Activities

COMMUNICATOR TRAINING PROGRAM

Communicator Training Program was held on June 21, 2014 at GSBTM. Shri A. K. Saxena (IFS), Mission Director mentioned that importance of developing BioACorn is worth when it reaches to wide number of children. They should be encouraged to generate interest and awareness for Biotechnology among the common people by making center interesting and active and active center should be kept entertaining and relevant. The process can be developing exhibition as first stage, second stage is explanation, make it better and presentable. He asked CSCs not to be dependent on GSBTM and create and mention the different type of activity which CSC can run. He asked centers to bring about newness and build new strategies. He asked that how it is possible to involve more schools. He mentioned that he has observed that rural teachers show more interest in teaching students. CSCs should come forward with new ideas and strategies to make Biotechnology more interesting. He asked all CSCs to suggest any activity which will be screened by GSBTM team and will be funded too. He mentioned that one lecture in a day is sufficient enough than bunch of program if it address the curiosity of children. In today’s time there are so many online programs are available which focus upon explanation of complicated concepts to common people. CSCs should visualize such activities. The developed facilities should reach to the target group. The CSCs are the breeding ground of Science Communicators. He assured to give full support and asked CSC participants to share their future planning one by one. The program continued with the suggestions given by Communicators. Dr. Madhvi Joshi conducted interactive session providing fundamental clearity about biotechnology aspects. After completion of her speech various panels were explained. Dr. Sumit Vyas, Research Associate, BioACorn started the program. He show and explained photographic presentations on newly developed BioACorns and activity done by BioACorn team of GSBTM in year 2013-14. Presentations followed by hands on activity like ‘Thread N DNA’ and ‘DNA isolation by using house hold chemicals’. These activity were conducted by BioACorn team including Dr. Sumit Vyas, Research Associate; Ms. Shruti Thutha, Junior Research Fellow and Ms. Milauni Shah, Project Assistant. In this activity all the participants performed the activities and learnt it by doing it. Other board game activities like ‘Pass the Genes’ and ‘Snake and Ladder’ were introduced to the participants. They were shown the list of the activity which BioACorn, GSBTM is intending to conduct in current year. The program ended with filling up feedback forms and Ms. Shruti Thutha gave valedictory speech.

Biotechnology Awareness & Information Dissemination (BAID) Cell participation in State level Science Carnival 2015 (Festival of Science)

Biotech Awareness team of Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission – GSBTM participated in Science Carnival 2015 from February 26 to March 6, 2015.

Gujarat Council of Science City (GCSC) and Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST), working under the ages of Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat had organized State level ‘Science Carnival 2005’: An exposition for Science, Technology and society interface at Science City, Ahmedabad. This week long festival was started on February 26 and ended on March 6, 2015. This carnival was a prestigious scientific event with a series of scientific activities and programs including 29th Gujarat Science Congress involving scientific organizations, schools and college students, eminent scientists and faculties of the State and country. GSBTM was invited to participate in this humble effort. Biotechnology Awareness & Information Dissemination (BAID) Cell, GSBTM participated in Science Carnival and displayed various cartoon based inforgraphic panels as well as models of various Biotechnology products and games. Students from different schools across Gujarat visited the carnival and were benefited.

Team of BAID Cell, GSBTM explained different concepts of Biotechnology and displayed products to coming visitors as well as conducted different activities with students. Key activities were ‘Thread ‘N’ DNA – Explaining DNA by means of thread’, ‘Pass the Gene’ game – A board game, which explains about Genetic Inheritance, Dominant-Recessive characteristics of gene expression. Different concepts and applications of Biotechnology were exhibited in the form of cartoon based stories.

Different students, teachers from schools and colleges as well as from Biotechnology field visited the stall. Everyone appreciated the effort of GSBTM.

