Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox organization |name         = Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre |image       =Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre Ahmedabad.jpg |size         = |alt         = |caption     =building of VASCSC|abbreviation = VASCSC or CSC |motto       = |predecessor = |successor   =  
{{Infobox organization
|leader_title = Chairman |leader_name = [[K Kasturirangan]]
| name                     = Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre
|founder = [[Vikram Sarabhai]]
| formation                = 1966
|extinction   = |type         = [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]] |status       = |purpose     = Educational |headquarters = |location     = [[Ahmedabad]], [[Gujarat]], India |coords       = |website     = {{url|http://www.vascsc.org/}} }}
| logo                    =
| image                   = Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre Ahmedabad.jpg
| size                     =  
| alt                     =  
| caption                 = Building of VASCSC
| abbreviation             = VASCSC or CSC
| motto                   =  
| predecessor             =  
| successor               =  
| leader_title             = Chairman
| leader_name             = [[K Kasturirangan]]
| leader_title2            = Executive Director
| leader_name2            = Dilip Surkar
| founder                 = [[Vikram Sarabhai]]
| extinction               =  
| type                     = [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]]
| status                   = Not-for-profit Organization registered as Society
| purpose                 = STEM Education
| headquarters             = Ahmedabad
| location                 = [[Ahmedabad]], [[Gujarat]], India
| coords                   =  
| website                 = {{url|http://www.vascsc.org/}}
}}


'''Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre''' '''(VASCSC)''' or simply known as '''CSC''', was established in the 1960s by the eminent space scientist, [[Vikram Sarabhai]] in [[Ahmedabad]], [[Gujarat]], India. The centre works towards popularising science and mathematics education among students, teachers and the public. Its mandate is to stimulate interest, encourage and expose the principles of science and scientific method and also to improve and find innovative methods of science education. It is located opposite [[Gujarat University]]. VASCSC is open to all members of the community.<ref>{{cite web|title=About |publisher=VASCSC |url=http://www.vascsc.org/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113095322/http://www.vascsc.org/index.htm |archivedate=13 January 2012 }}</ref>
'''Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre,''' commonly known as '''VASCSC''', was established in the 1960s by the eminent space scientist, [[Vikram Sarabhai]] in [[Ahmedabad]], [[Gujarat]], India.  


==Vision==
== History ==
[[File:Community science centre.jpg|thumb|Comparison of size of bones of bird, human and whale; exhibit at CSC]]
VASCSC was started to give quality science education and to try new ideas and method for teaching science.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=About Us – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre |url=https://vascsc.org/about-us/ |access-date=2025-11-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> It started out as the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad's "Group for Improvement of Science Education (GISE)" in 1963.
The centre's vision is to take students, from both school and College, out of the rigid framework of textbooks and encourage them to think, explore and create with the combination of formal and non-formal techniques to make the process of learning enjoyable and at the same time sustained and long lasting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vision|publisher=VASCSC|url=http://www.vascsc.org/about.htm#vision_about}}</ref>


VASCSC has been networking and working with several eminent institutions and organizations in India and abroad.  
In 1966, the Community Science Center (CSC) started operating as a separate workspace at its present site. After the founder died in 1971, it was renamed "Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC)" to honor him.
==Associated Scientists==
 
=== Mandate and role ===
The centre works towards popularising science and mathematics education among students, teachers and the public.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kids explore new world at science fest - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/kids-explore-new-world-at-science-fest/articleshow/62625598.cms |website=The Times of India |date=24 January 2018 |access-date=30 Dec 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Recognising Marvels Of Science - AhmedabadMirror |url=https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/recognising-marvels-of-science/81844321.html |website=The Ahmedabad Mirror |access-date=30 Dec 2022}}</ref> Its mandate is to stimulate interest, encourage and expose the principles of science and scientific method and also to improve and find innovative methods of science education. It is located opposite [[Gujarat University]]. VASCSC is open to all members of the community.<ref>[https://vascsc.org/about-us/ About] Retrieved on 2022-12-30.</ref>
 
== Objectives ==
Source:<ref name="auto2"/>
 
* encourage students, teachers, and the general public to: • understand the basic concepts of science and STEM education; • acquire scientific knowledge and insights as much as possible through the process of inquiry through experiment, audio-visual media, and other means; • be able to solve problems;
* stimulate interest in the principles of science and scientific method among students in elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges by providing them with the necessary encouragement and exposure;
* be concerned with the role of education and ways to improve science education in relation to the individual and the community at large; and help
* clarify the social implications of science and technology.
 
