Brightest Minds Discuss the Future of AI at BITM’s West Bengal State Science Seminar 2024

The West Bengal State Science Seminar 2024, held on September 20, brought together some of the brightest young minds to discuss a topic that is shaping the future – Artificial Intelligence: Potentials & Concerns.

This prestigious event, organised by the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) in association with the Department of Youth Services & Sports, Government of West Bengal, and the Royal Society of Chemistry (Eastern India section), is part of a larger initiative leading up to the National Science Seminar (NSS) 2024, a nationwide annual event organised by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, ever since 1982 – which has been capturing the attention of students and educators since 1982.

The seminar’s aim is clear: to engage school students in meaningful discussions on pressing scientific and technological issues that impact society. This year’s topic couldn’t be more timely. As the world continues to embrace AI, it is essential to not only explore its potential but also examine the concerns surrounding it.

The event commenced with an inspiring inaugural session. Chief Guest Prof Nitin Chattopadhyay, a Siksha Ratna Awardee (2019) and former Dean of the Faculty of Science at Jadavpur University, set the tone with a thought-provoking address. His speech underscored the duality of artificial intelligence – its immense potential to revolutionise industries and daily life, coupled with ethical concerns and societal impact.

Joining him as Guests of Honour were Prasanta Mandal, WBCS (Exe), Joint Secretary of the Department of Youth Services & Sports, and Prof Sriparna Datta, Head of the Department of Chemical Technology at the University of Calcutta and Vice President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Eastern India section.

The seminar showcased the talents of 43 students from across West Bengal, each of whom had previously triumphed at the district level. These students, from classes VIII to X, took the stage to present their well-researched views on AI. Each participant was allotted six minutes to deliver a presentation, complete with visual aids, followed by a two-minute question and answer (Q&A) session with the panel of judges. Their work was evaluated based on several criteria: scientific content, presentation fluency, performance in viva and written tests, and creativity in using visuals.

The judging panel featured renowned academics from prestigious institutions. Prof Kumar Deb Banerjee from the Department of Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering, Jadavpur University; Prof Soumen Roy from the Department of Physical Sciences, Bose Institute; and Prof Sankar De from the Applied Nuclear Physics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, had the challenging task of evaluating these future leaders in science and technology.

In a hotly contested seminar, the top honour went to Rajdeep Chanda from Techno India Group Public School, Jalpaiguri. His insightful and eloquent presentation earned him the first prize, and he will now represent West Bengal at the National Science Seminar 2024, which will be held on November 20, 2024, at the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai.

The event was a reminder that the future of science and technology rests in the hands of young, curious minds – students who are not only aware of the challenges but are also eager to contribute solutions. As AI continues to evolve, platforms like these ensure that the next generation of scientists and innovators are equipped with both the knowledge and the responsibility to shape a better future.