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Science International Forum- Kuwait

Science International Forum – Kuwait Igniting the Minds of Tomorrow

_______________________________________________________________________________________ Science International Forum – Kuwait Page | 1

Introduction

VIJNANA BHARATI is a national movement for Science and Technology founded by

the Scientists and Technocrats from India. It is registered as a Society in the year 2001 at

Bangalore. It has state level registered units in all the states and formed different streams to

activate the scientific community in those areas. This organization is patronized by Dr. Anil

Kakodkar (Former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission), Dr. G. Madhavan Nair (Former

Chairman, ISRO) and Dr. Vijay Bhatkar (Inventor of PARAM Super Computer). It has 6000

scientists and technocrats as its members. Vijnanabharati has collaborated with Government

Departments, State Governments and Union Ministries to conduct different programs and

projects across the country.

Vijnanabharati has received two national awards from the Prime Minister of India and

the Union Minister for Science and Technology in 2006 and 2007 respectively. This award

has been given for the outstanding contributions in the field of Science and Technology and

science popularization activities among masses.

Keeping in view of the vast Indian expat community in Middle East, Science

International Forum was established initially in Oman in 2004 followed by Qatar, UAE, and

Bahrain. This platform provided an excellent opportunity for the Indian expat students in the

region to experience the achievements and developments in the field of Science and

Technology. Kuwait will formally join this league with the establishment of Science

International Forum-Kuwait on September 15, 2014.

SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL FORUM - KUWAIT

Science International Forum-Kuwait is a voluntary organisation formed and supported by

professionals in the fields of Science and Technology, Education, and a few Philanthropists

and prominent members of business community in Kuwait. SIF-Kuwait is the official

representative of National Science Movement/ Vijnana Bharati in Kuwait.

Objectives of SIF-Kuwait are:

Introduce India’s rich scientific heritage to the youth in order to kindle scientific

temperament within them.

Identify and appreciate students with a flair for science and technology.

Motivate the young generation to take up science as a career and encourage them to

contribute towards INDIA VISION 2020.



Activities of SIF-Kuwait

Activities planned by SIF-Kuwait are multi-fold:

1. Sastra Prathibha Contest [SPC]

Sastra Prathibha Contest is an examination to make students more affinity towards

pure science. It is a part of national level contest for students organizing in India called

as Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM).

2. Science Camp

SPC Science Camp is an initiate to enhance the competency among the Sastra

Prathibhas in Science, Engineering, Technology and allied subjects. This will include:

- Quiz on Science

- Demonstration of Scientific Models

- Workshops on Scientific Reasoning

Experts from the scientific fraternity in Kuwait will be invited to judge these events.

3. Knowledge Fair

Knowledge Fair is an opportunity for children studying in Kuwait to showcase their

scientific talents. Following competitions will be conducted as part of the Fair:

- Presentation and Exhibition of Science Projects

- Science Quiz

- Presentation of Science Research papers/articles

Scientists from India and experts from Kuwait will be a invited to judge these events /

interact with the participants.

4. Science International Gala

Gala is the felicitation ceremony for honoring the winners of Sastra Pratibha Contest.

Top ranking scientists from India and dignitaries from Kuwait will attended this function.

5. Interactive Session between Scientists and Students

Interaction programs will be organized periodically providing a great opportunity for the

students of Kuwait to meet and discuss with prominent scientists from India.

6. National Children's Science Congress (NCSC)

National Children's Science Congress’ is the flagship program of the National Council

for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science &

Technology (DST) and Government of India. NCSC provides the children of 10 to 17

years from all over the country a unique opportunity to use their scientific temperament



and knowledge to make their own dreams come true. The program was initiated in

India in 1993. SIF Kuwait will send representations from Kuwait.

7. Science International Year Book

SIF Year Book carrying informative and inspiring articles from various scientists and

professionals in the fields of Science & Technology and Education, etc. will be

distributed free of charge to participating students and their schools.

8. Teachers Empowerment Programs

The objective of the program is to help teachers get familiarized with the recent

developments in the field of Education, Science and Technology. Eminent scholars

from the field of education, research and industry will conduct this professional

development activity which will be certified jointly by the SIF-Kuwait.

