A number of young scientists demonstrated their innate talent at the Annual Science of the Ellerslie based New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple Society.
The event, held at the Auckland Normal Intermediate School Hall (Mt Eden) on April 30, drew encouraging response from not only students and academics but also parents and the community.
The annual exposition, second in the series, aimed to promote the spirit of inquiry among the younger members of the society and evince their interest in Science and allied subjects. It also recognised 2011 as the ‘International Year of Chemistry,’ as designated by the UN.
This year’s theme of ‘Sustainability,’ inspired the young participants to focus on recent developments in Scientific Research, Environmental Science, Medical and Health Science, Physical World, Living World, Material World, Planet Earth and Beyond and Technology.
Among the highlights of this year’s event was the inclusion of Maori heritage, history, value and culture in relation to Science.
Teenager Anjukan Kathirgamanathan received widespread applause as he demonstrated his ‘Micro steam Car.’
Lively debate
‘Advancement of Science’ was the subject of a debate held as a part of the event, with Dr V Nithiyanandam as the Moderator. Ahalya Sathiyaselvan, Gajan Srikumar, Ramya Balachandran, Shivagar Sivashanmuganathan, Thulasi Anandabaskaran and Vithushan Vijayakumar were the debaters.
The guest speakers included Dr Krishnan Jeyaraman, Dr Marilyn Brewin, K Ganeshan, Jega M Jegatheeson and Dr T Paskaran.
The budding scientists of the day were Bahavathy Kathirgamanathan, Hariene Prabaharan, Kabilan Kathiravel, Keerthiharan Prabaharan, Kiruthikan Manoharan, Pravin Thayaparan, Saeyavan Sitsabesan, Sakayan Sitsabesan, Sobitha Manoharan and Vithushiya Yoganandarajah.
Among the organsiers of the annual event were Dr Anna Ponnampalam, Dr Kalyani Kathigamanathan and Dr Shanthinie Ravindran, and on behalf of The New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple Society.
The programme provided an opportunity for the attendees to display sharp intelligence, mental alertness, dexterity, smartness, skilfulness, inventiveness and creativity.
Scientists, researchers and engineers were among those who attended the show.
The budding scientists proved that hundreds of science projects could be made from household things purchased at supermarkets, grocery shops, electrical shops, Two- Dollar shops and pharmacies without doctors’ prescription.
-From a Report by Dr Shanthinie Ravindran
