HISTORY
VASCSC started as a facility where people concerned about quality of science education could 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.
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
VASCSC focuses on spreading Joy of Science by reaching out 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, research workers, 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 - 560 080
Shri Dilip Surkar (Member Secretary)
Executive Director,
Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC),
Ahmedabad - 380 009
Shri Mohal Sarabhai (Member)
Trustee,
Nehru Foundation for Development,
Ahmedabad - 380 054
Dr. Abhijit Sen (Member)
Chandrashekhar Chair,
Institute of Plasma Research (IPR),
Gandhinagar - 382 428
Shri Pradyumna Vyas (Member)
Former Director, National Institute of Design;
Board Member, World Design Organisation;
Senior Advisor, CII;
Ahmedabad - 380006
Shri Chander Mohan (Member)
Former Head, NTSTC, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India;
Chairperson, Borbhag Foundation;
New Delhi - 110 002
Shri Bimal Patel (Member)
President,
CEPT University,
Ahmedabad - 380 009
Shri Kartikeya V. Sarabhai (Member)
Founder Director,
Centre for Environment Education (CEE),
Ahmedabad - 380 054
Ms. Pallavi Patel (Member)
Director,
CHETNA,
Ahmedabad-380013
Ms. Meenalochani Raghunathan (Member)
Educationisit, Author, Social Development Professional,
Bengaluru - 560 064
Dr. Anamik Shah (Member)
Former Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapith;
Former Professor, Dept. of Chemistry,
Saurashtra University,
Rajkot - 360 005
Shri B.S. Bhatia (Member)
Former Director, DECU - ISRO;
Former Project Director, Gandhi Heritage Portal,
Ahmedabad - 380 027
Shri Divyesh Surati (Member)
Secretary,
Nehru Foundation for Development,
Ahmedabad - 380 054
Dr. Minal Sen (Member)
Scientist & Educationist,
Ahmedabad - 380 015
Eminent Scientists
The Centre has had the privilege of the association of several eminent scientists like
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
150000
+
Students participated in various programme in year 2020-21
7500
+
Teachers participated in the innovative science and mathematics education programme in year 2020-21
180
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Space Club promoted in year 2020-21
OUR PARTNERS
VASCSC is thankful to all its funding and project partners. Following is a list of some of the institutions with whom VASCSC collaborated in different 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
The Centre is governed by a 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. In addition there is a 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.
AWARDS
The Centre's efforts for improving the quality of science education and popularization have been recognized through several awards which include the following
Mahatma Award 2023
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 was finalist in the HCL Grant 2020. selected through a competitive nation-wide process. It received grant for a project to be carried out in the following year. Under the project. it is proposed to conduct 12 teachers training workshops for govt. school teachers in Gujarat. VASCSC's work was also profiled in the coffee table book 'The Fifth Estate Volume IV'.
TOI Social Impact Award
VASCSC won the Times of India Social Impact Award-2011 in the category 'Education-NGO'. Shri Kartikeya Sarabhai, Chairman, Standing Committee, VASCSC and Mr. Dilip Surkar, Executive Director, VASCSC received the award on at New Delhi. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh was also present on the occasion to encourage the winners.
National Award
National Award for ‘Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication' given by Dept. of Science & Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India in 2008
National Award for ‘Best Efforts in Science Popularization among Children' given by Dept. of Science & Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India in 1994
950
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Students enrolled in School Science Forum programme in last 1 year
350
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Students Enrolled in Science School @ Home programme in last 1 year
100
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