9. Sastra Pratibhas' Tour to Research & Development Institutes

Sastra Pratibhas will be taken on a study tour to various important research facilities in

Kuwait like KISR, Scientific Centers; and ISRO, DRDO, NAL, DST etc. in India where

they will get the opportunity to see the scientific development and also to interact

directly with the senior scientists there.

Working Council Members

Sri. Prasanth Nair President

Sri. V.S.K. Shenoy Vice President

Sri. Arun Kumar General Secretary

Dr. Roopesh Ravindran Secretary (Registration) SPC

Adv. Vidya Sumod Secretary (Registration) SPC

Dr. Sunish A.V. Secretary (Examinations) SPC

Smt. Reshmy Krishnakumar Secretary (Media & Public Relations)

Sri. Prasanth Secretary (Documentation)

Sri. Sundaraman Secretary (Finance)

Sri. Nandakumar Advisor (President, SIF - UAE)

Sri. Krishna Kumar Advisor to Core Committee

Sri. Ajayakumar Advisor to Core Committee



SASTRA PRATHIBHA CONTEST

Sastra Pratibha Contest is an examination to make students more affinity towards pure

science. It is a part of national level contest for students organized in India called as Vidyarthi

Vigyan Manthan (VVM). It is a unique science talent contest that was initiated 1999 with the

aim of popularizing the Indian contribution to science among students in India. The contest has

been sought after by students and teachers alike right from inception and, through the years it

has become a grand event that has a participation of around 10000 students. Following its

success, similar talent search contests are being held at 22 Indian States and Middle East

countries like United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.

Eminent scientists and academicians including our former Hon. President Dr. A.P.J.

Abdul Kalam, Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Prof. Yash Pal, Dr. Vijay

Bhatkar are among those who are guiding this noble venture. The Sastra Pratibha Contest is

strongly supported by the Govt. of India, Research Organizations, news media, public &

private enterprises and by the Indian Embassies in Middle East countries.

Advisory Committee for Sastra Prathibha Contest 2014

Dr. S. Neelamani Sr. Research Scientist, KISR

Dr. Mohan Sr. Research Scientist, KISR

Sri. Harish Bhandari Sr. Research Associate, KISR

Smt. Santha Maria James Principal, Indian Central School, Abassiya, Kuwait

Sri. Premkumar Principal, Indian Educational School, Abassiya, Kuwait

Sri. Gangadhar Shirshath Principal, Indian Community School, Khaitan, Kuwait

Sri. Sunoj Nambiar Director, www.indiansinkuwait.com

Sri. Mohan Kumar Philanthropist

Sri. Vibheesh Tikkodi Philanthropist

Expected Participants for the Contest

Indian Students studying in classes 6 to 11 of any Board of Education such as CBSE, ICSE or

State Board. The participants will be categorized into:

- Juniors Class 6,7,8

- Seniors Class 9,10,11



Syllabus and Study Materials

Questions for the contest prepared by Vijnana Bharati, India shall be based on the following

subjects:

- India's contributions towards Science & Technology and Mathematics

- Science syllabus of respective grades

- General Knowledge.

A study material on India's contribution towards Science & Technology and Mathematics

prepared by Vijnana Bharati and intended for each category shall be distributed to the

participants through the concerned school.

Selection Procedure

One-Hour competitive test (100 questions) will be conducted with the following structure:

- 60% of questions from the study materials provided by the SIF-Kuwait

- 30% of questions from the academic subjects

- 10% of questions from General Knowledge related to Science and Technology

Two top ranking scores from each grade shall be selected for the title “Sastra Pratibha 2014”.

Students who scores 80% and above will be recognized as “Distinguished Students”.

Awards

The Sastra Pratibhas would receive Certificates and Mementoes by SIF and Vijnana Bharati,

India. Distinguished Students will receive “Distinction Certificate”. An award ceremony to honor

the Sastra Pratibhas and recognize the “Distinction Certificate” winners will be conducted.

