6,000 hop aboard Science Express

AHMEDABAD: Did you know that 19,000 rice varieties are found in Chhattisgarh? Or that Lakshadweep does not have dogs or snakes? Or that Neelgiri (Blue Mountains) in Tamil Nadu got its name from Kurunji flowers that blossom every 12 years? Well, 6,000 citizens have learnt all about these facts - and much more.

Science Express - Biodiversity Special (SEBS) became a magnet for science enthusiasts and children of the city as it attracted 6,000 visitors on first of three days of its halt at Kalupur railway station. Students of 22 schools visited the eight coaches full of exhibits on rich biodiversity of the country and other coaches on themes of global warming, biodiversity conservation, best of Science Express and Joy of Science that provided hands-on experiments.

Sudhir Sharma, manager of SEBS, told TOI that all the coaches have been meticulously planned and designed for maximum interaction. "We have many interactive panels for children and have qualified science communicators to explain the text and exhibits. The response has been phenomenal and we are happy that we have been able to bring science to their doorsteps. We have also utilized the platform for conducting activities for students awaiting their turn," he said.

"It took us two hours to explore the entire train and go through the encyclopedia of information. We never knew that there are so many species of animals and birds in our own region. It not only opened our eyes to the need to conserve but also told us how we can contribute to it," said Shailaja Gupta, a resident of Satellite, who had come with her children and relatives for the exhibition.

"Though I did my masters in pharmacy, I took up the job as I am very much interested in bird watching. The seven months on the train have been life-changing as I realized how important it is to bring science to the remotest places in the country. At some places, the tribal and village children were more conversant with the birds and animals than the urban population."