Events – Fresh standard 10 students’ visit to Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission - GSBTM research facility

Gujarat Council of Science City, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat organized tour to GSBTM research facility as a part of ‘Vacation Training Programme on Bioresources for School Children’ from April 22 to May 20, 2015. The motive behind organizing this program was to inspire and motivate students for opting basic and life sciences as study and career option. To attract, encourage and create interest among bright students about our rich bioresources and its importance, Gujarat Science City is organized a four week long ‘Vacation Training Programme on Bioresources’ for School Students. The programme was designed for the meritorious students who have appeared for the Std. 10 examination this year and having more than 90% marks in their Std. 9. About 33 meritorious students were selected based on their merit and aptitude test for the programme.

The main objective of the vacation programme was to create awareness and understanding about the bioresources and biosciences among the young students who will take a decision to join any pre-degree course after the Std. 12 examination. The young students may explore the possibility of understanding the science of bioresources and to make themselves prepare for taking a career in their higher studies. In addition, the programme will impart training on sustainable use and conservation of bioresources and to create better awareness about relevance of bioresources in everyday life.

The program was intended to allow the participating students to use their skills learned in the classroom setting to understand better and serve their community and environment. The students were also encouraged to conduct small research projects, visit important bioresource places, interacting with eminent scientists of the field and conducting surveys, interviews, project works and reports. They learn about the value of biodiversity, from the discovery of new medicines and materials, to the protection of food crops and local systems. The current loss of biodiversity will be put up into perspective by involving students in laboratory work where they see how species can adapt to changing conditions, learn theories about how species evolve, and study the natural causes of extinctions. Finally, students may consider the history of actions that people around the world have taken to protect endangered species, and international agreements to preserve biodiversity.

Key objectives of the program was to inculcate among students an appreciation of the biological resources of the country, their use and management, to create opportunities for hands-on experiences in the field, to understand locally available bioresources, their sustainable use and conservation and to interact with leading experts in the field including core and visiting faculty at the organization. Course curriculum was based upon introduction to Biodiversity and Bioresources including its importance, genetic diversity, species diversity, Ecosystem, microbial life and its importance, threats and conservation like aspects. As a part of the program students were brought to GSBTM research facility located at Forest Research Center, Gandhinagar.

Research Associates, Dr. Rohan Pandya, Dr. Sumit Vyas and Mr. Arpan Bhatt explained students about science of Biotechnology and different instruments used in Biotechnology experiments and its importance as well as importance of research work. Students were excited to see such facility and work and asked questions about DNA and other Molecular Biology related questions.

Events – Inauguration of Biotech Awareness Corner – BioACorn at Rajpipla, District Narmada

BioACorn was inaugurated at Manthan Narmada Lok-Vigyan Kendra, Rajpipla of District Narmada on December 15, 2014. Inauguration program was organized by team of Manthan Lok-Vigyan Kendra. Dr. R. Sreedher, Media expert and Community Radio Practitioner, Ex. Director – All India Radio, Bhopal and Ex. Scientist E – DST, Government of India was present at Chief Guest of the program, Chair person of the Program was Shri A. K. Saxena, IFS, Mission Director, Gujarat State Biotehnology Mission, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar and Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist, Pharma and Healthcare, Gujarat State Biotehnology Mission, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar remained present as Guest of Honour along with Dr. Sumit Vyas, Research Associate, Biotechnology Awareness Cell of GSBTM. Other guests from Government and academic fraternity remained present. Around 60 students from different schools also remained present at the program. The program started by welcoming the guests by offering bunch of flower and were honored traditionally by offering shawl. Dr. Sumit Vyas gave primary understanding of BioACorn and introduced center to students and other present guests. Dr. Madhvi Joshi, explained about Biotechnology and its applications in daily life, Goal and purpose of developing BioACorn as well as appealed to students and other present local authorities to take maximum advantage of the facility. Corner was inaugurated by Chief Guest of the program Dr. R. Sreedher. Present dignitaries and students visited the center. Everyone appreciated the approach and center.

