"Perception of science as a difficult subject is not true": President Patil

New Delhi, Aug 16 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today said that teachers have an obligation to dispel fear in the minds of young children that science is a tough subject, and when they spot aptitude for science amongst students, should nourish these talents.

Presenting the "Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research"awards here today, she drew attention to two areas of importance namely skill building for teachers and adequate facilities in schools.

She said, "As part of skill building, there should be professional training courses as well as refresher courses for teachers engaged in science education, given the rapid developments in this field. Secondly, adequate laboratory infrastructure in schools and colleges is essential for imparting good science education."

She reminded, "Programmes that encourage the pursuit of science disciplines are essential for a country of the dimension of India, which needs a large pool of scientists for meeting the challenges of the 21st Century."

"Those nations, which focus on Research and Development, and are able to make available its applications for use in various fields, will be the leaders of the future. Children with their inquisitive minds and curiosity have a freshness of thinking. It is important that you retain this quality throughout your lives," she added.

Giving tributes to great scientists Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Madam Curie and - her daughter Irene Curie, Patil said: "You would be inspired by such examples and will look for developing new ways of looking at matter and discover new things."

"The construction of railways, bridges, better industrial tools, better agriculture, all are part of the application of scientific knowledge in these fields. As young students I would encourage you to look at yourselves as future scientists of the country, who through their inventions and hard work, will contribute to India's growth. Your hands and minds would shape the future that awaits!" she added.

Appealing to teachers, she said: "Parents and teachers can play a major role in creating interest in science. It is the method of teaching and creating the right conditions that will generate interest in the study of sciences in this country."

She appealed students to understand the importance of values in life and of working together as a team. She told them to develop good habits, show commitment and dedication to their work; show respect to elders, parents and teachers, an official release said. (ANI)