New science park in Madurai opens for public use

Madurai: Minister for commercial taxes and registration P Moorthy inaugurated the newly established science park at Anna Park Complex, Thirunagar, on Tuesday.The minister said the Tamil Nadu govt was implementing various schemes for the welfare of the people, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and industrial development, positioning Tamil Nadu as a leading state. He said numerous schemes were being implemented to enhance students' skills in education and sports.The science park was set up at an estimated cost of 2.7 crore under the O&M deficit grant fund phase 04 for the year 2024-2025. It features science equipment, paved walkways, seating arrangements, electric lights, surveillance cameras, a roof, ticket counters, and an entrance gate.The science equipment is mostly based on applications of physics theories, explaining simple concepts like gravity and force to more complex theories like thermodynamics, Hooke's Law, and more. Descriptive signboards next to them explain the theory and how to use it. The park is also the only science park in the state that features two models of Isro space shuttles, marking India's commitment to space exploration.Ankidyne, a science exhibit manufacturer, was responsible for the renovation of the park and installation of the equipment. Sokkalingam, a supervisor at the park, said that the company will maintain the park for one year, with a team of guides providing explanations on how to use the equipment on display. Many children at the park said they enjoyed making use of the equipment. "It helps us to understand the concepts we learned in school," said Krishnan, a child who visited the park. Other children added that the equipment present was not like other parks, making it more interesting.M Pandiarajan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Science Forum, said the park was a brilliant initiative, adding that more such parks should be set up to educate students. He also requested the district administration to ensure proper maintenance."Madurai does not have a planetarium yet. The addition of the Isro models at the science park is a good step towards creating an interest in the wonders of space, and the construction of a planetarium will be a major benefit to Madurai in terms of both education and revenue," Pandiarajan said.Commissioner Chitra Vijayan presided over the event.