Events – BioACorn was held at District Community Science Center of Palanpur, Banaskantha District

Biotech Carnival 2015 and BioACorn, Palanpur inauguration was organized at District Community Science Center, Palanpur of Banaskantha District on January 3, 2015, organized at Shri N. B. School of Science. Around 300 students including 150, 11th and 12th Biology students. Science teachers from different schools also remained present on the occasion. BAID Cell team of GSBTM conducted various activities in the carnival. Shri Haribhai Chaudhri, State Home Minister of Central Government remained present as a Chief Guest of the program. Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist, Pharma and Healthcare and Project Co-Ordinator BioACorn, GSBTM remained present as a Guest of Honor along with Dr. Sumit Vyas, Research Associate, BAID Cell. Other dignitaries included Shri Somsinh Zala, Shri Bharatbhai Thakor, Shri Hareshbhai, Formar BJP Vice President, Shri Gajendrabhai, Vice President; Shri Ankitbhai Thaker, City President; Shri Bhagubhai Fugachhiya and Dr. Surendra Gupta remained present. Carnival started with formal welcome speech. ‘Biotech Parade’ – A March Past was organized. Five teams performed Biotech Parade. First team was representing structure of DNA by wearing Proms of four bases of DNA namely A, T, G and C. Other four teams represented four main sectors of Biotechnology including Agriculture, Marine, Industrial and Pharma. Team members of each team were wearing proms showcasing different products of each sector with respective banners and team leaders were walking with models of key products from each sector. It was an innovative approach to introduce Biotechnology to viewers. All present dignitaries and students appreciated the approach. After the completion of the parade formal welcoming and honoring of the guests was done by gifting ‘Showls’. Mr. Bharatbhai Thakor, in his speech, welcomed the guests and students and asked every schools to take benefit of the facility. Dr. Madhvi Joshi gave introduction to Biotechnology subject by giving known and daily used examples like curd and banana. She also told that how Biotechnology can give answers to challenges faced by mankind. Chief Guest, Shri Haribhai Chaudhri, insisted on the importance of Biotechnology and appreciated the approach of BioACorn. He asked all the students and teachers to utilize the facility provided. After the formal speeches inauguration of the BioACorn was done by the hands of Shri Haribhai Chaudhri. He carefully looked at all the display and appreciated a lot. He also expressed his wish to visit GSBTM facility at Gandhinagar. After the inauguration another activity named ‘Thread N DNA’ and ‘Click N Learn’ were carried out with 11th and 12th Biology students. Where students got clarity about DNA and tools and techniques used in Biotechnology research. Students felt happy and satisfied by getting more knowledge about Biotechnology and expressed joy to have such facility.

Events – Inauguration of BioACorn, Badoli (Idar), District – Sabarkantha

BioACorn was inaugurated on October 8, 2014 at Pramukh Swami Lok Vigyan Kendra, Badoli, Idar, District: Sabarkantha. Shri Rajendrasinh Chavda, M.L.A., Himmatnagar was present as a Chief Guest of the program, Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist Pharma and Healthcare and Coordinator BioACorn remained present as an inaugurator with her team including Dr. Sumit Vyas, Research Associate, BioACorn, Ms. Sruthi Thoota, Junior Research Fellow, BioACorn and Ms. Bhumi Shah from GUJCOST, Gandhinagar were present on the occasion. Other key guests included Mr. Mahendrabhai Patel, President, Sabarkantha Principal’s Association; Shri R. C. Patel, Minister, Sabarkantha Principal’s Association; Shri Bhanuprasad Patel, Vice President, Sabarkantha Principal’s Association; Shri P. J. Desai, Ex-Coordinator, Pramukh Swami Lok Vigyan Kendra, Badoli; Shri Kiranbhai Patel, Nodal Convener, Idar and Shri Mohanbhai Patel, President, District Principal’s Association remained present. Around 150 Science teachers, 100 Principals from different schools of the District and other students as well as parents participated in the inauguration program.

