GANGTOK: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) organized the State-level Science Seminar on the theme ‘Quantum Age Begins: Potentials and Challenges’ at its auditorium, here at Lower Burtuk today.
The valedictory session was graced by Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Departments, Mr Raju Basnet as the Chief Guest and Principal Director Education Department, Mr Sonam Denzongpa as the Special Guest.
The objective of the seminar was to instill a spirit of scientific inquiry and analytical thinking among students.
In his address, Mr Raju Basnet acknowledged the depth of knowledge and presentation skills displayed by the students on quantum technology, despite their young age. He appreciated the teachers’ hard work in guiding the students. He encouraged the children to remain curious, sharpen their knowledge according to their interests, and utilize their memory retention effectively. He advised them to learn beyond classroom lessons and to think outside the box. Calling Sikkim a land of opportunities, he highlighted the government’s support for those willing to progress despite financial limitations. He concluded by urging students to strive to become assets to society rather than liabilities.
Assistant Professor SCERT, Mr Parijit Sutradhar gave a presentation on the district-level science seminars. He said the objective was to encourage scientific inquiry and analytical thinking among secondary-level students. On September 9, 2025, 87 schools across the state participated in the district-level seminars, from which two schools per district were selected for today’s state-level event.
HoD, Physics Department, Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, Dr Homnath Luitel while sharing his feedback, commended the students’ work, stating that their presentations exceeded expectations. He advised maintaining a proper balance between text and graphics, highlighting key points, and following the 6-6-6 rule: no more than six lines per slide, no more than six words per line, and summarizing the main message within six lines. He encouraged students to add slide numbers, cite sources, and use relevant pictures. He stressed understanding the practicality of the presentation rather than memorizing content and guided the students on areas to focus on for future competitions.
The seminar featured students from classes 8 to 10. Presentations could be made in Hindi, English, or any recognized Indian language. Each presentation was limited to six minutes, followed by a two-minute question-and-answer session. Students were evaluated on scientific content, novelty in visuals, fluency, ability to answer questions, a written aptitude test, and viva voce.
Twelve schools participated in this year’s seminar:
- Government Senior Secondary School, Daramdin
•Government Senior Secondary School, Duga - Government Senior Secondary School, Gangyap
- Government Senior Secondary School, Mamring
•Government Senior Secondary School, Mangan - Government Senior Secondary School, Mangshila
- Government Senior Secondary School, Modern
- Government Senior Secondary School, Pelling
- Government Senior Secondary School, Sadam
- Government Senior Secondary School, Singtam
- PM Shri Senior Secondary School, Soreng
- Government New Secondary School, Namchi
The seminar was judged by Associate Professor and HoD, Physics Department, Sikkim University, Dr Amitabha Bhattacharya; HoD, Physics Department, Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College, Dr Homnath Luitel; and Assistant Professor, Physics Department, SMIT, Dr Pranita Chettri.
Results of the State-Level Science Seminar:
- Ms Pratiksha Poudyal, Govt Senior Sec School, Sadam (1st position)
- Mr Adarsh Kumar, PM Shri Sr Sec School, Soreng (2nd position)
- Ms Prayashma Tamang, Govt Sr Sec School, Mamring (3rd position)
Government New Secondary School, Namchi will represent Sikkim at the National Level Science Seminar to be held at Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Bangalore.
The welcome address before the valedictory session was delivered by Joint Director SCERT, Dr Shanti Ram Adhikari. The welcome address of the technical session was presented by Director SCERT, Dr Robin Chhetri, while the vote of thanks at the valedictory session was given by Additional Director SCERT, Ms Tshering Lhamu Bhutia.
The event was also attended by Joint Director (Pakyong), Education Department, Ms Poonam Pradhan; Deputy Director (Gangtok), Education Department, Mr Deepak Rai; Principal DIET, Mr Tshering Wangdi Bhutia; faculty members of DIET, teachers, and students from various schools across the state.
- IPR Report