== Associated scientists ==
*[[C. V. Raman]]
*[[C. V. Raman]]
*[[P. C. Vaidya]]
*[[P. C. Vaidya]]
Line 24: Line 56:
*[[M. G. K. Menon]]
*[[M. G. K. Menon]]
*[[A. R. Rao]]
*[[A. R. Rao]]
== Activities ==
* Enhancing the capacity of schools to improve quality of STEM education
* Conducting STEM outreach programs for students
* Implementing STEM Hands-on teachers’ training programs
* Establishing STEM labs<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://vascsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/abad-mirror-3-28-6-2022-1.jpg | title=Making Schools STEM-able | website=vascsc.org}}</ref> in schools to promote STEM Hands-on learning,
* Advocating the integration of emerging technologies in school education
* Developing innovative teaching learning material<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://scienceshop.vascsc.org/|title=Science Shop – VASCSC}}</ref> (TLM)
== Facilities ==
[[File:Children's_ideas_taking_shape_on_a_3D_printer.jpg|right|frameless|220x220px]]
* Laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Electronics, Computers, Astronomy, Model Rocketry, Emerging Technologies)
* Library
* Quadrangle (open exhibition area)
* Science Shop<ref name="auto"/>
* Vigyan Drashti<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vascsc.org/resources/|title=Resources – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre}}</ref>
* TLM Workshop
== ''Vigyan Drashti'' ==
The Gujarati biweekly science wall magazine ''Vigyan Drashti'' is produced as an eight-page, full-color newspaper. It includes science pictures, puzzles, crosswords, exercises, experiments, articles, and fascinating scientific information. The magazine is frequently used by both private subscribers and schools as an educational tool in Gujarati. Every year, six volumes are released.
== Major projects ==
* [[Science Express]] (2007-17)
* Mobile Science Lab


==External links==
== Board of Governors ==
{{commonscat|Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre}}
Source:<ref name="auto2"/>
* [http://www.vascsc.org Official Website]
* Shri B. S. Bhatia — Member
* Prof. Barjor Mehta — Member
* Shri Chander Mohan — Member
* Ms. Pallavi Patel — Member
* Ms. Meenalochani Raghunathan — Member
* Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai — Member
* Shri Mohal Sarabhai — Member
* Dr. Abhijit Sen — Member
* Dr. Minal Sen — Member
* Dr. Anamik Shah — Member
* Shri Divyesh Surati — Member
* Shri Dilip Surkar — Member Secretary
* Shri Pradyumna Vyas — Member
 
== Awards and recognitions ==
* Mahatma Award 2023 for Social Good and Impact<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://vascsc.org/about-us/|title=About Us – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre}}</ref><ref>Mahatma Award 2023 [https://www.mahatmaaward.com/_files/ugd/ef1969_462d9820160a4a6d9a69ba2cf9e6fd81.pdf Winners]</ref>
* HCL Grant 2020 finalist, selected through a competitive nation-wide process, received grant for a project to be carried out in the following year<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqHbXOCLwqg |title=HCL Grant 2020 Finalist (Education) - Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre |date=2020-03-01 |last=HCL Enterprise |access-date=2024-06-02 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
* Times of India Social Impact Award 2011 for Education<ref name="auto1"/>
* National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, [[Government of India|Govt. of India]] (2008)
* National Award for Best Efforts in Science Popularization among Children’ from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, [[Government of India|Govt. of India]] (1994)


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{commonscat|Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre}}
[[Category:Organisations based in Ahmedabad]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Ahmedabad]]
[[Category:Science and technology in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Science and technology in Gujarat]]
{{Ahmedabad topics}}
{{Ahmedabad topics}}

Latest revision as of 18:02, 26 February 2026

Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre
Building of VASCSC
AbbreviationVASCSC or CSC
Formation1966
FounderVikram Sarabhai
TypeNGO
Legal statusNot-for-profit Organization registered as Society
PurposeSTEM Education
HeadquartersAhmedabad
Location
Chairman
K Kasturirangan
Executive Director
Dilip Surkar
Websitewww.vascsc.org

Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre, commonly known as VASCSC, was established in the 1960s by the eminent space scientist, Vikram Sarabhai in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

History[edit | edit source]

VASCSC was started to give quality science education and to try new ideas and method for teaching science.[1] It started out as the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad's "Group for Improvement of Science Education (GISE)" in 1963.

