HCL Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of HCL Technologies, organized the – Young Kalam Science Fest 2019 – Nurturing scientific temper for holistic growth.
The theme of the ‘Young Kalam Science & Cultural Fest’ was Science & Technology for a Sustainable Future which was organized on ‘National Science Day’ i.e. 28th February 2019 at HCL, Sector 126, Noida, today.
The event saw participation from 37 Government Schools in Noida where HCL Foundation is working in partnership with the District Administration to promote holistic development and improve learning outcomes of students.
Bal Mukund Prasad, Zila Basic Shiksha Adhikari, Gautam Buddha Nagar was the Chief Guest at the event, along with Nidhi Pundhir, Director HCL Foundation.
Government School students from Grade 4 to Grade 8 participated as per the following 3 categories: Category A (Class 4 & 5) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Promotion of culture and heritage; Category B (Class 6 & 7) – Sustainable Waste Management and Category C (Class 8) – Green Mobility, Green Energy.
Among 250 students and teachers from Government schools, finalists presented their models in front of the jury comprising of senior professor, Dr. Nishant Mishra, from Shiv Nadar University and senior science faculty from Government Senior Secondary Schools – Mrs. Sangeeta Chaudhary and Mrs. Radha Gupta, Assistant Teacher.
This fest was an opportunity for the young and talented students of Government Schools in Noida to explore, discover and nurture their curiosity, interest and passion in the field of STEM learning and be discovered as budding young scientists.
The models were evaluated basis the following criteria – Relevance to the theme, Representation of the theme, Innovation, Cost Effectiveness and Technology Integration.
HCL Foundation’s Urban CSR program “HCL Uday”, that brings together HCL volunteers, teachers, students, relevant government departments, neighboring communities and other stakeholders with a goal to achieve quality education across 120 Government Primary and Upper Primary schools in HCL locations pan India.
HCL Foundation has been investing in long-term sustainable and innovative, technology-led education for children and youth to enable learning that is inclusive, empowering and transformative. Enhancing the quality and delivery of STEM learning in underserved state schools is a core focus area of our program. Our approach is geared towards promotion of logic and creative problem-solving skills in students and creation of platforms where these students can nurture and showcase their learning and skills.
Speaking at the event, Nidhi Pundhir, Director – CSR and Head, HCL Foundation said,
The Young Kalam Science & Cultural Fest, organized in remembrance of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India on National Science Day, aims at investing in the science acumen of children coming from the underprivileged section of the society and provide them a platform from where they emerge as future scientists. Through our education initiatives, HCL Foundation strives to create a scientific attitude in children who will develop into sharp and observant individuals.”
“I am extremely delighted to see the phenomenal working science models that the students from the 37 Schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar that HCL Foundation has been working with, have demonstrated at the Science Fest. It is first of its kind attempt at Gautam Buddh Nagar where have had children from Government School, that too from elementary level, coming and participating and using science towards peace, growth and development, and trying to address the issue of waste management, water conservation and how we really bring about a change using science.” added Pundhir.
Bal Mukund Prasad, Zila Basic Shiksha Adhikari, Gautam Budh Nagar, who graced the occasion as the chief guest said,
The Young Kalam Science & Cultural Fest organized by HCL Foundation on National Science Day, has provided the students coming from the underprivileged section of the society with a platform and exposure to demonstrate their talent. We all take inspiration from the work that Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India, had done in the field of science and technology, and CV Raman, the first Indian to win Nobel prize in Physics. We have been working towards an education model which inspires and encourage young minds to take up science and grow professionally.”
