Shillong: May 11: To celebrate National Technology Day, To celebrate National Technology Day, North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous body set up under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with the Smart Village Movement and the Education Department, Science Cell, Government of Meghalaya, brought together students and teachers from across the state for a hands-on exploration of science and technology. East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous body set up under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with the Smart Village Movement and the Education Department, Science Cell, Government of Meghalaya, brought together students and teachers from across the state for a hands-on exploration of science and technology.
The programme was held at NECTAR STEM Lab, Shillong on May 11, under this year’s national theme, ‘Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth’. A total of 35 students and 35 teachers from across the state participated in the observance.
Participants engaged with a wide range of activities covering robotics, including interactive robots and servo-ultrasonic systems, electronics through a working house model, DIY STEM projects such as an e-bike and an electric buzzer game, and an introduction to basic drone technology. The activities sparked curiosity in students and teachers, who participated in demonstrations to learn and explore the importance of science and technology. A STEM trainer also opened proceedings with a presentation on the history and significance of National Technology Day in India.
Speaking at the programme, Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General of NECTAR, said, “There are a lot of opportunities in front of us. Drone is just one of the tools that can make a huge impact on the activities we carry out on a regular basis. And when I say tools, I mean technology. Understanding how these technologies can be put to work is what will help make our country the nation we all dream it can be.”
Emphasising on STEM education, he said, “We have a STEM education lab here for exactly that reason. The idea is simple: you have something in mind, now how do you make it real? How do you turn that idea into a prototype? Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics give you that pathway.”
He added, “We often talk about how the standard of education in places like Pune, Mumbai, or Delhi looks different from what we have here in Meghalaya. But the difference is not in the minds of the students. A student’s mind in Delhi and a student’s mind in Meghalaya are exactly the same. The only difference is opportunity. And that is what we are trying to change. The STEM lab is here to support whatever you imagine, not to hand you a fixed kit and tell you to follow instructions.”
He further stated, “Do not think about failure. Do not worry about the outcome before you have even started. If you make a bitter cup of tea, you will still be happy to drink it because you made it yourself. That is the mindset we need. My message to the faculty as well: involve the students. Let it be open. Let it go beyond the textbooks. Books will get you marks in an exam, but something beyond books will get you somewhere much further. If that sense of belonging comes to you, the feeling that you are part of this country and you want to contribute to it, I am one hundred percent sure that the dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047 is not far at all.”
