Imphal, February 27: Science popularization programmes, lecture series, essay writing competition, quiz and declamation contests marked the National Science Day, 2004 observance functions held in different parts of the State today.

National Science Day is being observed throughout the country on this day every year in remembrance of the day Indian Nobel laureate Prof CV Raman propounded his Raman Effect to the scientific world.

The theme for this year's National Science Day observance is �Encouraging scientific awareness in the community�.

Speaking at an observance function held under the aegis of Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyel at GM hall here this morning, Science and Technology Minister Manga Vaiphei said that the science popularization programmes being organized would help in developing scientific temperament among the people.

Lauding the efforts of the IBSD in organizing lecture series on bio-resources and environmental issues, Manga Vaiphei who was chief guest of the function earnestly appealed to the people not to destroy the natural resources in the name of development.

In his presidential address Commissioner of Science and Technology P Sharatchandra pointed out that development pace of the State could be made faster and its sagging economy improved by adopting science and technology in exploiting the vast natural resources.

Retired Education Director E Yaima, who attended the function as guest of honour also mooted adopting scientific knowledge and its technical know-how for increasing productivity and conserving the eco-system.

Registrar of Manipur University RK Ranjan on the topic of �Wetlands management in Manipur - problems and prospects�; Dr N Rajmohon on �Why National Science Day�; Prof W Vishwanath on �Animal Bio-resources of Manipur�; Dr P Kumar on �Plant Bio-resources of Manipur� and L Somendro of ADO, Canchipur on the topic of �Vermicomposting� delivered lectures on the occasion.

Cash awards were also presented to the students who secured the top three positions in the declamation and essay writing competitions organized in connection with the observance.

National Science day was also observed by Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) at Royal Academy of Science, Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal and at Standard Robert English School as part of its year long activities of the Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA) today.

Minister of Higher and Technical Education Dr T Meinya Singh and vice-chairman of State Organizing Committee, YAS, 2004 Prof HNK Sarma attended the function held at the Academy as chief guest and president respectively.

Prof B Manihar Sharma of Life Science department, MU; G Tomba Sharma, senior grade lecturer in Chemistry, DM College of Science and Ch Rajendro Singh, Sr grade lecturer in Physics, Imphal College delivered lectures on the topics of Environmental Pollution and its implications, Food Adulteration and Life and achievements of CV Raman respectively and interacted with the student participants.

A spot quiz competition was also organized for the students of class IX Science to mark the occasion.

About 150 science students, individuals and science lovers took part in the function.

Science Teachers Forum, Manipur in association with Manipur Science and Technology Council and Praja Hr Sec School, Lamsang had also ob-served National Science Day 2004 at the premises of the school today.

MI Minister W Brajabidhu and school principal K Mani attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

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