Chennai :  Shell, one of the largest and most diversified international investors in India’s energy sector among all global integrated oil companies announced the winners of Shell Junior National Science Scholarship Examination 2013 at the felicitation ceremony today. Held in association with implementation partner British Council and knowledge partner National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), this year’s edition showed a remarkable increase in the number of schools that participated in this scholarship examination. Out of the 7000+ students who participated in the Scholarship examination, three lucky National Winners were selected from New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai namely Kushagra Juneja, Ameya Patwardhan and G Pradeep respectively. These National Winners were selected out of the 21 regional winners and received a cash prize of Rs. 125,000 each. In addition, 18 regional winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each.

The examination held on December 8, 2013 saw attendance of 7000+ students of class 9th and 10th standard from 450 schools across 7 cities – New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. The 90 minute examination comprised mainly objective type questions on science topics (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) and energy-related issues.

On the sidelines of Scholarship initiative, Shell India also launched a survey themed ‘Energy Sustainability & Conservation’ which was conducted with students alongwith Scholarship examination. Key findings of the survey were revealed today post felicitation of winners. The Survey triggered some very interesting findings highlighting youth’s awareness levels, challenges our country is facing from Energy sustainability perspective and how are they contributing in their own way to conserve energy.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Yasmine Hilton, Chairman, Shell Companies in India said, “We at Shell are committed to a better world and a better future for our children. As major players in the oil and gas industry globally, we’ve always been at the forefront of driving thought leadership in sustainability and best practices”.

“Shell Junior National Science Scholarship alongwith the survey play a key role in supporting such a trajectory. We thank British Council and the National Council of Science Museums for their efforts in this engagement. We hope that this endeavour helps in building awareness around criticality of the issues. Sensitizing the youth and getting them up to speed is the single initiative that can create ripples towards a sustainable future”, she added.

Mr. Richard Everitt, Director Education and Society, British Council said, “We are overwhelmed with the response received and the level of talent that we are able to connect with through this initiative which is into its second edition. It’s our pleasure to collaborate with Shell India yet again and we are sure that this association will lead to greater cultural relations and youth empowerment, which is a common goal for both British Council & Shell.”

In conjunction with the scholarship program, the mentor teachers of the National winners will also get an opportunity to visit UK for a week-long continuing professional development training. The 18 regional winners’ mentors will get an opportunity to attend a 3-day science enrichment workshop in India.

  Source :   B  Madhusudhanan