Schedule

Announcement of Contest October 2014

Registration Close-Out October 2014

Distribution of Study Materials November 2014

Sastra Pratibha Contest Jan. 2015

Announcement of Results February 2015

Science India Gala (Award Ceremony) March 2015

Interaction with Scientist March 2015



SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL FORUM ACTIVITIES IN MIDDLE EAST

SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL FORUM - UAE

SIF- UAE started operations in 2007 and the first Sastra Pratibha Contest was

conducted on the 6th May 2007 and the Science India Gala 2007 for felicitating the Sastra

Pratibhas was organized at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Manoj Patairiya

and Dr. V P N Namboori from India and Dr. B R Shetty, Mr. Siddharth Balachandran, Mr. M.A

Yussuf Ali (LuLu Group) and other VIPs attended the function.

The SPC 2008 was on 15th Sep. 2008 and the Gala was on 23

rd Jan 2009. Dr. Vijay

Bhatkar and Mr. Jayakumar from India and the Indian Ambassador, H.E Talmiz Ahmed, Dr.

Shetty, and Mr. Siddharth Balachandran attended the function held at the Men’s College

Auditorium, Dubai.

During the Science India Gala 2010 on 15th

Oct 2010, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin

Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher

Education, U.A.E. was the Chief Guest. Dr.

G Madhavan Nair and Dr. Vijay Bhatkar

also attended the function.

From left: Sri. Rajendran (SIF Official), Sri T. M. Nandakumar (Hon. President – SIF UAE), Dr G. Madhavan Nair (former ISRO Chairman), H. H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan (Minister of Higher Education), H.E. M. K. Lokesh (Indian Ambassador), Dr. Vijay Bhatkar (National President – Vijnana Bharathi) and Dr. B. R. Shetty (M.D – NMC Group of companies).

Sastra Pratibhas 2009 were taken on a study tour in 2010 to VSSC, Trivandrum and it was a

wonderful experience for everyone.



Sastra Pratibhas 2011 were

taken on a study tour to ISRO

and DRDO Bangalore, which was

also a great opportunity for

students and other members

accompanying them to get

acquainted with the development

of Indian Science.

Sastra Pratibhas 2013 were also

taken on a study tour to Delhi where

they had a chance to visit Brahmos

Aerospace. Also they could interact

with Dr T. Ramaswamy, Secretary,

Govt. of India, Dept of Science &

Technology in his office, and also

had a very informative meeting with

Dr R Chidambaram, Principal

Scientific Advisor, Govt. of India.

Sastra Pratibhas at ISRO Bangalore

In 2013, due to the immense and whole

hearted support by the Indian Ambassador

H.E M.K Lokesh, the Dept of Science &

Technology India has authorized SIF

U.A.E. to conduct the initial screening of

the students in the U.A.E. for participating

in the NCSC in India. The first batch of

students from U.A.E. attended NCSC 2013

at Bhopal in Dec 2013. It was the first time

ever, the students of U.A.E. got a chance

to participate in this great scientific event. Sastra Prathibhas 2013 at BrahMos Aerospace Delhi



Children from UAE at the 21st National Children

Science Congress, Bhopal



SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL FORUM - QATAR

SIF-Qatar from its beginnings in 2005 steadily grew in stature to host one of the most

exciting science programs in Qatar. Initially, SIF had both cultural and scientific events rolled

into one with participation from

parents, teachers, students,

principals, selected dignitaries, and

even people from all walks of life.

SIF-Qatar, as an educational wing of

SAMANVAYAM, was officially

launched on 2nd

Nov.2013 in Doha by

Dr. G. Madhavan Nair at the function

convened to honor the winners of

Sastra Pratibha Contest 2013.

Shastra Pratibha Contest 2014 conducted in May 2014 witnessed an active

participation from the students and

the results have been published. The

contest had a participation of more

than 1000 students from the 7 Indian

schools in Qatar. More than 100

members of Samanvayam

volunteered for successful conduct of

the contest.

Science International Forum – Qatar

is in touch with other SIF chapters in

the GCC and SIF-Q representatives

participated at “Gala” organized by SIF- UAE in January 2014.

