pradesh towards substantial progress. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also launched the official website of the Centre. The Chief Minister also honoured the winners in the Science Quiz and painting competition. St. Luke’s School Solan secured the top position in the quiz competition whereas Government Senior Secondary School Chotta Shimla was adjudged as second and JCB Public School, New Shimla bagged third place. In the senior painting category, Prerna from Government Model Girls Senior Secondary School, Portmore, clinched the first position, followed by Shreya Katoch of St. Luke’s School Solan as second and Navya Sohni and Ishita Sharma from St. Luke’s School Solan sharing the third spot.
In the junior category, Abhishek Kumar from GSSS Chotta Shimla emerged as the first-place winner, Luv Chauhan from GSSS Chotta Shimla secured second place, and Dhanvi of St. Luke’s School Solan was ranked third. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh thanked the Chief Minister for dedicating this center to the people in his assembly constituency. He said that this center would play an important role in nurturing the scientific talents of youth and fostering their curiosity for science. He said that the experiential learning in addition to book knowledge is essential for better understanding the subject.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena said that this program realizes the vision of former Prime Minister’s Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi for promoting science in modern India. He said that the center would become a significant tourist attraction as well. Earlier, Special Secretary Revenue, DC Rana welcomed the Chief Minister and briefed about the centre. ICICI bank Zonal Head, Haminder Gujral presented papers to the Chief Minister for building 20 foot over-bridges for rural connectivity along with 4 Gorkha Vehicles and 4 Bolero campers for assisting in disaster relief efforts in Kullu and Mandi districts in association with ICICI Foundation.
The bank also contributed 2 Gorkha Vehicles for Shimla district and one Hearse Van for Kangra district. Furthermore, it also contributed 1 KW off-grid solar systems each in 2 border villages of Lahaul and Spiti which would ensure continuous electricity. Chief Executive Officer, Rajesh Gupta and Director Hemant Popli of Sharnagat construction Company presented a cheque of Rs. 5 Lakh to the Chief Minister towards Aapda Rahat Kosh on the occasion. Additional Secretary Environment and Science, Satpal Dhiman, Chancellor of Shoolini University, Prof. PK Khosla and other dignitaries were also present.
