Student orientation at JNU

On November 30, 2018 the students of classes 9 and 11 of The Indian School alongwith students of other schools visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University to attend the third Annual Open Day or Jan Jan JNU.

The visitors were ushered to an open area where stalls were set up by the different departments of the university had exhibited information about the subjects related to them. The Chemistry Department displayed colour changing experiments. It was interesting to understand why humans see different colours for different objects. The Biology Department explained the harmful effects of malaria and which regions are the most affected along with the varied means that can be deployed to stop the spread of the virus. It is the most effective when the virus is addressed in its initial stage we were told. The Department of Environmental Sciences told us about the harmful effects of pollution indoors whilst the Department of History carried visual representations to explain the different important movements that took place in India during the freedom struggle. The Department of Linguistics and Culture is one where the students learnt some basics of how one can communicate through sign language.

Through these diverse presentations, the visiting school children were made aware of new developments in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology, nano-sciences, molecular medicine, computational sciences, arts and aesthetics, social sciences, humanities, and international studies.

Finally, the students proceeded to the auditorium where they interacted with the Vice Chancellor of the university and the Chief Guest Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Development of the North Eastern Region on what the most important issues facing India today are. JNU vice-chancellor, M. Jagadesh Kumar stressed on research and innovation to solve societal problems. He encouraged students to visit the various schools of the university and take a look at cutting-edge research to be inspired to consider a career in research. We need intensive research in the years to come in order to address several issues being faced by the country. Besides research, it is important that we innovate to solve day to day problems, said Mr. Kumar. Chancellor V K Saraswat said there is a need to promote co-creativity and team spirit to develop the country.

Each school also discussed some solutions even as they carefully absorbed the inspirational and thought provoking speeches of the guests. In the end, everyone left more knowledgeable and more circumspect about issues faced by the country and humanity in general today.

Jahnnobi Roy (11 D).