India-A Culture of Science" exhibition-showcasing both ancient Indian scientific knowledge and the Indian contribution to modern science and technology will be staged in Trinidad in May. The exhibition, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, is expected to be held at the Divali Nagar site. This was part of a discussion representatives from the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) in Kolkata India, held with Tertiary Education Minister Fazal Karim following a courtesy visit on February 10 at the International Waterfront Complex, Port-of-Spain.
K G Kumar, NCSM director and T K Sarpan, exhibition manager, met with Karim to discuss the exhibition which will showcase both ancient Indian scientific knowledge and the Indian contribution to modern science and technology. NCSM has staged similar exhibitions all over the world, but this will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean. NCSM will work in conjunction with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst), an agency of Karim's ministry.
This collaboration started after both institutions signed an agreement in India, as part of the state visit by T&T's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar a few weeks ago. Karim expressed his enthusiastic support for the venture, confirming that his ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Transport to secure buses to take students to the exhibition.
Karim stated that Niherst supports the Government's vision of integrating science, technology and innovation (STI) into the activities of every sector, by promoting and developing T&T's intellectual, institutional and social capacity to create and innovate using science and technology. "This involves developing capacity in applied research and development, supporting education and training in science and technology and fostering a national ethos and culture of STI." Niherst, Karim said, will also serve as a focal point and coordinating agency for national, regional and international STI initiatives.