History
VASCSC was started as a facility where people concerned about the quality of science education would come together to try out new ideas and methods for teaching Science. It originated as 'Group for Improvement of Science Education (GISE)' in 1963 from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.
Community Science Centre (CSC) became functional as an independent working space at the current location in 1966. Later it was renamed as 'Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC)' to associate its name with the founder, after his demise in 1971.
Objectives
The objectives of VASCSC are:
a) To promote among students, teachers and the public:
• an understanding of fundamental concepts involved in Science and STEM Education;
• the acquisition of scientific knowledge and insights as far as possible by the process of inquiry through experiment, audio-visual media, and other means;
• the ability to solve problems;
a) To promote among students, teachers and the public:
• an understanding of fundamental concepts involved in Science and STEM Education;
• the acquisition of scientific knowledge and insights as far as possible by the process of inquiry through experiment, audio-visual media, and other means;
• the ability to solve problems;
b) To stimulate interest in the principles of Science and Scientific method among students of elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges by giving them the necessary encouragement and exposure;
c) To be concerned with the role of education and ways of improving science education, in relation to the individual and the community as a whole;
d) To help make clear the social implications of science and technology.
c) To be concerned with the role of education and ways of improving science education, in relation to the individual and the community as a whole;
d) To help make clear the social implications of science and technology.
The Logo
VASCSC aims to spread the Joy of Science by reaching out to different segments of the community. This is well illustrated by the Centre's Logo.
VASCSC's logo has five arrowheads representing different groups- teachers, students, researchers, administrators and community. VASCSC is represented by Delta, the mathematical symbol for change. VASCSC aims to bring about change by providing a common platform to all these groups.
Board of Governors
Board of Governors of the Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre (Society) Ahmedabad
Dr. K. Kasturirangan (Chairman)
Former Chairman, ISRO;
Former Chairman, National Education Policy Committee;
Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru
Shri Dilip Surkar (Member Secretary)
Executive Director,
Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC),
Ahmedabad
Shri Mohal Sarabhai (Member)
Trustee,
Nehru Foundation for Development,
Ahmedabad
Dr. Abhijit Sen (Member)
Chandrashekhar Chair,
Institute of Plasma Research (IPR),
Gandhinagar
Shri Pradyumna Vyas (Member)
Former Director, National Institute of Design;
Board Member, World Design Organisation;
Senior Advisor, CII;
Ahmedabad
Shri Chander Mohan (Member)
Former Head, NTSTC, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India;
Chairperson, Borbhag Foundation;
New Delhi
Shri Bimal Patel (Member)
President, CEPT University,
Ahmedabad
Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai (Member)
Founder Director,
Centre for Environment Education (CEE),
Ahmedabad
Ms. Pallavi Patel (Member)
Director, CHETNA,
Ahmedabad
Ms. Meenalochani Raghunathan (Member)
Educationisit, Author, Social Development Professional,
Bengaluru
Dr. Anamik Shah (Member)
Former Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapith;
Former Professor, Dept. of Chemistry,
Saurashtra University,
Rajkot
Shri B.S. Bhatia (Member)
Former Director, DECU - ISRO;
Former Project Director, Gandhi Heritage Portal,
Ahmedabad
Shri Divyesh Surati (Member)
Secretary,
Nehru Foundation for Development,
Ahmedabad
Dr. Minal Sen (Member)
Scientist & Educationist,
Ahmedabad
Eminent Scientists
The Centre has had the privilege of being associated with several eminent scientists, such as:
Sir C.V. Raman
Prof. K.R. Ramanathan
Prof. M.S. Swaminathan
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Prof. M.G.K. Menon
Prof. Yashpal
Prof. P.C. Vaidya
Prof A. R. Rao
Our Partners
VASCSC extends its gratitude to all its funding and project partners, and donors. Below is a list of some of the institutions/Organizations with which VASCSC has collaborated in various capacities:
Gujarat Council of Educational Research & Training (GCERT)
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Kolkata
National Council on Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC)
Dept. of Science & Technology (DST)
Oracle
Charities Aid Foundation India
ISRO
IBM India
Systronics India
Vovantis Laboratories
Schlumberger India
KHS Machinery, Ahmedabad
Vigyan Prasar, New Delhi
Dr. Sureshbhai D. Bhatt Charitable Trust
Manorama Sheth Fund
Bholabhai Jesingbhai Charitable Trust
Atul Foundation
Ahmedabad Education Society
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
HCL Foundation
All India Radio
DIETs, Gujarat
Truetzschler India
Kostwein India
Gujarat Ganit Mandal
Multispan Control Instruments
WAAH
Gujarat Science Academy
Finar Foundation
St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad
IITRAM, Ahmedabad
Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT)
VASCSC Team
VASCSC is governed by its Board of Governors, a Standing Committee and the Executive Director, being the executive head of the organization. The Centre has full-time staff members comprising scientific, technical, administrative and support staff, who manage the projects and programmes of the Centre. Additionally, there is part-time staff, visiting faculty members and volunteers who help with programmes and events of the Centre.
The scientific staff members are experts in their respective fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computers, Electronics, Model Rocketry, Astronomy and more.
Recognitions and Accolades
The relentless dedication of the Centre towards enhancing the quality of science education and its popularization has garnered recognition through a multitude of prestigious awards.
Mahatma Award 2023 for Social Good and Impact
VASCSC has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Mahatma Award 2023’. The Award ceremony, which took place at the India International Centre, New Delhi on 30th September 2023, witnessed Mr. Dilip Surkar, Executive Director of VASCSC receiving the accolade on behalf of the center. Mahatma Awards were instituted by social entrepreneur and philanthropist Amit Sachdeva, widely recognized as ‘The CSR Man of India,’ and supported by the Aditya Birla Group.
HCL Grant 2020
VASCSC emerged as a finalist in the highly competitive HCL Grant 2020, earning a significant grant for a pioneering project slated for the following year. In this project, VASCSC conducted 12 comprehensive teachers’ training workshops for government school teachers in Gujarat, further amplifying the impact of science education. VASCSC's impactful work was also featured in the distinguished coffee table book 'The Fifth Estate Volume IV'.
The Times of India Social Impact Award 2011
VASCSC proudly secured the esteemed Times of India Social Impact Award 2011 under the category - 'Education-NGO'. The award was conferred to Shri Kartikeya Sarabhai, Chairman of the Standing Committee, and Mr. Dilip Surkar, Executive Director of VASCSC, at a prestigious ceremony in New Delhi. The presence of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh further emphasized the significance of this recognition.
National Award 2008 and 1994
National Award for ‘Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication' presented by the Department of Science & Technology, NCSTC, Government of India in 2008.
National Award for ‘Best Efforts in Science Popularization among Children' bestowed by the Department of Science & Technology, NCSTC, Government of India in 1994.
