Sastragramam (Science-Village) Project

Sastragramam Project- a science popularization programme for enlightening the young minds

Sastragramam’ (science-village) project, a novel venture of Newman College taken up under the initiative of the Department of Physics, envisages spreading the message of science at the grassroots level. The programme with the help of modern communication devices introduces the latest developments in science and technology to the children with the aim of enhancing their scientific temper. This will enable the children to ascribe the values of responsible citizenship and rational thinking.

The Sastragramam project connotes “taking Science to the Villages”. It is implemented in collaboration with the “Kudumbashree mission” –a project of the Government of Kerala. The first Phase of the programme is carried out in the remote villages of Idukki District where the educational and other basic facilities are lacking. The inauguration of this unique science popularisation programme was done during the meeting of the Kudumbashree trainers conducted at Munnar on the 23rd of April, 2009.

Kudumbashree, the State Poverty Eradication Mission, is launched by Government of Kerala with the active support of Government of India & NABARD for wiping out absolute poverty from the state. The empowerment of women through community-based organizations is the first and foremost objective of the mission. Balasabhas (gathering of children) are grass root level groups of the children of BPL families organized under the umbrella of the Kudumbashree units. Balasabhas provide an ideal atmosphere for informal learning. They also supplement services required for the proper development of children. The ultimate aim is to emancipate the young generation of the BPL families from the vicious circle of poverty by encouraging them to learn. Balasabhas conduct summer camps during April-May to provide training for the overall development of the children. The activities of the Kudumbashree mission in Idukki district are effectively coordinated by Mr. Venugopal.(www.Kudumbashree.org)

The International Year of Astronomy-2009
.
The Sastragramam project has Astronomy as the core theme for the current year’s science popularization activities. This is because 2009 has been declared the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) by the United Nations and The International Astronomical Union (IAU), to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first ever use of a Telescope by Galileo for observing the skies.

“Universe, yours to Discover” is the slogan for the International Year of Astronomy celebrations which are conducted throughout the world. The involvement of public and children in activities which unravels the mysteries of the skies has been the important stress of the whole programme of celebrations which involve classes, demonstrations, sky watch, lab visits and short projects. The celebration in India is spearheaded under the efficient leadership of Padmashree Prof. Thanu Padmanabhan of the Inter University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune. Newman College has great pleasure in joining the efforts of the Indian Astronomy community in celebrating the IYA.

The Sastragramam project was kick-started on the 28th of April 2009 with the awareness classes in Astronomy during the Balasabha camp at Edavetty Panchayath. Dr. Joe Jacob and Prof. Ravi. K. Pillai, Faculty members of the Department of Physics of the College, visited various Balasabha camps arranged by the Kudumbashree in many of the remote villages and have taken science awareness classes for them. The project hitherto covered 11 Grama Panchayaths (Edavetty, Kudayathoor, Kanjikuzhy, Vathikkudy, Mariapuram, Upputhara, Erattayar, Peruvanthanam, Arakulam, Chakkupallam, and Vandanmedu) in the months of April and May 2009 itself benefiting as many as 1500 children of 10-15 age group. It could also identify some of the very bright children who showed extraordinary skill and interest in the topic, as evidenced by their very relevant and intelligent questions. Prizes were distributed to children who showed such a spark of brilliance.

The Basic ideas on Sun, Stars, Galaxies and Quasars, the advantages of astronomy to the mankind, history of development of Astronomy, Indian Astronomy scenario, famous Indian telescopes and major discoveries and the Astrosat project, were selected as the main themes for the classes. The classes on interesting and amazing phenomena in the sky and how to study them are designed with the help of pictures and short movies, specifically to make them appealing for the child population in Balasabhas ranging from fifth to tenth standard. The principle of “Imparting knowledge through entertainment” has been the motto of the Sastragramam project. The project aims at finding science prodigies from among the marginalized families and giving them proper guidance in achieving professional heights befitting their talents.

The second phase of the Sastragramam project envisages conducting science quiz, essay contest and sky watching programmes for the children. The project has planned to select students from the villages according to their performance and to conduct a workshop on Telescope making at Newman College, Thodupuzha during September 2009. Visits to the Planetariums, Science Museums and famous telescopes form a part of this future phase. Programmes for sustained support for these talented children are also being contemplated.

The Vision

It is hoped that the project will catapult into the evolution of a science village which is the final phase of the project. This phase will see the transformation of an entire village into one in which all individuals living there are oriented towards a scientific way of life. What is envisaged is a village in which all are adhered to certain scientific values like protection of environment, conservation of energy, use of solar energy, rain water harvesting, organic farming, afforestation, eco-friendly houses, social and gender justice etc. The activities oriented towards this goal will be coordinated during the coming years with the co-operation of other Departments.

The project stands testimony to the ideal of campus community partnership that Newman College is committed to, in its march towards greater service to humanity.

Leia Mais…

Media Response

The Hindu , Mathrubhoomi and Mangalam dailies have reported the programme.

Leia Mais…

The Venues

Phase I is being implemented in Idukki, one of the backward districts in Kerala.

The programmes had already been conducted at Edavetty, Kudayathoor, Kanjikuzhy and Vathikudy villages.

Programme scheduled to be conducted at Manakkadu, Kodikkulam, Peruvanthanm,Rajakkadu, Shanthanpara, Mariapuram,
Pampadumpara, Vandenmedu, Chakkupallam during May ’09.

Leia Mais…

Audience &Theme

The audience : School children from 5th to 10th
standard who are members of the Village
Balasabha.

Theme: Amazing astronomy - The development of astronomy through
ages, advantages of astronomy to common
man, the Indian astronomy research scenario,
Famous Indian Telescopes and major discoveries,
Astrosat project, basic ideas on Stars, Galaxies,
Quasars etc. are the themes for the classes.

Leia Mais…