Even as trains on other platforms at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus went by unnoticed, the sparkling white Science Express on platform 13 drew all the attention.
Even as trains on other platforms at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus went by unnoticed, the sparkling white Science Express on platform 13 drew all the attention.
With many visitors thronging the train on its first day, it seemed more crowded than a Virar local.
Not missing the opportunity, parents towed along their kids to give them enthuse them towards a career in science. “I brought my son with me so that he could be exposed to various aspects of science. Since it is a novel way of displaying science, my son will remember what he saw here,” said Tejaswini Padte, a resident of Kalyan who brought her eight-year-old son.
Others, like Rasika Bhangle, who had just taken her Std X exams, visited with the hope that the Express would help her make a decision. “I was confused whether to take up science or IT diploma. My mother suggested that I could check out the various disciplines in science being exhibited on the train. Now I am certain that I want a career in Biotechnology,” she said.
The main attraction was the 13th coach with a fully equipped kids’ laboratory. Excited at donning protective gloves and aprons while watching demonstrations, students could not stem their curiosity as volunteers performed experiments.
“How does the chemical prevent water from flowing?” asked a student from St. Xavier’s Boys Academy. The students were shown the chemicals used in diapers and cooling pads as an experiment.
A collaborative effort by BASF Group (Germany), Department of Science and Technology, and Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany, the Science Express will be travelling to 57 cities in India. It was flagged off on October 30, 2007 from Delhi and has covered 42 cities so far.
“The overwhelming response in Mumbai has forced us to extend the closing time to 6 pm. Nearly 700 students have registered for the laboratory section,” said Pooja Verma, spokesperson, BASF. The exhibition will be open for all till April 8.
r_priya@dnaindia.net
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