The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : CCMB’s Open Day draws budding scientists

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 27, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

CCMB’s Open Day draws budding scientists

10,000 students from various schools visit the centre

The Open Day marks foundation day of CSIR
Video films on various science topics screened

— PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

close watch: Students observing the electronic microscope at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) during the Open Day on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD: “Whenever we were brought to this Institute by my school, I used to dream of making it big here. Today, I have become a trainee and hopefully work here permanently,” says Ashutosh Biswal, a volunteer in-charge of guiding student for a day in the Institute.

The hallowed portals of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) does this to all children. Whoever walks into this research institute goes away with the dream to work here and explore the unchartered territories of science research.

Centre explored

On Wednesday it was no different. Starry eyed kids with dreams in their hearts and jotters in their hands waited for their turn to enter and explore the CCMB. There was a near stampede at the main entrance of CCMB as students vied to enter and get transported to another world. While the officials had plans to host 8,000 students, they had tough time coping with over 10,000 students who came from various schools of twin cities.

CCMB’s annual ‘Open-Day’ continues to be a top-draw for most of the school kids, who eagerly wait to explore the hi-tech laboratories of CCMB. The Tarnaka main-road bustled with children scurrying from one end to the other, trying to get through the main gates of the institute.

“I want to see the equipment and get to know the science behind stem cell research for my class project,” pointed P. Rammohan, a class VIII student of Little Flowers Junior College, Uppal.

Topics showcased

The centre showcased posters, exhibits and specially prepared images of DNA fingerprinting technology, HIV-AIDS and host of the other topics. Screening of video films on science topics, information on its new facilities like LaCONES and expert guidance to take visitors all around the campus was given.

Scores of students were ardently looking forward to meet Director of CCMB, Dr. Lalji Singh. “He is a very famous person and is known world-wide for his research on DNA. We are looking forward to meet him,” shouted a group of students from Brilliant Junior College. The open-day was observed to mark the occasion of foundation day of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

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