In 1966, the Community Science Center (CSC) started operating as a separate workspace at its present site. After the founder died in 1971, it was renamed "Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC)" to honor him.

Mandate and role[edit | edit source]

The centre works towards popularising science and mathematics education among students, teachers and the public.[2][3] Its mandate is to stimulate interest, encourage and expose the principles of science and scientific method and also to improve and find innovative methods of science education. It is located opposite Gujarat University. VASCSC is open to all members of the community.[4]

Objectives[edit | edit source]

Source:[1]

  • encourage students, teachers, and the general public to: • understand the basic concepts of science and STEM education; • acquire scientific knowledge and insights as much as possible through the process of inquiry through experiment, audio-visual media, and other means; • be able to solve problems;
  • stimulate interest in the principles of science and scientific method among students in elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges by providing them with the necessary encouragement and exposure;
  • be concerned with the role of education and ways to improve science education in relation to the individual and the community at large; and help
  • clarify the social implications of science and technology.

Associated scientists[edit | edit source]

Activities[edit | edit source]

  • Enhancing the capacity of schools to improve quality of STEM education
  • Conducting STEM outreach programs for students
  • Implementing STEM Hands-on teachers’ training programs
  • Establishing STEM labs[5] in schools to promote STEM Hands-on learning,
  • Advocating the integration of emerging technologies in school education
  • Developing innovative teaching learning material[6] (TLM)

Facilities[edit | edit source]

  • Laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Electronics, Computers, Astronomy, Model Rocketry, Emerging Technologies)
  • Library
  • Quadrangle (open exhibition area)
  • Science Shop[6]
  • Vigyan Drashti[7]
  • TLM Workshop

Vigyan Drashti[edit | edit source]

The Gujarati biweekly science wall magazine Vigyan Drashti is produced as an eight-page, full-color newspaper. It includes science pictures, puzzles, crosswords, exercises, experiments, articles, and fascinating scientific information. The magazine is frequently used by both private subscribers and schools as an educational tool in Gujarati. Every year, six volumes are released.

Major projects[edit | edit source]

Board of Governors[edit | edit source]

Source:[1]

  • Shri B. S. Bhatia — Member
  • Prof. Barjor Mehta — Member
  • Shri Chander Mohan — Member
  • Ms. Pallavi Patel — Member
  • Ms. Meenalochani Raghunathan — Member
  • Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai — Member
  • Shri Mohal Sarabhai — Member
  • Dr. Abhijit Sen — Member
  • Dr. Minal Sen — Member
  • Dr. Anamik Shah — Member
  • Shri Divyesh Surati — Member
  • Shri Dilip Surkar — Member Secretary
  • Shri Pradyumna Vyas — Member

Awards and recognitions[edit | edit source]

  • Mahatma Award 2023 for Social Good and Impact[8][9]
  • HCL Grant 2020 finalist, selected through a competitive nation-wide process, received grant for a project to be carried out in the following year[8][10]
  • Times of India Social Impact Award 2011 for Education[8]
  • National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India (2008)
  • National Award for Best Efforts in Science Popularization among Children’ from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India (1994)

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "About Us – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre". Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  2. "Kids explore new world at science fest - Times of India". The Times of India. 24 January 2018. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  3. "Recognising Marvels Of Science - AhmedabadMirror". The Ahmedabad Mirror. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  4. About Retrieved on 2022-12-30.
  5. "Making Schools STEM-able". vascsc.org.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "Science Shop – VASCSC".
  7. "Resources – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre".
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 "About Us – Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre".
  9. Mahatma Award 2023 Winners
  10. HCL Enterprise (1 March 2020). HCL Grant 2020 Finalist (Education) - Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre. Retrieved 2 June 2024 – via YouTube.