Scientists call for digital transition of Bengaluru's VITM on diamond jubilee
'We live in a digital world, and we need to keep changing with the times. We want VITM to become more and more advanced digitally as the digital world does not have the constraints that are present in the physical world. With a technology like Virtual Reality (VR) glasses, students can experience unknown worlds, walk on Mars, or take a deep dive into the nano world. The possibilities are infinite in the digital world, and it should be expanded to make students realise how wondrous science is,' said Govindan Rangarajan, Director of Indian Institute of Science, while speaking at the event.
He also said that physical experience at a museum is equally important. 'Such a museum is critical these days as all youngsters are immersed in their phones and do not have tactile stimulation. When they come here and actually see the exhibits, feel them, and work on them with their own hands, it is a different experience for this generation. They will get inspired to choose a career in science and mathematics while interacting with these artefacts. We should transition to the digital world while also keeping the physical world (intact).'
The renovated 'Fun Science Gallery' was also inaugurated as part of the celebrations on Sunday. The gallery includes practical applications related to basic physics and science, the level of which is taught in high school and college. It also has puzzles and illusions for students to solve and experience.
B. Venkataraman, chairman of VITM's Executive Committee also stressed on digital transition. 'This museum has been a beacon of scientific knowledge, innovation, and inspiration since its inception. Over the years, it has fostered love for science and technology among millions, becoming a dynamic space where learning meets creativity and imagination. The way forward is digital, and in this era of transition, we need to delve deeply (into the digital world) and make sure that the mission continues,' he said.
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The Hindu
5 hours ago
- The Hindu
Scientists call for digital transition of Bengaluru's VITM on diamond jubilee
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM), a landmark scientific institution located in Bengaluru, celebrated its diamond jubilee on Sunday. The museum was inaugurated on July 27, 1965. During the event, people from the scientific community called for a digital transition of the museum. 'We live in a digital world, and we need to keep changing with the times. We want VITM to become more and more advanced digitally as the digital world does not have the constraints that are present in the physical world. With a technology like Virtual Reality (VR) glasses, students can experience unknown worlds, walk on Mars, or take a deep dive into the nano world. The possibilities are infinite in the digital world, and it should be expanded to make students realise how wondrous science is,' said Govindan Rangarajan, Director of Indian Institute of Science, while speaking at the event. He also said that physical experience at a museum is equally important. 'Such a museum is critical these days as all youngsters are immersed in their phones and do not have tactile stimulation. When they come here and actually see the exhibits, feel them, and work on them with their own hands, it is a different experience for this generation. They will get inspired to choose a career in science and mathematics while interacting with these artefacts. We should transition to the digital world while also keeping the physical world (intact).' The renovated 'Fun Science Gallery' was also inaugurated as part of the celebrations on Sunday. The gallery includes practical applications related to basic physics and science, the level of which is taught in high school and college. It also has puzzles and illusions for students to solve and experience. B. Venkataraman, chairman of VITM's Executive Committee also stressed on digital transition. 'This museum has been a beacon of scientific knowledge, innovation, and inspiration since its inception. Over the years, it has fostered love for science and technology among millions, becoming a dynamic space where learning meets creativity and imagination. The way forward is digital, and in this era of transition, we need to delve deeply (into the digital world) and make sure that the mission continues,' he said.
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Time of India
2 days ago
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Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum in Bengaluru turns 60, revamps gallery to Fun City
Bengaluru: As it marks its diamond jubilee, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) in the city remains a vital centre for science learning, with eight galleries and over 350 exhibits across 4,000 sqm in Cubbon Park. To commemorate 60 years, the museum is set to unveil a revamped version of its popular Fun Science Gallery, now rebranded as Fun City, this Sunday. The gallery will open to public at the museum building. New look for a long-standing gallery The Fun Science gallery, a fixture at VITM for years, has undergone a complete overhaul. The redesigned space features 40 exhibits, digital interfaces, and an updated layout, covering topics such as illusion art, fluid dynamics, pendulums, multi-colour shadows, classical mechanisms, and more. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "Nearly 50% of the exhibits are new," said Sajoo Bhaskaran, director, VITM. "The idea was to refresh the entire gallery. People want novelty. Fun City includes hands-on setups — from optical illusions and kinetic puzzles to experiments with sound, light and force — to make science more accessible. Science is not only for BSc or MSc students; anyone can enjoy it," Bhaskaran added. Space & attention are challenges Despite its popularity, the museum is constrained by limited space. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 & 4 BHK Starts ₹1.65 Cr in Kukatpally Honer Signatis Book Now Undo "We have eight galleries and 350 exhibits, but no room to add new crowd-pullers like the Chandrayaan-3 model," said Cyril Babu, curator, VITM. "On busy days, we see 5,000 to 10,000 visitors. The galleries are already full. We've raised the issue with the govt, but there's been no resolution yet." Cubbon Park's zoning restrictions and fire safety norms rule out vertical expansion as well. Another challenge is the diminishing attention span of visitors. "We provide detailed labels and videos, but most visitors skip them. Even 3-4 minute clips are often found to be too long," Bhaskaran said. Footfall recovers, but costs rise After a sharp dip during the pandemic, visitor numbers are slowly returning to pre-Covid levels. "We used to receive around 10 lakh visitors annually. That dropped to about 3 lakh during the pandemic. Last year, we climbed back to 9 lakh," Bhaskaran said. To manage rising operational costs, VITM will marginally increase ticket prices from Rs 95 to Rs 100 from Aug 1. "We're required to revise prices for maintenance. We have a small team of 80 handling administration and upkeep, despite heavy footfall," Bhaskaran added. Looking ahead Plans are already in place to renovate the electro-technical gallery next year. "The goal is to ignite curiosity. We want every visitor, especially children, to realise that science is not out of reach. Science is evolving constantly, and while we are doing our best to keep up, we need more space to grow," Babu said. Box VITM's journey ■ Established on July 14, 1962 by National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) ■ Dedicated to Sir M Visvesvaraya ■ Official birthday on July 27, 1965, the day the first gallery was inaugurated ■ Idea by journalist and nationalist, BN Gupta ■ Inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru ■ First exhibition on electricity on July 27, 1965 — Source: VITM
