Engage your teachers in thought-provoking discussions: Expert

Varanasi: Addressing the inaugural event of the three-day National Space Day held at IIT-BHU on Wednesday, noted physicist and IIT Kanpur Professor Padma Shri Harish Chandra Verma said when a person develops a profound connection with a subject, they delve into it with unwavering focus, and only then they can make significant strides in that particular field.
During his discourse, he mentioned the ongoing efforts to introduce space science to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 through the art of storytelling, in collaboration with the Indian education board, to pique their interest in this fascinating field. He also highlighted that Maharishi Valmiki possessed an extensive understanding of constellations, zodiac signs, and planets, which he eloquently employed to narrate events from Lord Rama's era in Sanskrit verses in the Ramayana. "We must acknowledge our rich cultural heritage and comprehend its significance," he asserted.
"We should not accept concepts without subjecting them to rigorous scrutiny. Engage your teachers in thought-provoking discussions. Questioning and reverence are not mutually exclusive. We must cultivate the habit of questioning. To accomplish this, we must keenly observe our surroundings and immerse ourselves in the realm of science. Only then will our 5,000-year-old tradition flourish, and our nation will make significant strides," he passionately stated.
During the event, he addressed the queries posed by the students. IIT-BHU director Prof Amit Patra emphasised ing that the nation has made remarkable progress in the field of space research over the past five decades. "This is an opportune moment for all of us to remain vigilant and prepared to contribute to the nation whenever the need arises," he remarked.