L&T and Naik Trusts launch Young Science Leaders Programme at Kharel, Gujarat

Surat: L&T Public Charitable Trust (LTPCT) and Naik Charitable Trust (NCT) today announced the launch of its Young Science Leaders (YSL) programme to enhance curiosity and creativity among students through competitions on scientific model/project-making and mentoring students through volunteer engagement. The programme is launched in collaboration with Agastya International Foundation and district education authorities to promote science education amongst children.

LTPCT and Agastya have been running science awareness programme in Navasari and Surat district through Science-on-Wheels, teachers training and Urmi science centre. Four Science-on-Wheels labs/vans are being deployed to cover more than 200 schools in both these districts. Acknowledging the need to improve interest in science education L&T Group Chairman Mr AM Naik had initiated this in 2011 through his personal contribution to run the science-on-wheel programme. Following its success, the programme was expanded by LTPCT.

YSL pushes the boundaries beyond model-making to promote children to undertake research and innovation. The YSL platform allows children to talk about their projects and models to a larger audience, thereby promoting peer-to-peer teaching, learning, and in turn improving student’s confidence and leadership abilities. YSL is an annual competition, which was launched in year 2022.

Employee volunteers from L&T’s Hazira manufacturing complex inspired and mentored the school students through creation of scientific models and participated in the day-long programme. Eight best models were selected for the award. The programme not only promoted curiosity in young people and also encouraged them to learn about the world around them in a fun and engaging way.

The event, held at KVS High School at Kharel in Surat, was inaugurated by Mr Anil Parab, Whole-Time Director & Sr EVP, Heavy Engineering and L&T Valves, in the august presence of esteemed guests including Mr Jignesh Naik, Trustee NCT, Mr Atik Desai, Trustee LTPCT, and the District education Officer. About 230 students presented creative models based on science and mathematical concepts and theories to a panel of jury at the event attended by more than 2,500 students of Kharel village. DeshGujarat