The programs currently on the road map for SIF-Qatar for the immediate future are:

- Participation of SIF-Qatar officials at the VIBHA convention in Nagpur.

- Interschool competition; “Shastrayaan” to be held in mid-October 2014

- Function to honor the winners of Sastra Pratibha Contest 2014 - tentatively Nov 2014

- Release of new study material for Sastra Pratibha Contest - Nov 2014



Accomplishments of SIF-Qatar

2006 - A festival on India’s ancient scientific achievements was successfully hosted in

Qatar and had large participation form students of Indian schools in Qatar . As a part of

this the following events were conducted.

- A two stage Quiz competition, both written & oral, attended by 250 students

- Workshop on Vedic Mathematics by Dr. S N Padiyar

- Display of posters on Science & Technology achievements of ancient India.

- Valedictory function was attended

by N. R. Kumar, Editor of the

book “Pride of India”.

2007 - A two day event conducted to

highlight former President A. P. J. Abdul

Kalam’s Vision 2020 titled “Festival on

Vision 2020”. This included an

exhibition on the Science & Technology

heritage of India which had 18 exhibits put up by the students from all Indian schools in

Qatar. Hundreds of posters on science and technology achievements of ancient India,

specially prepared for the exhibition, were also on display. A replica of the iron pillar

was also fabricated and installed at the venue. An essay competition, a painting

competition and an interschool debate on the same topic were also conducted. The

keynote speaker for the valedictory function was Dr. Vijay Bhatkar. Other dignitaries

from Qatar also attended the function.



2008 - Sastra Pratibha Contest 2008 had a participation of 600 students from all Indian

schools in Qatar. Dr. S P Gautam, the then Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Pollution

Control Board was the Chief Guest.

2013 - Sastra Pratibha Contest 2013 had a participation of 700 students from all Indian

schools in Qatar. Dr. G Madhavan Nair, Former Chairman of ISRO was the Chief

Guest. The interaction session that Dr. Nair had with the students was very lively one.

SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL FORUM - OMAN

SIF-Oman have been conducting “Sastra Pratibha Contest” for the students from Class

5 to Class 10 of all the Indian schools in Oman since 2004 with a Cash Award. The top ranking

students in each class are selected and declared as “Sastra Pratibhas”. Initially, in 2004,

350 students participated in the Sastra Pratibha Contest. Since the movement has gained wide

popularity and great support from academic circle over the years, the participation of students

increased dramatically.

Science India Fiesta - The felicitation and award presentation function, under the

name, “Science India Fiesta”, is a great yearly event not only for the students and

teachers, but for the entire Indian Community in Oman. It is a two-day celebration of

science, with lot of fun and activities for the children. Various competitions related to

science are also being held which include Debate, Digital Symposium, On-the-spot

Presentation, Science Exhibition, Photography, Science Quiz etc. The significant feature

of the event is that renowned scientists are invited on the occasion and create

opportunities for the students to listen to them and interact with them.

350 700

1800 2029

2231

2960

3600 3900

4200 4500

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

No. of Students



Jayakar Award - Mr. A S G

Jayakar is from the Indian

Medical Service who served

the Political Agency in Muscat

from 1873 till 1900. During the

period, he was the Acting

Political Agent on several

occasions. He did the

pioneering work on Omani

natural history and culture. In

1877, he wrote “The Medical Topography of Muscat”. In 1900, he published “Omani

Proverbs” in the Journal of the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. In the year

2007, the Patron, H.E. the Ambassador of India to Oman instituted an award in the

name of Mr. Jaykar to commemorate his excellent contribution to Omani society. A

Memento with an engraved Citation is part of the award which is normally awarded to

the Chief Guest in each year during the felicitation function.



SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL FORUM - BAHRAIN

Science International Forum Bahrain was inaugurated on 2nd

Nov 2012. It received

active support from Science International Forum UAE through their past publications and

years of working experience in organizing such an organization. Mr. Nandakumar, President of

SIF-UAE, was very instrumental in extending a wholehearted cooperation and visited Bahrain

twice from UAE to guide the formation and activities of SIF Bahrain.

