BANGALORE, 12th December 2023: Syngene International Ltd, a leading integrated research, development, and manufacturing services organization, is proud to announce Happy Kumari, Nikitha A, Likitha S from Government Higher Primary School, Haaragadde and Sharoon Bilal Hasan, Govinda Raj, Bharathi Muttappa Ari from Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School – Katipalla, as the winners of the second edition of the annual Science Quiz from Bangalore and Mangalore respectively. This year, the initiative celebrates the company’s 30th anniversary. Themed “Think, Learn, Win! Enable, Amplify, Empower!” the quiz competition aimed to provide equal opportunities, motivation, and talent identification for students in government schools across Dakshin Karnataka. The announcement ceremony, graced by the esteemed Dr. Vasudev Aatre Former Head, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was the Chief Guest and Dr. Tessy Thomas Director General of Aeronautical Systems, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) were the Guest of Honor, Ms Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Founder & Managing Trustee, Biocon Foundation, Dr. Anupama N Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, Dr. Jayashree Aiyer, Vice President, Biology, Discovery Services, Syngene International Limited, Mr K Thigarajan, Executive Vice Chairman, Agastya International Foundation, Ms Rakhi Advani Gautham, General Manager – Partner Relations, Agastya International Foundation in Bangalore.
The quiz covered 125 schools in Bangalore and Dakshina Kannada, creating excitement in the academic community. The program is implemented in collaboration with Agastya International Foundation and Biocon Foundation, the charitable arm of the Biocon Group of companies. As a part of this initiative employees of Syngene volunteered to help run the program, conducting the preliminary rounds, evaluating the answers and mentoring the children during the course of this initiative.
Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, commenting on the occasion stated, “Through initiatives like the science quiz, we believe in igniting the flame of curiosity and knowledge, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to explore the wonders of science and shape a brighter future. The purpose of the quiz is to make learning science an easily accessible and enriching experience for children, providing them with a better understanding of the world around them.”
The science quiz successfully provided students in government schools with an equal opportunity to engage in science education, and encouraged them to be curious about the subject and its impact on everyday life, irrespective of socioeconomic backgrounds. Serving as a motivational tool, the quiz inspired children in government schools to pursue scientific studies and consider future career paths. Moreover, the quizzes played a crucial role in identifying students with a natural aptitude for science.
“Beyond the competition, we’ve witnessed the transformative impact on students, fostering a deeper appreciation for science and cultivating critical thinking skills. This initiative has not only encouraged academic excellence but has also sparked a passion for discovery, paving the way for future scientists and innovators. By breaking barriers and making science enjoyable, we aim to create a lasting impact on these young minds, inspiring a lifelong love for learning and inquiry.” Dr Shetty, added.
A comprehensive question bank with interactive science questions based on real-life situations and appropriate to the curriculum was created. Schools were oriented about the initiative, and a 20-minute test with 20 questions in multiple-choice format was conducted. The top three students from the participating school [one from class 6 and two from class 7] selected for the final round, with Happy Kumari, Nikitha A, Likitha S from Government Higher Primary School, Haaragadde and Sharoon Bilal Hasan, Govinda Raj, Bharathi Muttappa Ari from Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School- Katipalla, winning the quiz from Bangalore and Mangalore respectively.
The students selected in the final round were also mentored during the course of a week to help them excel. After exciting rounds of semifinals and finals, Government Higher Primary School, Haaragadde, Government Higher Primary School, Veerasandra, Government Higher Primary School, Marasuru and Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School- Katipalla, emerged as the winning teams, followed by Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School- Pandeswara and Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School- Madhya as a close second and third position in their respective cities. Medals and cash prizes of Rs. 15,000, Rs. 12,000 & Rs. 9,000 were bestowed upon the top three teams, along with consolation prizes of Rs. 4,500 being awarded to Abhijit, Dharshan R and Sirish from Government Higher Primary School, Devangapete and Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School –Mannagudda, Hosabettu, Baikampady Fisharish. The top winning schools at each location will also receive smart classroom infrastructure. It will come with a furnished classroom and EdTech devices to harness technology and transform classroom into interactive and highly engaging digital classroom. Additionally, a rolling trophy was presented to the school that secured the top spot.
Students and teachers alike have praised the program for its impact on learning. Govinda Raj, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School, Katipalla shared, “The science quiz has opened a new world of possibilities for me. It’s not just about winning a competition; it’s about discovering the joy of science and realizing that learning can be exciting. The hands-on experience and mentorship have fueled my curiosity, and I’m inspired to pursue a future in science, thanks to this incredible initiative.”
Reflecting on the program’s approach, Smt. Sumati, from Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Government Higher Primary School, Parapaade, “As an educator, witnessing the impact of the Syngene Science Quiz on our students has been truly rewarding. It goes beyond textbooks and classrooms, creating an environment where learning becomes an adventure. The quiz has not only enhanced their academic understanding but has also instilled critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a testament to the power of experiential learning in shaping young minds.”
Launched in 2022 in Anekal, Karnataka, with 50 schools, the science quiz has expanded its reach this year, encompassing Anekal, Dakshin Karnataka, and Hyderabad. Through this initiative, Syngene aspires to create a positive impact, reaching 7,500 students across 150 government schools spread across the three locations.
The science quiz aligns with Syngene’s broader initiatives in supporting science education and research. Anupama highlighted the various other programs the company is involved in, including the Mobile Science Lab, and the Lab On Bike. This is in addition to the sponsorship of staff completing their PhDs, support for PhDs and postdocs at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, and collaborations with institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for research projects and the establishment of a not-for-profit, multi-specialty hospital.
