On 19 April, 2014, students of classes X, XI and XII got an opportunity to visit Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. The occasion was Open House,14, a one day event dedicated to offering an insight into the path-breaking research work, projects and the numerous advanced facilities and laboratories available there. Proceeding to our destination that bright morning, we were desperately filled with an anticipation, of sometime getting that coveted chance to become a student at the august institution! Soon we alighted on the sprawling campus. We were amazed to see a small township with lush lawns, rows of residences and wide roads. The campus has it's own water supply and back-up electricity, even shops to cater to the needs of residents. All of us were extremely curious to commence our surveys of the exhibition in the areas of our diverse inclinations namely chemical and biochemical engineering, computer science, mathematics, computing, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, physics, biotechnology, nanotechnology etc. We proceeded to the Dogra Hall for the inaugural ceremony where a lecture was being delivered on biochemical research. Next we headed for the Physics Lab. We saw numerous specimens of motor engines, appliances, gadgets etc. We were especially enthralled by the 3D printer ( 3D image formation- holography) at work which could make a solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. We saw that successive layers of material were laid down in different shapes and a specific time period was given for the formation of that sample and it is also considered distinct from traditional techniques. It works without manual effort! We learnt about the phenomenon of total internal reflection and interference fringes in the fiber optics' lab which we shall learn in detail in our later lessons. We also fathomed firsthand how communication happens over the internet. Next was a quiz conducted by students of the institute which revolved around questions on concepts of organic chemistry. We all shared information about the concepts as we knew them and made it a point to pen down what was new for us. The Chemistry laboratory, which was the favourite section of our visit, amazed us with greatly informative experiments and demonstrations like the Jumping Sodium and the Elephant toothpaste that fascinated us as phenomena. We learnt some exceptional ways to enhance our knowledge with simple and basic concepts of chemistry. The lab also showcased a huge array of fascinating experiments like disappearing thermocol in acetone solution, biodiesel from waste cooking oil, nano carriers for cancer drugs, automatic medicine dispensers you name it, and they have made it! We watched in disbelief the precision achieved as glass test tubes were produced in the glass- blowing lab . It was a truly edutainment! We were also taken to the Biomedical Engineering section, which included Biomechanics, Biotechnology, animal experimentation etc. We were thrilled to see a robot which can be used for surgical purposes. We were also told about how research is taking place to find a cure for cancer. Various techniques at the level of nano particles are being used to find a cure for this monstrous disease. It was indeed very exciting to see such innovations and advancements in the contemporary and advancing world of sciences. Moving down six floors to the open lawn in the front of the building, we glanced at the Flying Drone which was a model of an aerial vehicle under manual control. The aircraft was functioned by an automatic system as well as with an external operator on the ground. We saw a live demonstration of the model flying at a controlled height, the sight of which has been imprinted on our memories forever. The students behind the model promised to visit our school and help us to build a similar machine. The seminars and demos too were an integral part of the science-enhancing experience, witnessed and enjoyed by students and teachers alike. It was 12:30 pm and we had to start back for School. We were very reluctant to return and while going back, we all contemplated about the excellence in scientific and technical education and research and the valuable advancements for industry and society that we had seen. IIT Delhis Open House turned out to be a real treat to the eyes, by it's display of the finest projects to technology enthusiasts, students from other technical institutes, school children and the general public. It was a truly enriching experience and we would like to thank our school for providing us such a wonderful opportunity. IIT has and continues to develop human potential to its fullest so that intellectually capable and imaginatively gifted leaders emerge in a range of professions. IIT truly is a source of pride for all Indians. After a long and utterly enlightening day we returned to School, our minds still teeming with on all that we had seen. We decided to preserve our brain/ storming for sessions with our dear teachers in our classrooms Students of class XII
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