Science City Kolkata opened its doors to the public on July 1, 1997, with the aim to popularise science among kids and young adults. Twenty-five years on, the science park with all its rides, shows and sessions remains one of the hottest spots in the city.
The science park plans to celebrate its 25 years in style throughout the year. New programmes and facilities will be unveiled as part of its packed silver jubilee celebrations.
“A full-dome film called Kolkata: The City of Joy and a month-long exhibition called 25 Years of Science City will be inaugurated on July 1 by Sibaji Raha, former director, Bose Institute,” said Science City director Anurag Kumar.
“We’ll also unveil a large sundial in our science park tomorrow. The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav sundial is around 50 ft in diameter and will be unveiled by Ingit Mukherjee, former director general, National Council of Science Museums (NCSM),” he added.
The Science City director also said a full-dome Indian film called Luminaries of Bengal had been developed in Hindi, English and Bengali and would be launched shortly.
A souvenir magazine called 25 Years of Science City will also come out on the occasion. The magazine will contain articles by the likes of former NCSM director Saroj Ghose.
Apart from these, a social media campaign on Science City's official profiles calls anyone who had visited the venue in 1997 July to share their memories. This crowdsourced campaign will continue till the end of July.
“We're proactively seeking such reminiscences. If the children of those first-day visitors could visit the science park at any time this year, it would be really special,” said Kumar.
As Science City has always encouraged students to learn scientific facts and trivia, it has started special sessions for schoolchildren. “We already started organising workshops for schoolchildren. We’ll consider holding similar programmes for children at least once every month,” said Kumar.
“We’re also in talks with some NGOs to set up science clubs. A comprehensive report will soon be sent to the authorities for an upgrade of our existing facilities and addition of new ones. Depending on the grant, we will be able to take a call,” he signed off.