The Ministry of Culture in Leh recently unveiled the first-ever Mobile Science Exhibition (Science Explorer) specifically purposed for the Ladakh region. In addition to this, 25 new Mobile Science Exhibition buses have also been introduced for the Aspirational Districts of India.
Aspirational Districts Programme
This programme was initiated in January 2018 with a clear mission – to swiftly and efficiently uplift some of the most underdeveloped districts within the country. To this point, 117 districts have been identified, featuring at least one from each state.
In order to enact constructive change, each district is paired with a Prabhari (in-charge) officer from the Centre (with the rank of either an additional secretary or joint secretary) along with a Prabhari officer from the State (who holds the rank of Secretary to State government). These officers work collaboratively with the district administration, ensuring all needs are met.
Mobile Science Exhibitions
Mobile Science Exhibitions (MSE) are essentially science exhibits on wheels, offering diverse and broad-ranging content relating to various fields of science and technology. This innovative initiative by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) aims to bring science to rural and remote areas, making it more accessible and inclusive.
Operating on the principle, ‘If people cannot visit the museum, let the museum visit the people at their doorsteps’, the MSE, or Museo-bus, travels from school to school in rural regions throughout the year, putting on exhibitions for the local community. The topics covered are diverse, ranging from everyday machines and energy to hygiene & sanitation and space science for human welfare.
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) was established in 1978, acting as the central coordinating agency for national science museums. This autonomous Science & Technology institution falls under the administration of both the Ministry of Culture and the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
With the launching of the first MSE by the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata in 1965, NCSM embarked on what is today the largest and the longest-running outreach programme. Importantly, the BITM is India’s first science museum, having opened its doors in 1959.
Detailed Facts
| Fact Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Aspirational Districts Programme Launch | January, 2018 |
| Number of Identified Aspirational Districts | 117 |
| First MSE Launch | 1965 by BITM, Kolkata |
| First Indian Science Museum | Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata in 1959 |
| NCSM Establishment | 1978 |
The Future of Mobile Science Exhibitions
The recent launch of the Mobile Science Exhibition in Ladakh is only the first step for the region. With 25 new buses ready to serve the Aspirational Districts of India, the future of this program appears promising indeed. These buses are expected to make a crucial difference in spreading scientific knowledge and fostering a curiosity for learning in some of the most underdeveloped parts of the country.