Students and parents

were briefed about the Sastra

Prathibha Contests which SIF-

Bahrain would be conducting

and all of them were fascinated

by the idea. The parents were

feeling that there was lack of an

agency which could promote

science education among

children in the island.

SPC 2013 was the first attempt and many philanthropists were attracted to this

movement and offered support. The registration of students started in April 2013, distribution

of the study material was done by end of April and the exam was conducted on 30th May 2013.

Getting support from school authorities was a difficult task for which authorization from the

Embassy of India was very helpful. Principals of participating schools were contacted and

requested them to assign a coordinator for conducting the SPC 2013. Keeping in mind the

busy schedules and workload of science teachers, SIF volunteers prepared all background

information and provided them with templates. Coordinators of all seven participating schools

were invited for a gathering on 23rd

March 2013 during which all procedures and the

importance of SPC were briefed.

Registration of 4875 students from the schools were received and the study materials

in CDs were distributed free of cost. The question papers were delivered to the concerned

schools on the previous day and kept under safe custody. One SIF volunteer led a team of SIF

observers for each school to support the smooth conducting of the SPC and to collect the

answer scripts the same day.



Mr. Gaurav Gandhi IFS, the Head of

Chancery at the Embassy of India, declared the

names of Sastra Prathibhas on 24th June 2013 at

the embassy premises in front of media persons

and invited guests.

Career Guidance And Successful Parenting -

SIF Bahrain conducted a parents’ meet of the

successful students of SPC 2013 which

explored various avenues available in India for

higher education in other subjects also. Technical experts on career guidance and

successful parenting took sessions in the orientation program. This free event held on 4th

Oct 2013 was well received by the parent community which appreciated the voluntary work

of SIF-Bahrain in abundance.

Sastra Prathibha Award Ceremony - Dr. G. Madhavan Nair was the chief guest for the

award ceremony on 2nd

Nov 2013 to give away the awards to Sastra Pratibhas along with

Sri. A. Jayakumar, Secretary

General, Vijnana Bharathi. First

Secretary to Embassy of India

Mr. Ram Singh attended the

function. A team of SIF-UAE led

by Mr.Nandakumar was all

supportive with their presence

and guidance for the entire

program. Science International

Forum enthusiasts from

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also

attended the function. The interactive question answer session of students with Dr. G

Madhavan Nair was very much appreciated by parents and students alike.

Bahrain Sastra Pratibhas Visit Indian Space Research Organization - India’s national

space agency extended invitation to the Sastra Pratibhas 2013 to visit their facility in

Bangalore. Supported by Vijnana Bharathi and Embassy of India Bahrain, SIF-Bahrain

organized a round trip to Bangalore which was free of cost to the Sastra Pratibhas. The

Secretary General of Vijnana Bharathi Mr. A. Jayakumar and the CEO Mr.



Chandrasekharan were with the delegation at Bangalore. Apart from the ISRO Satellite

Center in Bangalore, the delegations were welcomed at the Aeronautical Development

Establishment, DRDO, and Hindustan Aeronautical Laboratory. Various stages of design,

manufacturing and assembly of the satellites, control devices of the advanced defense

aircrafts at their manufacturing center were explained to the young budding scientists from

Bahrain. During the visit, the Sastra Pratibhas and accompanying parents could interact

with prominent scientists at these research establishments. The delegation of Sastra

Pratibhas and parents were accompanied by SIF-Bahrain General Secretary K S Anilal,

Joint Secretary Prashanth Dharmaraj and Exam Coordinator Sham Kutty. The Sastra

Pratibhas expressed their excitement after the visit which they consider as a memorable

achievement in their life. They were given a warm welcome at the Bahrain International

Airport by Science International Forum President Vinod Manikkara, Vice President Rejeesh

Kumar, K Sajeevan, Manoj Kulanada , Parents and well-wishers.

In addition to the SPC 2014 in which 6475 students registered and conducted successfully on

2nd June 2014, some ambitious plans which will take the Science International Forum Bahrain

to greater heights are in process.

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