Amritsar govt schoolteacher selected for International Science Fest in Guwahati

Sanjeev Kumar, a vocational lecturer at Government Senior Secondary School, Jabbowal, has been selected for the prestigious India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024. The 10th edition of the event is set to take place in Guwahati, Assam, from November 30 to December 3, and Kumar will represent in the Vigyanika segment of the festival.

Vigyanika, also known as the International Science Literature and Film Festival, is a platform that celebrates innovative and creative approaches to science communication. It aims to promote public understanding of science through diverse mediums like literature, films, storytelling and digital presentations. Kumar’s selection in this category underscores his dedication to making science accessible and engaging for the masses.

The IISF, a flagship event of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is organised in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) and prominent scientific institutions like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The four-day event will host a variety of programmes, including scientific exhibitions, discussions, workshops and cultural performances, showcasing India’s advancements in science and technology. Participants from across the nation and abroad will converge to exchange ideas and celebrate the transformative power of science.

Speaking on his selection and participation in the Vigyanika segment, Sanjeev Kumar said that it focuses on the importance of innovative science communication in fostering public engagement with science. With over 13 years of experience as a vocational lecturer in Horticulture at Government Senior Secondary School, Jabbowal, he says that he approached classroom teaching with a scientific mindset. “I have had the privilege of teaching subjects like Floriculture, Olericulture, commercial crops, landscaping and post-harvest technology to Plus One and Plus Two students. I believe in providing a hands-on learning experience, so I regularly organise educational visits for my students to institutions like Science City and Khalsa College to broaden their horizons,” he shared.