Bangalore: Vikram Sarabhai Science School- Country’s first science school was launched at Kochi with an aim to move away from syllabi-based, academic-oriented learning and teaching and also to fascinate young minds to the field of science and research from a very young age, as reported by Times of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G Madhavan Nair, former Isro chairman and the driving force behind the school states that “Post Independence, we have invested in science and technology. But today, a majority of youngsters are lured by the IT industry. With the youth getting into IT field, we stand to gain financially but lose in terms of creativity, as bright students are not getting into science and research”.He further stated that there is a need to encourage children right from childhood to have an enthusiasm for science and research.

“In our school, along with the conventional curriculum, we will encourage students to stay on campus and get hands on experience in the laboratory. They will be encouraged to analyze, observe, experiment and take rational decisions" added Nair.

Vikram Sarabhai Science Foundation will run the school and will initially admit students to class I to VIII. Admissions will start from next academic year.

Yannick d'Ecastha, Former president of French space agency who presided as the Chief Guest at the function said, “We need to show our youth how useful and interesting is the field of science and technology, as it's been part of life since the evolution of mankind. It is essential for a nation's development and its economy,” reported TOI.

Former chairman of atomic energy commission, Anil Kakodkar, who is also in the advisory panel of the school, said, "India has been a land of ideas. But, now we need to convert it into a land of opportunities."