Nationwide student outreach programme organized in Dibrugarh and Tripura

A CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: The ICMR-SHINE Initiative – Science & Health Innovation for the Nextgen Explorers – is a pioneering nationwide student outreach programme designed to spark scientific curiosity, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of health researchers.

The event drew around 500 students from grades 9 to 12 from 8 schools in Dibrugarh, Assam and Khumulwng, Tripura to the ICMR-RMRCNE and MRHRU, Tripura respectively on Friday.

The initiative aimed to introduce students to the field of health and biomedical research, highlight ICMR’s contributions to improving the nation’s health, and motivate young learners to pursue careers in science and public health, supporting India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Suman Kanungo, Director, ICMR-RMRCNE stated, “We want you to see that science isn’t confined to textbooks. It’s alive in our labs, in our fieldwork, and in the way we respond to the public health needs of our country.” He highlighted the crucial role of scientific mindset, innovation, and involving young people in shaping the future.

The programme offered a variety of engaging activities, including guided tours of laboratories, research exhibitions, poster sessions, video presentations, science quizzes, and model demonstrations. Students had the chance to observe ongoing scientific work, interact with ICMR scientists, and gain insights into their research activities. These activities provided a hands-on learning experience, helping students understand complex scientific concepts in an interactive and engaging way.

To make the experience even more memorable, a mascot named Dr Curio was introduced as a friendly and relatable guide throughout the day. The mascot’s presence helped create a more enjoyable atmosphere, encouraging students to connect with science in a meaningful way.

Students viewed four specially-curated short films highlighting ICMR’s key initiatives: the development of Covaxin-India’s indigenous Vaccine, the iDRONE initiative for innovative healthcare delivery, India’s TB elimination efforts, and Vishanu Yudh Abhyas - a nation-wide mock drill to assess future pandemic preparedness. The students also showcased a video of ICMR-RMRCNE’s research activities and another video of demonstrating MyHeart mobile application. Feedbacks from students were also collected. Through the SHINE initiative, ICMR-RMRCNE and MRHRU-Tripura reinforced their dedication to nurturing scientific curiosity in young minds and raising awareness about the critical role of research in enhancing public health in the North-East region.

Also Read: Dikhowmukh College holds freshman social, felicitates outstanding students

Also Watch: