Sevalaya in its major initiative has opened a state-of-the-art science centre in its campus on 29th January 2016. This initiative is aimed to benefit mainly the rural poor. The facilities will be offered totally free of cost to all students, youth drawn not only from Sevalaya school, also meant to help the students of 41 villages from the vicinity and beyond this extended to several other schools in the state.
It is pertinent to make a special mention Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, who served as president of India was a genius in science and research. As a scientist he made monumental contributions to the science world. His ambition and never ending quest was that poor children, particularly from rural background should developed in depth knowledge right from infant standards and eventually more scientists to be developed in the country. In order to give shape to his well meaning dreams Sevalaya has started the science centre and it has been named after him.
Sevalaya as a responsible NGO is greatly concerned on the students knowledge level has been in low ebb, due to the fact there very efforts are confined just in scoring marks. Therefore Sevalaya has determined to create greater interest in science subject which can eventually produce scientists, on the lines Dr Kalam visualized.
The innovative initiative seeks to develop practical knowledge in the subject, beyond the scope of text book curriculum. Sevalaya reiterates that it is a proud moment for Sevalaya. For it has been named after Dr Abdul Kalam, a great son of the soil, hailed from a village background, rose to such a great height and achieved for the science world.
The Science Centre was inaugurated by Mr. Page Pierre, Philanthropist, from Switzerland. Sevalaya gratefully acknowledge all his contributions for the past several years. Impressed by Sevalaya’s services and activities, Mr. Page has been continually supporting all of Sevalaya’s projects. Dr. Daniel Oyon, Academician & Consultant, Page Pierre Foundation, Switzerland, also participated and graced the occasion.
Participation of Chief Guests :
Speaking on the occasion Dr Daniel Oyon talked about the importance of education in uplifting lives and the ability to develop competencies and skills so that the acquired knowledge may be successfully applied in solving problems in life. He lauded Sevalaya`s contribution in this regard and felt that the Science centre was another positive step in this direction. The chief guest Mr. Page Pierre talked about the recent floods and praised the initiatives taken by Sevalaya in reaching out to provide relief. He said that apart from gaining knowledge a person should be able to take this lead when calamities occur and do the needful in a systematic, organized manner. He was sure that students of this organization would surely imbibe these qualities and felt happy to inaugurate this lab which would help many rural students to understand science better. Mr Lakshmi Narayanan CEO, CTS who was also present at the function spoke about understanding science in daily life, developing curiosity behind the various things we absorb in nature and cultivating a scientific temperament. Mr Valentin Oyon, Mr Patrick Oyon , Mr Immanuel Alphonse (Manager for Junior Achievement India) were also present at the function. Earlier the students presented a cultural programme and Mr. Page Pierre presented books to Sevalaya staff who were celebrating their birthdays this month and released the monthly hand written manuscript VIDIYAL prepared by the students.
Mr V Muralidharan (Founder and Managing Trustee Sevalaya) welcomed the gathering and Mr. Amarchand Jain proposed vote of thanks.