There is a need for academic institutes to integrate with society, according to an academician.
Inaugurating the regional science fair, organised by the Science Society of India at The Yenepoya School in Mangalore on Friday, Swapan Bhattacharya, Director of National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Mangalore, said that some of the world-class academic institutes hardly interact with society.
"That should not be the case. They should be integrated and work with society," he said.
Though school curriculum gives importance for geography, history and heritage at the national level, not much importance is given for the study of these subjects at the local level. There has to be some component on local heritage, history and geography in school curriculum, he said.
Terming India as a huge user of technology, he said no significant scientific innovation has taken place in the country in the recent years that could make an impact at the global level. Diminishing interest in science is one of the reasons for this. People forget the contribution of science to society with the advancement in the use of technology, he said.
Farad Yenepoya, Managing Director of The Yenepoya School, said that learning is a lifelong process. It gives opportunity to explore new things.
C.K. Manjunatha, Principal of The Yenepoya School, explained the objectives and process involved in organising the regional science fair in Mangalore. More than 70 school projects are on display at the science fair, he said.