Srinagar , Jan 31: An exposure visit organized by Bharti Airtel Foundation in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Jammu, under the CSIR Jigyasa programme, concluded today at the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu.
The event saw the participation of 81 science teachers from government schools across Jammu, Samba, and Rajouri districts, supported by Bharti Airtel Foundation under its Quality Support Program. The workshop aimed to provide teachers with hands-on training in cutting-edge science and research facilities, enhancing their understanding of practical science and research methods.
The initiative focused on equipping science teachers with skills that will enable them to inspire and engage students more effectively in their classrooms. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, addressed the participants and encouraged them to take full advantage of such opportunities. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like the CSIR Jigyasa program, in fostering awareness about science and technology, which plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by society.
Anil Bhat, Regional Head of Bharti Airtel Foundation, provided insights into the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support schools across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh UTs in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist and Head of RMBD & IST at CSIR-IIIM, spoke about the Skill India Initiative, which focuses on upgrading the skills of teachers to improve the quality of education at the school level.
The workshop kicked off with technical lectures and practical sessions led by Dr. Asha Chaubey, Senior Principal Scientist and Head of the Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Department, who is also the Nodal Scientist for the Jigyasa program. Teachers had the opportunity to conduct basic science experiments aligned with school curricula, offering them valuable hands-on experience that they can take back to their classrooms. The exposure visit marked a significant step in bridging the gap between scientific research and classroom teaching, further strengthening the connection between the scientific community and educators.
