Revamped science centre in Dimapur aims to produce innovators

Esther Verma
Dimapur, June 22 (EMN): The Nagaland Science Centre in Dimapur, which is of the department of Science and Technology, is finally wearing a fresh look with two new projects established in it.

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) at Kolkata, under the Indian Ministry of Culture, has funded an ‘innovation hub’ and a ‘Space Educational Centre’ for the students of the state.

Richard Rikhio, the curator of the science centre, said that the Innovation Hub would include an important resource centre housing laboratories and facilities besides many ‘inventions’ that would be on display.

Rikhio informed that the centre will likewise have ‘multiple computers with internet’ and a design studio for students to bring to life the “prototype product” of their ideas.

An encouraging step taken by the centre is this: It will be taking the initiative of patenting “first of its kind” products that a student may innovate or produce. “Any crazy idea that is legitimate and worth producing, we will help to patent the idea,” said Rikhio.

Further, the Space Educational Centre, which is a 50-seat planetarium, will showcase or project shows about astronomy on a ‘dome shaped screen’ both in English and in Hindi.

Robert Rikhio added: “It is the nomenclature (sic) of the NCSM to showcase awareness programs on astronomy also and not just showing films.” The space centre is to be inaugurated by the end of July.

A value addition to the Nagaland Science Centre is a 3D printer. Rikhio said that although the technology of 3D printing is not very new, the science centre has one and “it will help the students to print their basic prototypes in 3D.”

There is also a 3D theatre that was set up years ago. Rikhio informed that the 50-seat theatre showcases educational and science films in 3D.

However, as electricity in Dimapur proves erratic or unavailable often, Rikhio informed that a 100KV transformer has been provided for the centre with the help of the NCSM. But the curator added: “If the main supply from the centre is not generated, we cannot make use of the transformer also and neither (sic) run the generator the whole day.”

The science centre is open on all days except Mondays and is located behind the Naga Shopping Arcade at Super Market.