Puttur: In a move aimed at nurturing young scientific minds, St Philomena College (Autonomous) officially inaugurated its Science Forum for the 2025-26 academic year on Monday. The new forum is set to serve as a vital platform for students to engage in critical thinking and innovative research, with a strong focus on the practical application of scientific knowledge.
The inaugural ceremony, presided over by Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, the college principal, emphasized the importance of applying intelligence for tangible results. Quoting Albert Einstein, Dr Monteiro reminded the 150 students in attendance that innate intelligence must be paired with “the efficiency of production and practical application of knowledge” to truly matter. He urged students to actively participate in the forum’s activities, including debates and discussions, and encouraged them to go beyond conventional classroom learning by writing research papers and improving their communication skills. He emphasized that the forum should be a space for students to ‘nurture scientific temper’ and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dr Abdul Rahiman M, Principal of Maharanis Science College for Women, Mysore, was the resource person for the event. In his insightful address, he spoke on the critical link between scientific temper and global competitiveness. He stressed that a nation’s ability to compete in the modern world is directly tied to its capacity to ‘perform, analyze, and innovate,’ particularly with the rapid advancement of modern techniques and technologies.
The program was graced by the presence of faculty members, including Dr. Edwin D’Souza, the Science Forum Convener, and Dr Malini K, Dean of Science along with the active participation of all science faculty members.
The program commenced with a prayer led by Akshata and her group. Yajnesh, the newly appointed president of the science forum, extended a warm welcome , vice president of the forum Akhila delivered the vote of thanks and Mohammad Fahim compered.