One day Activity Workshop was organized by the team of Biotechnology Awareness and Information Dissemination Cell, GSBTM at Biotech Awareness Corner-BioACorn at Pramukhswami District Community Science Centre, Ider on May 29, 2015. Mission Director of GSBTM Shri S. N. Tyagi; Sector Specialist and project coordinator BAID Cell, Dr. Madhvi Joshi; Sector Specialist – Bioinformatics, Dr. Jay Das; BAID Cell Research Associate, Dr. Sumit Vyas and Project Assistant, Ms. Milauni Shah organized one day workshop with the goal to make Students Aware about Biotechnology and the basic Concepts of laboratory techniques. Dr. Madhvi Joshi delivered speech focusing on basic understanding of Biotechnology. Sri S. N. Tyagi asks students to think beyond the textbook and sensitize about Environment around. Dr. Sumit Vyas generated Excitement among the students by make them aware about the Facts of DNA: ‘Magic Molecule of Life’. DNA Isolation Activity was performed with around 125 students of Standard 10th to 12th. Dr. Madhvi joshi, Sector Specialist, GSBTM and Dr. Sumit Vyas, Research Associate, GSBTM gave detailed Information about the Isolation Procedure. Along with the ‘DNA Isolation’ Activity ‘Thread N DNA’ activity was performed to let the students understand about the size, Structure and wounding of DNA inside cell. Students were exposed to Molecular Biology techniques by the means of Click and learn computer games. Later students were assessed for the knowledge gained by means of questionnaire.

Events – Biotech Awareness Corner - BioACorn, Gandhinagar.

Biotechnology Awareness and Information Dissemination (BAID) Cell of Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission – GSBTM organized one day activity on May 15, 2015 at Biotech Awareness Corner, developed at Nisarg Community Science Center, based at Gandhinagar. Team of BAID Cell, GSBTM conducted Biotechnology based activity as a part of vacation science activity program conducted by Nisarg Community Science Center. Around 46 students participated in activity. The activity was based upon concept of immune system of human body and how vaccines play role in developing immunity against dreadful diseases caused by various pathogen. Vaccines developed by application of Biotechnology has bring revolution in generating immunity against diseases. Said concept was explained by conducting a game ‘I Spy Pathogen’, which is based upon ‘Hide and Sick’ game. Students understood concept of natural antigen-antibody reaction system within body. As well as based upon it how various vaccines are being developed by using Biotechnology. Students were also explained how earlier system of generating artificial immunity was working in ancient India as well as intervention of Biotechnology in daily life. Student mass was divided in to two teams A and B, where in each team were further divided into two teams. One team was Pathogen team and another was named as WBC team. Each team A and B performed same activity one after another under leadership of two students each. To develop leadership quality BAID Cell team selected student leaders and assigned various tasks to them under their guidance. Participants also asked questions about DNA, ebola Virus, Recombinant DNA technology etc. students were assessed about their learnings from this activity. Questions were based upon technical, theoretical and application. All students thoroughly enjoyed this activity and feeling of satisfaction and curiosity was prominent on their faces.

Events – Inauguration of BioACorn – Dhrol, District - Jamnagar

Biotechnology Awareness corner - BioACorn has been developed by Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission - GSBTM, Gandhinagar at Shri M. D. Mehta Community Science Center, Dhrol, inspired by GUJCOST, Gandhinagar and Shri M. D. Mehta Educational Trust. Inaugural program of BioACorn was organized on July 15, 2014 to let the center open for school children and common people with a vision to make them aware about Biotechnology, its usefulness and applications. So the students and population of Jamnagar can be sensitised and get inspired for opting Biotechnology as a field of career and bright future of the field. The program started with prayer dance. The invited guests were welcomed by honouring them with DNA model. Welcome speech was delivered by Ms. Sudhaben Khandheriya, Secretary, Managing Committee, Shri M. D. Mehta Educational Trust. The inauguration of the program was done in different way. Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist and Project Co-ordinator, BioACorn, GSBTM along with other present dignitaries light the DNA lamp named as ‘DNA Deepmala’. Ms. Hansaben from Shri M. D. Mehta trust gave introduction of the organization and Dr. Madhvi Joshi gave introduction of Biotechnology field and its applications. Other present dignitaries included Trustees of Shri M. D. Mehta Educational Trust; District Education Officer, Jamnagar; District Primary Education Officer, Jamnagar; B.R.C and C.R.C of Jamnagar District; Local press reporters and around 500 students of Jamnagar District were present at the program. ‘Popular Lecture’ was organized by BioACorn, GSBTM, where Dr. J. M. Dave, Dairy Science College, Anand gave lecture on ‘Probiotic’ Bacteria and its usefulness. Mementos were presented to all present guests as a memory. Ms. Shobhnaben Kachdiya, Principal, Shri M. D. Mehta Girls’ School thanked guests in her speech. After the completion of the program Shri Dharmeshbhai Mehta, Secretary, Shri M. D. Mehta Educational Trust along with other guests inaugurated BioACorn. The program was conducted by Mr. Sanjay Pandya, Program Officer, Shri M. D. Mehta Community Science Center.

