Mumbai : NES International School Mumbai – IB World School in association with South Asian IB Schools Association (SAIBSA) hosted the 8th edition of the NES International Science & Technology Festival. The annual event is especially designed for the young scientists and teachers of IB schools with the support and guidance of leading Science and Technology organizations such as BARC, TIFR, IIT Bombay and Nehru Science Centre.

The 8th NES International Science and Technology Festival offered unique exhibitions, competitions and activities with participants from all over the world at NES International School Mumbai – IB World School, Malabar Hill Road, Swapna Nagari, Mulund (West). On the day 1, the Kids displayed around200+ projects / working models on the theme “Science for Humanity”. Projects like Magnetic city, Eco home, Smart car park, Smart City, Robots and Machine, Solar Satellite, Brain Power, Smoke Transformer, Mumbai: A Smart & Sustainable Dream, Bermuda Triangle, Space Exploration and Pollution, Solar garden, Safe helmet, Fossil Fuels, Smart Dustbin, Ocean cleanup, Flood Detector were displayed by 812 students.

The event was graced by  Chief Guest Dr. Tom Hsu (MIT, Boston USA) with Dr. Arun Raaza (Swansea University UK) along with Distinguished Guests Dr. A. P. Jayaraman (Senior Nuclear Scientist, BARC) and Mr. Kaiser Dopaishi, President, SAIBSA and more.

Dr. Tom Hsu (MIT, Boston USA), while addressing the students shared, “It is you who have this responsibility to become future scientists and take science forward. We are living in a age of natural disasters and it’s time today’s generation takes some responsible  measures”.

The event also saw the Declaration of the year long activities on Periodic table and Release of the e-book ‘We are 118’, first time in the world much before the launch in Paris in Feb. Dr. Shivdas and Dr. Jayaraman have written the e book was launched at the  8th NES International Science and Technology Festival’ under the leadership of Dr. R Varadrajan, Founder President NES SVB group and Secretary. General SAIBSA

Dr. R Varadrajan, while welcoming the IB community to science festival 2019,  “Awakening of young scientists is necessary, only inventions by these young minds can change the world. An understanding of Science and a positive research approach amongst students encourages further innovation and motivates young minds to seek solutions for various economic, social and environmental challenges the world is facing today. We intend to create next generation leaders at science festivals like these”

Dr. Arun Raaza (Swansea University UK) added,  “Innovation should address local and global issues. Should be usable and commercially viable.”

Student Trisha Nair of Class MYP showcasing a working model with her group on ‘Bermuda Triangle’ shares, “This annual festival generates creative energy, collective scientific thinking and interaction among us students that enhances our further interest in science”. The  5 – day festival will host the Science Exhibition with working models by students from early years to Class 12.

The event marked the 1st anniversary of the NES STEAM RESEARCH CENTRE, the first of its kind in the country. To mark this occasion, the faculty and the students presented a research paper on the day.  The highlights of the festival this year include Science Challenge – DIY Science Magic Show and State-of-the-Art Robotics. The Teachers Seminar saw the teachers and faculties presenting their papers on ‘Technology based teaching practice adopted in the classroom’. The 3 winners for working models of sub junior group, junior group and senior group were NSS Hill spring International school, Pinnacle high International school and Smt. Sulochanadevi singhani International school respectively.

Other activities held were quiz competition, a scientific drawing & painting contest, a dance competition on space science, a Bio – Jewellery competition of designing Jewellery using ecofriendly and bio-degradable material, a Science Skit, Debate, Filmmaking, a NES National Science Quiz, NES International Youth Green Parliament.

“Promoting and encouraging research in existing as well as emerging technological domains would certainly facilitate economic and social growth in our country”, Kaiser Dopaishi, President SAIBSA. This International Science Festival like this has been at the forefront of revitalizing the interest of young technologically driven generation towards the fine world of Science and Technology.