Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC), Ahmedabad and We Are All Humans (WAAH) Foundation have collaborated to popularise science and to promote innovative research in science and technology for societal benefits. Under this partnership, two major initiatives have been undertaken: Setting up school-level WAAH Community Science Centres (STEM Labs) and WAAH Science Laureate Awards - To encourage people doing innovative research in the field of science and technology that can benefit society & improve quality of life.
WAAH Science Laureate Awards were first launched in 2022. The second edition of the WAAH Science Laureate Awards 2023 received entries from scientists, educators, research scholars, teachers, college and school students from different parts of Gujarat. Best 3 entries from Senior Category and best 4 entries from Junior Category were selected through a rigorous evaluation process.
Dr. Pankaj S Joshi, Distinguished Professor and Founding Director, International Centre for Space & Cosmology, Ahmedabad University; Shri Kartikeya V Sarabhai, Padma Shri, Eminent Educationist and Environmentalist; Shri C B Patel, Publisher and Editor,-in-Chief, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar; and Shri Prafulbhai Amin, President, WAAAH Foundation graced the occasion as honourable guests at the Award Ceremony.
Dr. Pankaj Joshi, Chief Guest for the event, in his speech, highlighted the work of scientists and the impact it has created on world currently. He gave a motivating message to the innovative researchers, “A small step taken towards any work leads to a progressive state.”
While, Shri Kartikeya Sarabhai emphasised on the vision of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and his passion towards reaching out to children for science popularisation. He also added, “Always think out of the box. This shall help you build a different perspective and ability to progress.”
Shri C B Patel, our honourable guest on dais also appreciated the work of the Science Laureate Award winners. He added, “It is an honour and a moment of pride to see that maximum awardees are females.”
Shri Prafulbhai Amin, President of WAAH Foundation highlighted the achievements of eminent scientists and researchers in past in addition to how vision of the visionaries has brought a difference globally. He rightly added, “WAAH aims at promoting the importance of Research & Development for making India prosperous. Quite apart from, a need to provide scientific facilities at all levels, WAAH Awards also aim to appreciate and give public recognition to the innovative ideas of the researchers. Who knows, in the future a poor but bright village student would be noticed by the Nobel Committee!”