Events – Inauguration of Biotech Awareness Corner - BioACorn, Dang

BioACorn was inaugurated at Prayosha Community Science Center, Dang on March 13, 2015. Around 250 students from Deepdarshan School, Vallabh Vidyalaya and Eklavya Residence School along with science teachers of different schools remained present on the occasion. BioACorn team carried Biotechnology based activity with students along with inauguration. Smt. Ardra Agrawal, Honorable Collector of Dang District remained present on the occasion as Chief Guest Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist, Pharma and Healthcare, GSBTM remained present as Guest of Honor with team members including Dr. Sumit Vyas, Research Associate, BioACorn, GSBTM; Ms. Milauni Shah, Project Assistant, BioACorn, GSBTM as well as Shri P. P. Swami of Prayosa Pratisthan and other key people remained present. The program stated very uniquely by conducting one Biotechnology knowledge hunt activity named ‘Chalo Shodhiye Gyan’, where students were divided into four groups namely A, T, G and C based upon the four bases found in DNA. Eight questions were given to each team. Questions were designed from inforgraphic display at the center and product exhibition. Each team were given 15 minutes to find the answers based upon clue hidden in question. First, second and third runners up from each team were given prizes. Core purpose of this activity was to give primary introduction to Biotechnology by reading the displayed panel. Student enjoyed activity too much. After arrival of hon. Collector formal welcome was done. Lighting the lamp and ribbon cutting ceremony was done after that. Dr. Madhvi formally introduced goal and purpose as well as panels to present guests. Dr. Madhvi Joshi gave primary insight in to Biotechnology and its importance by giving day to day examples of different things like Banana, Cotton, Biofuel etc. Hon. Collector, in her speech talked about importance of having knowledge about Biotechnology and importance of health and hygiene. She also asked students to ask questions and explore the facility provided. Shri P. P. Swami spoke in his speech that Biotechnology is the future of mankind and all students and schools should utilize the BioACorn and other science center facility. The program ended with prize distribution and thanks giving. Overall it was an overwhelming experience for students and authorities.

Events – Vallabh Vidyanagar

'One Day Biotechnology Awareness Camp' was organized by BioACorn, GSBTM at C. C. Patel Community Science Center of Vallabh Vidyanagar. Total 47 students from different schools and standards with teachers, attended the camp. The core goal to organize the camp was to generate awareness about basics of Biotechnology as well as the diversified applications of the subject, by means of activities. The day started with interactive session by Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist and Project Coordinator, BioACorn, GSBTM, Gandhinagar, where students could correlate daily applications of Biotechnology by means of examples like Curd, Fermented food, Bt Cotton etc. After the interactive session scientific movie was showcased as a part of ‘MovieCorn’ activity.

Students were also taken to visit Biotechnology Industry named ‘Agriland Biotech Pvt. Ltd.’ in Savli, Vadodara District, for building understanding about different segments and function of Biotech Industry. This activity was a humble effort to built the vision and better understanding in the minds of students, said teachers.

