Advani kicks off science city project

The ambitious Rs 350-crore Gujarat Science City project was kicked off by Union home minister L.K. Advani on Wednesday amid brief spells of rain showers that caught everyone by surprise.
Although the rain interrupted the brief foundation stone laying ceremony between intervals, it failed to mar the occasion as thousands turned at the site to get a glimpse of the upcoming "edutainment" complex blending the miracles of science and technology.

Spread over 500 acres of land, the mammoth project, which aspires to be one of the largest of its kind in Asia, has been kicked off by the Gujarat Council of Science City. "The Science City will be a matter of pride for the state because now it can boast of two centres providing a rich blend of science and technology to the people of the state and the nation," said Advani.

"Developments of such centres is a must for the growth of people of a nation," he said adding, "Development and incorporation of science and technology in daily lives of people must not be misunderstood with the concept of Swadeshi." A nation can not grow unless it does not evolve its outlook towards the world holistically, he remarked.

Union minister of tourism and culture Ananth Kumar brought good news to the upcoming interactive world of science by disclosing that the centre has okayed a large sum of money for it. "Gujarat state government had requested the centre to grant Rs 41 crores for the development of the Science City. The request has been granted and the government is processing it," he informed.

Mr. Advani also hoped that ministry of tourism and culture should promote such "edutainment" complexes in future. "Work on the project would have begun at the site about three months back had the state not being hit by the devastating earthquake and the ongoing drought," remarked chief minister Keshubhai Patel who was present during the occasion.

"Gujarat has been land of visionaries like Vikram Sarabhai, and the Science City will further enhance opening up new horizons of science to the people of cities and villages of Gujarat and the country," he hoped. The program included capsule of simulator ride, aero-modelling show, and several other shows based on science and technology.

While officials working on the Science City expect the project to start full-fledged by January 2002, interactive activities for youngsters will kick off from June 5, 2001.

Republished from The Asian Age