Science Day 2024

About NCRA and GMRT

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), a center of the school of natural sciences of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India has set up a unique facility for radio astronomical research using the metre wavelengths range of the radio spectrum, known as the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). It is the world`s largest Radio telescope of its kind. It is located at a site about 80 km north of Pune. GMRT consists of 30 fully steerable gigantic parabolic dishes of 45m diameter each spread over distances of upto 25 km. GMRT is one of the most challenging experimental programmes in basic sciences undertaken by Indian scientists and engineers. GMRT is a very versatile instrument for investigating a variety of radio astrophysical problems ranging from nearby Solar system to the edge of observable Universe.

About National Science Day

Throughout India, February 28th is celebrated as National Science Day. National Centre for Radio Astrophysics - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune (NCRA-TIFR) celebrates Science Day by organising 2 days' Science festival at its GMRT campus in Khodad, which is one of the biggest Science festivals in the country.

This Science festival attracts around 20,000 to 25000 visitors, including students from various schools (5th to 10th grade), colleges (BSc, MSc, Engineering), teachers, software professionals, major science research organisations, scientists and research scholars throughout the state/country.

Every year the government organizations like National AIDS Research Institute (NARI), National Institute of Virology (NIV), National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS), National Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Pune, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO, SAC), Ahmedabad, Institute of Plasma Research, Gandhinagar, TIFR Balloon Facility Hyderabad as well as non-profit organisations like Pune FOSS User Group, Free Software Community of India, Debian India, Mozilla India and 20 other organizations participate in the GMRT Science Exhibition.

Our acomplishment during Science Day

At the esteemed National Science Day event held at the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (GMRT), we've accomplished remarkable feats in igniting minds for FOSS. With a proud legacy of 12 years of active participation, this year heralded our triumphant 12th appearance.

In our mission to illuminate minds, we set out to revolutionize perceptions about Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). With passion and purpose, we captivated audiences from diverse backgrounds - students, educators, researchers, technologists, and the public at large.

Our showcase was a symphony of innovation, featuring a dazzling array of FOSS marvels. From Debian to Raspbian on Raspberry Pi, Mobian to CentOS, and beyond, we unleashed the power of FOSS across myriad platforms. We introduced Diaspora as the beacon of social connectivity, Moodle as the gateway to digital education, and Trac as the engine of project collaboration. With LaTeX, Emacs, Git, and Gimp, we ventured into the realms of creativity and productivity. Not stopping there, we delved into the vast expanse of OpenSource Big Data Technologies and Web-development tools, igniting imaginations and expanding horizons.

We instilled the ethos of FOSS, championing digital literacy, privacy, and confronting technical debt head-on. And in our quest to nurture the next generation of innovators, we welcomed budding developers to join our ranks, fostering a community of collaboration and creativity.

Our journey at National Science Day wasn't just about participation; it was a resounding triumph. We painted the canvas of innovation with bold strokes, leaving an indelible mark on hearts and minds alike. As we reflect on our achievements, we stand poised on the precipice of endless possibilities, ready to chart new frontiers and redefine the future of FOSS.

Event Brochure

Click here to access the Event Brochure