Events: Rajkot

BioACorn organized two day activity at O. V. Sheth Community Science center. The goal of conducting activity was to give school children a hand on experience in the fields of Biotechnology. Total 35 students from different schools and standards participated in the activity. Students could connect their studies and knowledge as well as understand key factors of Biotechnology like DNA and its isolation procedure. The activity program began with inaugral session delivered by Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist, BioACorn, GSBTM, Gandhinagar. Session was mainly focused upon basic understanding of Biotechnology and its diverse applications by giving commonexamples known to everyone. Students were taken to pannel visit and played Biotechnology based games.The next day students performed DNA isolation activity from mango by using common day to day chemicals, under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Madhvi Joshi. As a last segment scientific movie, ‘Evolution’ was showcased under ‘MovieCorn’ activity concept.

“The curiosity and enthusiasm of students was visible and they were keen to gain knowledge as far as possible by asking questions.” said the authority of the CSC. “The joy of giving, inspiring and sharing of knowledge was the core satisfactory point”, said Dr. Madhvi Joshi.

Events: Vadodara

‘One Day Biotechnology Awareness Camp’ was organized by BioACorn, GSBTM at Community Science Center, Vadodara. Total 87 students from different schools and standards accompanied by teachers, attended the camp. The core goal to organize the camp was to generate awareness about basics of Biotechnology as well as the diversified applications of the subject, by means of activities.

Day started with the introduction to Biotechnology delivered by Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist and Project Coordinator, BioACorn, GSBTM, Gandhinagar, where students could connect themselves with the subject. Four activities were held after the session, which were visit to BioACorn center, Click ‘N’ Learn, MovieCorn and DNA isolation from Mango fruit. Students visited the BioACorn center where they interacted and gained knowledge about the applications and procedures of Biotechnology. Students were accompanied by Dr. SumitVyas and Ms. Milauni Shah from BioACorn, GSBTM, Gandhinagar to help them in understanding and solving quarries. In MovieCorn activity, scientific movie named ‘Fantastic Voyage’ was showcased. DNA isolation activity was demonstrated by Dr. SumitVyas and Ms. Milauni Shah and was performed by participating students, teachers and CSC members. The overall feeling was energetic and satisfactory. Such activities are knowledge worthy and should be frequently conducted said the participating members.

Events: Gandhinagar

A two days activity workshop was organized by BioAcorn, GSBTM at Nisarg community science center, Gandhinagar. Inaugural session was delivered by Dr. Madhvi Joshi focusing on basic understanding on Biotechnology. On the first day of the activity students were taken to visit the Biotechnology panels at BioACorn center for their better understanding about Biotechnology and its applications. Students were also exposed to Molecular Biology techniques by means of Click and learn computer games. Later, 'DNA isolation from mango' activity was demonstrated as well as performed by students. Later students were assessed for the knowledge gained by means of questionnaire. On the second day, total three activities were conducted. These activities were DNA v/s Thread activity, Run 'N' Learn activity and MovieCorn. DNA V/S Thread activity was held for basic understanding of DNA structure, location and isolation. ‘Ru n 'N' Learn’ activity was based upon Ge l Electrophoresis concept. ‘MovieCorn’ activity is about showcasing science based movie named 'Fantastic Voyage- A Journey Through Body' to the students with the aim of learning with enjoyment. The valedictory session was held in the presence of Shri. A. k. Saxena, Mission Director and Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist and Project Co-ordinator, GSBTM, Gandhinagar. The program ended with inspiring speech as well as kits and certificate distribution by Mission Director. Cheerful feeling was prevailing in the atmosphere.

Popular Lecture Series

Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission organised popular lecture series on dated 12th & 13th July, 2013 at Sardar Patel University Vallabh Vidhyanagar, & Anand Agriculture University, Anand. The goal of popular lecture series is to provide knowledge about advance technology and new development in biotechnology among college students by conducting lectures of successful scientists from allover the world & promote students towards new research work. On 12th July at S.P university, Dr. Damer Blake, Lecturer in Molecular Parasitology from The Royal Veterinary College Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK, share knowledge about development and implications of new generation vaccines. Next day Professor Xavier Guitian from The Royal Veterinary College was present as an eminent speaker at Anand Agriculture University and around more than 400 students took advantage of this lecture series. Following the Lectures during query session students asked their queries which was answered satisfactory by the speakers.

