The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), under the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, hosted the Eastern India Science Drama Competition 2024-25 on September 30, 2024. This competition was a precursor to the highly anticipated National Science Drama Festival (NSDF), an annual event where science and theatre intersect to create captivating, educational performances.
This competition was a precursor to the highly anticipated National Science Drama Festival (NSDF). Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
The NSDF celebrates the art of storytelling as a means to communicate complex scientific concepts in a way that resonates with audiences from all walks of life. By weaving together engaging narratives, characters, and performances, these science dramas not only educate but also entertain, offering a fresh perspective on how science impacts our everyday lives. Through this fusion of science and stagecraft, the competition fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of scientific principles, making them more accessible to the general public.
The National Science Drama Festival (NSDF) is an annual event where science and theatre intersect to create captivating, educational performances. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
BITM, a unit of the National Council of Science Museums, organises the annual science drama competition at district, state, and regional levels, with the Eastern India competition being a key stepping stone to the national stage. Students from classes 6 to 10 participate by presenting their science-themed dramas, each based on topics of significant social relevance. The top performances advance to the next round, culminating in the National Science Drama Festival.
This year’s theme, ‘Science & Technology for the Benefit of Mankind,’ was brought to life through various thought-provoking sub-themes, including:
- Global Water Crisis
- AI & Society
- Modern Technology for Disaster Management
- Health and Hygiene
- Climate Change and its Impact
Students from classes 6 to 10 participate by presenting their science-themed dramas, each based on topics of significant social relevance. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
This year’s theme was ‘Science & Technology for the Benefit of Mankind'. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
The inaugural session was graced by the presence of renowned drama personality and veteran film actor Debdut Ghosh, who served as the Chief Guest. Following the opening ceremony, seven teams – state-level winners from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, took the stage. The students performed in Hindi, Odia, and Bengali, showcasing their talents through live-streamed performances on BITM's YouTube channel.
The Director of Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, welcomed the Chief Guest, renowned drama personality and veteran film actor Debdut Ghosh. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
A glimpse from the inaugural ceremony. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
A glimpse from the valedictory session. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
The inaugural address was delivered by the Chief Guest Debdut Ghosh. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
The science dramas were judged by a distinguished panel of experts: Prof Nitin Chattopadhyay, a Siksha Ratna 2019 awardee and former Dean of Science at Jadavpur University, alongside Prof Siddhartha Chakraborty and Prof Subhashis Halder from the Department of Drama at Rabindra Bharati University. The criteria for evaluation included presentation, scientific content, and overall effectiveness in communicating the message.
The distinguished panel of judges comprised Prof Nitin Chattopadhyay, a Siksha Ratna 2019 awardee and former Dean of Science at Jadavpur University, alongside Prof Siddhartha Chakraborty and Prof Subhashis Halder from the Department of Drama at Rabindra Bharati University. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
Two outstanding performances emerged as winners:
- ‘AI Era’ by +2 High School, Barhiya, Lakhisarai, Bihar
- ‘Netizen’ by AGPN Convent & ER School, Purulia, West Bengal
The top winning team in the science drama competition. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
The team that clinched the second spot. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
The team that won the third spot. Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata
These top two teams will represent Eastern India at the National Science Drama Festival 2024-25, to be held at the National Science Centre, New Delhi, on December 27-28, 2024.
This competition not only ignites a passion for science among students but also encourages them to use their creativity to address pressing issues, highlighting how science and technology can serve the greater good of humanity.