Posted On:
31 OCT 2026 12:23PM by PIB Chennai
CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), Chennai, a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), organised a Jigyasa Workshop under the Student–Scientist Connect programme on 29 and 30 October 2026 at four schools in the Kolli Hills region of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu.
The workshop was conducted at the following schools:
1.Government Tribal Residential Higher Secondary School (Boys and Girls), Valavanthinadu, Kolli Hills Taluk.
2.Government Tribal Residential Higher Secondary School, Sengarai, Edappulinadu, Kolli Hills Taluk.
3.Government Tribal Residential Higher Secondary School (Boys and Girls Model School), Thindupatty, Solakkadu, Kolli Hills Taluk.
4.Government Higher Secondary School, Thembalam, Ariyurnadu, Kolli Hills Taluk.
Around 250 students and 20 teachers participated in the programme.
The Jigyasa programme is a national initiative of CSIR that aims to promote scientific awareness among school students through direct interaction with scientists and research institutions. The workshop featured scientific talks, demonstrations and hands-on activities to help students understand scientific principles through practical experimentation.
The workshop featured hands-on demonstrations and activities to help students understand scientific principles through practical experimentation. The scientists explained the concepts behind the activities and encouraged students to observe, ask questions, experiment and explore innovative solutions to real-life challenges.
The sessions were conducted by Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC; Dr. S. Parivallal, Scientist-G and Advisor (M); Dr. S. Maheswaran, Scientist-G and Head, SHRDD; Dr. C. Bharathi Priya, Scientist-F; Shri A. K. Farvaze Ahmed, Scientist-F; Dr. S. Sundar Kumar, Scientist-E; Dr. M. Keerthana, Scientist-E; and Shri R. D. Sathish Kumar, Principal Technical Officer, CSIR-SERC.
The students participated enthusiastically in the demonstrations and hands-on experiments. The direct interaction with CSIR scientists enabled them to relate classroom concepts to practical applications and gain a better understanding of the role of science in everyday life. The activities also encouraged scientific curiosity, creativity, problem-solving skills and innovative thinking among the young participants.
The workshop was well received by the students and teachers. The programme strengthened the Student–Scientist Connect and contributed to fostering a spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation among students in tribal schools, in keeping with the objectives of the CSIR Jigyasa initiative.
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