One day orientation workshop on “Foldscope as a Research Tool” under Department of Biotechnology (DBT), GOI funded projects at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region,Umiam.
A one day orientation workshop on “Foldscope as a Research Tool” (under DBT Funded Project) was conducted by the Department of Crop Production and Natural Resource Management(NRM), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793103, Meghalaya on 25th August, 2018 to make aware, educate and train the school children about the wide applications of FOLDSCOPE Microscope. A total of 65 students were participated from three different schools viz., Kendriya Vidyalaya NEPA, MEeCL secondary school, Barapani and Kendriya vidyalaya, Umroi cantt. During inaugural program, the Director in-charge, Dr. S.K. Das who was the Chief Guest of the workshop shed vivid light about the importance of foldscope and its advantages over the conventional research microscopes in a way that it is more affordable and can be accessed by school students with its unique optical quality as those of the conventional ones. The head of crop production and NRM who have acted as guests of honor were also encouraged students to know and learn about this novel, foldable and ultra affordable microscope. They have said this is unique tool is able to democratize science, empower and reach the unreachable sections of the society. They opined that if students actively participate and learn about the foldscope in the right way, it will help in infusing scientific temper as enshrined in the constitution of India. The programme was followed by a second session in which the Principal Investigators, Dr. Krishnappa R and Dr M Prabha Devi took the opportunity to further elaborate and teach the students about unique features of foldscope, its assembly, philosophy behind its invention through audio visual aids. More emphasis was given on its usefulness in agriculture viz., identification of diseases, histochemical studies, stomatal structure studies and reproductive studies etc. Students actively participated in assembly, sample preparation, and observation of various samples through the foldscope. The students were captivated by the fascinating origami (art of folding) of foldscope and actively interacted with organisers with great keenness and enthusiasm. Students and teachers of respective schools expressed happiness and demanded more of such workshop by the organizers at larger scale at premises of their schools so that more number of students can participate and learn about the foldscope.
Glimpses of one day orientation on foldscope, its assembly and applications at ICAR Research complex for NEH region, Umiam, Meghalaya
