Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences & Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) had organized the 5th India International Science Festival (IISF 2019) from 05th to 08th November 2019 at Kolkata, West Bengal. IISF 2019 was hosted by Vigyan Prasar an autonomous organization under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India at Kolkata, West Bengal. The festival was primarily aimed to involve the common masses to improve their scientific understanding, temperament and appreciation towards various Indian achievements in the field of Science & Technology. It has provided a platform to the young scientists, students, technocrats for exchange of knowledge and ideas. IISF supports Governments’ flagship programs like Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Smart City etc.

One of the prominent components of IISF was National Science Teachers’ Congress nearly 400 science teachers from kindergarten (KG) to post graduate (PG) had participated in the congress. The two day congress was held on 07th and 08th November 2019. The platform was provided for innovative, dedicated, and passionate teachers to share the experiences and learn the innovative methods of science teaching.  

On 7th November 2019, the program was inaugurated by Hon’ble MHRD minister and after that session has started. The congress had many components like panel discussions on New Education Policy and Science Education, Role of Science Teacher in Science Education, Pedagogy of Science Teaching and Learning, plenary talks by eminent science communicators and educationist on –

• “Current challenges in the education sector in India: The continuing relevance of Swami Vivekananda and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan”.
• “Indian Contribution to Chemical sciences”.
• “Experimental Learning at various level of Education System”.

A total five teachers of VKVs participated and represented Arunachal Pradesh in the NSTC namely Sri Rajib Prasad (VKV OYAN), Sri Ashok Singh ( VKV JORAM), Sri Monoj Sah (VKV CHIMPU), Sri Dipjyoti Gayon (VKV BANA) and Sri Sridharan sir (VKV JAIRAMPUR).

My Experience from NSTC

It was a great experience for me to be the part of NSTC program. This program provided me opportunity to think scientifically and to derive conclusion logically from the observations and plan experiment to build innovative ideas, at the same time I got exposure to the hands-on presentation/demonstration to enlighten on new teaching methodology/pedagogy for 21 century generation. Educators and scientists provided us unforgettable learning experience through different lectures and demonstrations. More than 15000 participants came from different parts of the country and the program was organized very systematically that no one has faced any kind of problem. Lunch and Dinner was provided at the venue of the program. In the whole program one interesting thing I noticed was that even single plastic material was not used to serve tea, water and different types of food items to more than 15000 people.

Lastly I am thankful from the core of heart to VKVAPT for providing this golden opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful program. Whatever I have learned from the NSTC will definitely help me to deal with my students and subject in a better way.