Event: Inauguration Bhuj

Inauguration of BioACorn centre located at Kutch Mitra Community Science centre, Bhuj was Inaugurated by the Mayor Hemlataben Gaur, Vice president Parakramsingh Jadeja and the other presented dignitories. Dr Madhvi joshi, Sector specialist at Gujarat state Biotechnology Mission, Gandhinagar, Education officer Mr. mukeshbhai Patel, Karsan veljibhai Patel and president Chamber Mr Anil Gaur were present as Guest of Honour at the Inauguration function. Morning session started with speech of the dignitaries in the town hall in the presence of more than 900 students. All the dignitaries gave their views and share their understanding about Biotechnology. Following the speech session, a huge Biotechnology Rally was organised by GSBTM, Indian Planetory society and district education officer with around 900 students from townhall to khengarpark Kutch mitra Community Science centre. Students visited the centre and took the advantage of the artificial model kept at the centre and the Understanding Biotechnology Book.

Event: Inauguration at Porbandar

The inauguration of BioACorn, Porbandar was done as a part of District level Primary, secondary and higher secondary interschool Jawaharlal Nehru Science, Maths and Environment exhibition : 2013. This program was held on September 26, 2013. The BioACorn was inaugurated by Shri M. A. Gandhi, honourable collector of Porbandar. The dignitaries and students visited the center and appreciated the approach.

Event: Inauguration and activity at Bharuch

The inauguration of BioACorn, Bharuch was done on December 7, 2013 by the hands of Shri Chatrasinhji Mori, Hon. Minister, Food and Civil Supply and Consumer Affairs. Around 100 students and 25 school teachers remained present at the occasion. The inauguration followed by hands on activity with students, conducted by BioACorn team – Dr. Madhvi Joshi and Ms. Milauni Shah. The activity included ‘Click and Learn’- an interactive computer based games and ‘DNA isolation from fruit’.

Event: Inauguration Amreli

The inauguration of BioACorn, Amreli was done on February 23, 2014. Shree Ajaykumar, District Collector, Amreli inaugurated the center. Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist, Pharma and Healthcare and Coordinator BioACorn was present. The presence of other dignitaries like Shree Sujitkumar (IAS), District Development Officer; Shree Gautam Parmar (IPS), Police Suprintendent; shri D. N. Trivedi, District Education Officer, Shri B. K. Patel, District Primary Education Officer; Shri B. S. Basiya, Director of Information and Shri K. Lal, the magician remained present on the occasion.

District Level Activity

Biotech Carnival – 2014

One day District level activity – ‘Biotech Carnival - 2014’, was organized by BioACorn, GSBTM at Prempara Primary School, Dhari of Amreli District on 24th February 2014. Around 500 participants from 102 schools, including 400 students from standard 8 to 11 and 100 secondary and higher secondary science teachers attended the carnival. The goal of the carnival was to share knowledge and diverse applications of Biotechnology by means of hands on activities, displays, exhibition and computer based interactive games. The active participation and enthusiasm of students and teachers as well as joint efforts of BioACorn team, BRC, Staff members of the host school, staff volunteers, well wishers and student volunteers from M&N Virani Science College and Gyanyagna College of Science and Management wrote the success story of the program. The different areas of campus was designed to showcase information on various aspects of Biotechnology techniques like plant tissue culture, Biofuel, Bio Gas, phenomenons like Biodegradation and facts about Microorganisms. Campus was divided in to three main areas, which were hands on activity area, exhibition area and common activity area. Seven classes were solely dedicated for conducting hands on activities, two class rooms were prepared as mobile exhibition and laboratory as well as Biotech products set up and rest of the activities of the program were conducted in common activity area ground of the campus.

