By: Anamitra Roy
Science City, Kolkata, India, is one of the largest science centres in the world and easily the largest in the Indian sub-continent. It is managed by National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of India (GoI). It started its journey on 1 July, 1997.
In the early 90s it was seen that European countries were expanding their museums and including science experiences as a part of their attraction packages. Following that trend in European countries, GoI came up with this project to promote science and interest on science experiences. The project commenced in 1993 but the gate was opened for visitors in 1997. Today Science City provides visitors with two main facilities. These are Science Centre and Convention Centre. The Science Centre complex comprises of Space Odyssey, Dynamotion Hall, Science Exploration Hall, Maritime Centre, Earth Exploration Hall and Science Park. What is the most unique part of Science City is that it was built up on a garbage disposal venue which was used for this purpose for the last 100 years or so.
The Convention Centre has an auditorium with a seating capacity of more than 2,000 people, a small auditorium of more than 350 seating capacity, many similar small halls and an open air space of more than 20,000 sq. m.
The Space Odyssey comprises of the 3D Digital Theatre, 3D Theatre, Time Machine and Reflections. The 3D Digital Theatre is a first of its kind in India. It was built up in tune with some of the most advance theatres in the world. Movies shown here include “The Life of Trees” and “Asteroid: Mission Extreme”. Usually these movies are of about half an hour. They are educative. The complicated matters of science have been presented in these movies in a simple form so that it is easily understandable by all. In the section of Reflections one can see 22 exhibits of different types of mirrors like plain, convex and concave. Some other amazing pieces of installation include a mirror maze where even the cleverest of the people can lose their sense of direction. There is also a mirror that reflects images upside down.
The Dynamotion Hall in this Science City comprises of aquariums, butterfly enclaves, nano labs and many others. The aquariums have more than 1,000 varieties of fish from around the world that includes the Piranhas from Brazil, the Oscars, the Angels, Silver Dollars, Red Sharks, crocodiles etc. In the butterfly enclave one can see different types of butterflies. It produces an excellent opportunity to study the lives of butterflies, how they collect nectar and how they lay eggs. The purpose of having the nano labs was to present nano science to the common people. In these labs students are encouraged to take up assignments and projects. They can work during their holidays or during weekends.
The Science Exploration Hall depicts history of formation of Earth, origin of life, evolution of life, human species and their migration patterns etc. Pre-historic human skulls recovered from original fossils are displayed here for the common people.
The Maritime Centre has been developed in association with Kolkata Port Trust. It depicts stories related to history and development of marine science, marine activities, models of boats, ships, frigates etc. The building itself looks like that of a ship. It is a two storied building that covers about 700 sq. m.
The Earth Exploration Hall was opened to visitors on 6 December, 2008. A huge globe is situated in the middle of the hall. With the help of multimedia presentations, major issues related to the earth and solar system are showed here. Usually the show goes on for about half an hour. There is an anchor who speaks live during the show. Beside this there is a 3-D theatre where viewers can watch 3-D movies on science related matters.
Apart from this, there are other attractions of this science centre. One can travel across the open areas through cable cars (or ropeways). The food stalls serve food from different parts of India and the world. It can be a perfect place for a day out in Kolkata. Having said that, it has to be remembered science centres like this do not guarantee progress of the visitors. The main purpose of such science centres is to display the complicated matters of science in a simple form. This is done so that the visitors can generate interest in these matters, they can develop a scientific way of thinking; can start to think of science as a partner in their advancement.
Science City, Kolkata, India, is a wonderful effort by the Government of India. The neatly maintained park is a matter of national pride. The friendly staffs of this science park, periodical lectures and sessions with eminent scientists and lecturers of science and science shows are additions to this park.
Profile of Author:
The author is an alumnus of University of Wales, U.K. He is a frequent visitor to Science City, Kolkata, India.