the goan I network
PANAJI
The Science Film Festival of India (SCI-FFI) commenced its fourth edition this year with Bollywood film Parmanu, inauguration of science based exhibition and on-going telescope making workshop.
A workshop for science teachers, an additional programme at the SCI-FFI this year, will be held on January 18. The programme aims to turn the educators into science communicators. The festival began with an opening of Science Exhibition followed by the main inaugural ceremony at INOX Screen 1. Dr Nakul Parashar, director, Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi stated, “The enthusiasm seen at SCI-FFI is immense and energising and we wish to plan an even bigger film fest for the nation, hosted by Goa.”
Dr Parashar who was the chief guest for the event, emphasised on the virtue of experience, gaining feedback and seeking improvement during the course of research and innovation. Also present for the occasion were North Goa Collector and Director of Science and Technology Levinson Martins, Kineco-Kaman CEO Shekhar Sardessai, National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Director and chairman Dr Sunil Kumar Singh. Also present were members of SCI-FFI organising committee.
Speaking on the growth of the festival, Martins stated, “The festival has grown tremendously and will continue to do in the future.”
Shekhar Sardessai acknowledged festival for its role in science and in instilling scientific temperament in the public minds. He observed, “Festivals like SCI-FFI trigger our imagination as science stands key to organising and improving life.”
The festival is ground for a learning and awareness opportunity, felt Dr Sunil Kumar Singh, who hoped that even the remote villages of the country must see the need to understand science and it’s working for a progressive land.
Jayantrao Sahasrabuddhe acknowledged the efforts of the organising committee of SCI-FFI lauding their role in propagating science concepts through films and other activities of the fest. Abhay Bhamaikar briefed the audience on the concept of the film fest along with its success in covering 128 institutions; 125 in Goa and 3 from Maharashtra this year.
The festival will educate the students with hands on training, workshops, film screenings and interactions with eminent personalities and renowned scientists like Director general Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Dr Shekar Mande, senior faculty from University of Hyderabad Prof Sharmistha Banerjee, scientist Dr Arvind Ranade and senior scientist from National Physical Laboratory Dr Sumit K Mishra.