Inauguration of the program was done in a unique and scientific way. Along with lighting the lamp all the dignitaries commonly isolated the DNA out of Mango pulp. Starting of the program was done with Cultural program. Dr. Madhvi Joshi, Sector Specialist and Project Coordinator – BioACorn, GSBTM gave necessary and preliminary understanding of Biotechnology in an interactive way. Senior teachers were felicitated through shields and certificates by hands of dignitaries. First activity of the program was ‘Biotech Parade’. The students of Prempara Primary School participated in to Biotech Parade. Parade was divided in to 5 groups of school students. First group was DNA group, second group was Agricultural Biotechnology group, third group was Pharma and Healthcare, fourth group was Marine Biotechnology and fifth group was Industrial Biotechnology groups. Group leaders were holding product models of DNA, Bt Cotton, Vaccine, Biofuel and detergent respectively. The introduction of Biotechnology sector and groups was done through speech.

After the successful completion of the parade thanks giving ceremony was done to the key participants and contributors of the Carnival. ‘Campus Visit’ was the next activity where respective teachers were asked to take their students to the campus visit. Post lunch session was started with different activities in the ‘Hands on Activity Area’. Students and teachers were divided into small groups and distributed among the classes. All the classes were equipped with computer and projector. Two volunteers per class conducted various activities like classroom based group quiz, ‘Thread and DNA’, ‘Virtual Laboratory game’ and ‘DNA isolation from fruit’. The session ended with ‘Click n Learn’ games where students played and learned various Biotechnology based concepts by means of games. The last segment of carnival was ‘Mega Quiz’, where winning team of students from each classrooms were invited on the stage and final quiz round was played in very interesting and exiting way. The winner team was awarded with gifts and certificates. The carnival was concluded by valedictory speech by Dr. Madhvi Joshi.

Participation in State level - Science Carnival 2014
Science City, Ahmedabad

A State level Science Carnival was organised by GUJCOST (Gujarat Council of Science and Technology) and DST (Department of Science and Technology) at Science city, Gujarat. The 7 day celebration as a “Science Carnival” from 28th Feb to 6Th March 2014 included series of activities and programmes. GSBTM had a stall organised by Biotechnology Awareness Corner (BioAcorn). The general awareness about Biotechnology was created by cartoon story based info-graphic panals, Biotechnology based interactive games and videos. BT chronicle, Carrier book and other informative materials created by GSBTM were also distributed to visitors. Around 22,000 visitors including school and college students and teachers visited the carnival.

BioACorn, GSBTM participation in the DWIH, New Delhi – Excellence on Tour Exhibition at Science City, Ahmedabad

German House for Research and Innovation in New Delhi (In German: Deutsches Wissenschafts – und Innovationohaus, DWIH) in association with Gujarat Council on Science & Technology and Gujarat Council of Science City had organized “DWIH New Delhi – Excellence on Tour” exhibition and scientific programmes and outreach activities at Gujarat Science City during Novermber 15, 2013 to November 22, 2013. It was having parallel activity sessions that included, exhibitions, whokshops, lectures, symposiums, quizzes and cultural events that illustrated the productivity of Indo-German research collaboration to the audience. The event also offered opportunities to win several prizes. One of the highlights of the event was the Indo-German Science Slam. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Embassy of the German and distinguished guests and faculties. BioACorn, GSBTM participated as a part of showcasing the significant programmes and activities of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, as one of the departments namely BISAG, ISR, GIL, GCSC and GUJCOST. A large number of school and college students visited the exhibition and activities. GSBTM also organized a visit for all the working staff. BioACorn, GSBTM desplaied informative inforgraphic panels on Biotechnology. Brochures and information were distributed among interested visitors. The authorities and dignitaries from German embassy visited GSBTM research laboratory, based at Forest Research Station, Gandhinagar, where they were introduced about the work profile, research work carried out and instrumentation facilities of laboratory.