Meghalaya hosts state-level school contest to foster scientific temper in students

Shillong: The state-level eco club competition organised by Meghalaya State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (SCSTE) concluded recently. It saw the participation of 31 schools and more than 180 students from rural areas.
Held from Nov 7-9, the programme featured three competitions — an OMR-based written exam, a tinkering science project and a scavenger hunt in Nongkrem.
"Top-performing eco clubs will soon receive awards, including educational resources such as school libraries, tinkering labs, hydroponic units, rainwater harvesting systems, clean drinking water facilities and more," said an official statement issued by Gunanka DB, joint secretary, state planning dept and member secretary of SCSTE, on Monday.
"This initiative reflects SCSTE's commitment to fostering a scientific mindset and sustainable growth in Meghalaya's rural communities," the statement said, adding that the event concluded with certificate distributions and a special address by W Passah, a retd professor from St Edmund's College, Shillong.
Stressing on the SCSTE's commitment to rural education and sustainable development, the statement said SCSTE Meghalaya "strived to cultivate a new generation of students" equipped with scientific knowledge, environmental awareness, and the skills needed to contribute to sustainable development through this programme.
"By engaging rural students in innovative and practical science activities, SCSTE aims to inspire young minds to think critically about environmental conservation and the importance of science and technology in everyday life. This initiative highlights SCSTE's dedication to building an informed, innovative, and environmentally conscious future for Meghalaya," the statement iterated.