In Pakistani society, daily life is a relentless 24/7 grind, leaving little room for creativity or the pursuit of solutions to pressing issues through scientific understanding. From overwhelming disasters to critical challenges like water and food scarcity, as well as ineffective waste management, these problems are often viewed as solely the government’s responsibility. Consequently, children growing up in this environment often develop a lack of interest in practical science and hands-on work, becoming preoccupied with rote memorization of textbooks and theories.
Many are conditioned to believe that earning a medical or engineering degree is the only pathway to a stable income and a life of luxury, missing the opportunity to explore innovative solutions that could transform their communities. This is precisely why our educational institutions fail to cultivate the next generation of scientists, researchers, and inventors. Instead, they churn out students who become mere cogs in the bureaucratic machine or opt for a comfortable life abroad, abandoning their potential. In this context, the task of emphasizing the significance of celebrations and scientific fairs to foster scientific awareness becomes a formidable challenge.
Ashar, a few years ago, was a bright student in Lahore. His life was consumed by a relentless cycle of commuting between home, school, coaching centers, and exam preparations. All of his intelligence and latent abilities were stifled beneath the weight of mountain ranges of textbooks.
Then, a pivotal event transformed his life: a grand science fair was being organized in their city, in partnership with diverse science societies and organizations. The school administration enthusiastically invited students to submit their innovative project ideas, offering a unique opportunity for creative expression.
“This was our first chance to think outside the box,” Ashar remarked. “While our textbooks provided us with a foundation of ideas, we had little knowledge about how to bring those concepts to life.” Eager to explore their potential, they turned to their dedicated teacher, Sir Umar, whose unwavering support and enthusiasm for fresh ideas made him an invaluable resource. He encouraged them to ask questions—no matter how trivial—fostering an environment rich with curiosity and exploration.
He taught us that every scientific endeavor begins with the careful selection of a topic that is not only intriguing and complex but also capable of unveiling the hidden talents and potential of students. This initial step is vital, as it sets the direction for our research journey. To build a strong foundation, we must delve into the subject, seeking comprehensive knowledge from a variety of sources, including textbooks, practical journals, and the vast resources available on the Internet. If one feels apprehensive about venturing into an unknown field with a new topic, there’s no harm in exploring an existing project.
However, it’s essential to infuse it with a fresh concept or innovative angle, approached with meticulous research over one or two weeks. At the outset, tackling overly complex projects should be avoided; such challenges can quickly become daunting for newbies.
Sir Umar further illuminated the path forward: once you have chosen your project, the next crucial step is to construct a model in the laboratory and assemble the requisite equipment. This phase requires you to adopt the perspective of a seasoned scientist, ensuring that your approach is thoughtful and systematic, rather than the tentative approach of an inexperienced student.
“Bear in mind that experiences such as these scientific festivals serve as the vital first steps on your journey to becoming a scientist, researcher, engineer, or whatever exciting path you envision for your future. Unfortunately, many educational institutions struggle to nurture true scientific minds; instead, they often confine students to rote memorization of theories, laws, and equations, stifling their curiosity and discouraging them from pursuing independent inquiry and innovative research.
Sir Umar passionately underscored an essential principle: when presenting any project, judges are more likely to award recognition to those who showcase brilliant ideas using minimal resources and exemplify cost-effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate a mindset akin to that of a determined scientist, navigating the challenges of limited budgets and resources while striving to bring your vision to life.
Above all, remember this: science thrives on the process of invention through experimentation and, yes, MISTAKES! Every great scientist, from Galileo to Stephen Hawking, has faced setbacks along their journeys. These early failures, however daunting, were not the end; instead, they served as invaluable lessons, teaching perseverance and resilience. Embrace each stumble as a stepping stone toward success.”
Sir Umar further explained that the main objective of organizing science festivals is to encourage students to actively test and apply scientific laws and theories, rather than merely memorizing them to pass exams. This hands-on approach fosters critical thinking and creativity, motivating students to explore concepts that extend beyond their textbooks and standard lab experiments.
He emphasized, “The next phase of building a project is about developing confidence and recognizing your own mistakes. Rather than providing immediate corrections, a teacher will allow you to struggle and discover what went wrong on your own. When you encounter an unexpected result, you will repeat the process, identify the source of your error, and make the necessary adjustments independently.
This self-guided learning experience is invaluable, as the skills you cultivate through this process will not only enhance your professional capabilities but will also enrich your personal life by instilling a habit of critical thinking and problem-solving.”
I was initially confused about how a science project could teach me a lesson that would impact my life for years to come. “Dear students, mistakes are an inevitable part of our daily lives. You might take a wrong turn in your journey, choose an unsuitable career, or even select the wrong life partner.”
“The key lesson here is that whenever you find yourself feeling stuck, stagnant, or trapped in a situation, it’s crucial to recognize your mistake and start to navigate your way back. Remember, the longer you continue down the wrong path, the more challenging and prolonged your return journey will be.” Sir Umar overcame my confusion with these insights.
He continued to illustrate this idea by comparing it to building a project. Throughout the process, you will likely encounter numerous challenges and moments of discouragement. You may need to conduct the same experiment multiple times, feeling overwhelmed or tempted to give up along the way. However, perseverance is essential, and ultimately, success will be yours if you stay committed.
As many of you are participating in a science competition for the first time, I want to emphasize some additional benefits of the science festival. Students who excel in these competitions can achieve national recognition, often gaining popularity for their innovative ideas and research. If they continually produce groundbreaking work while maintaining their success, they may even be invited to represent their school or country in international scientific competitions.
In addition, their findings can be documented and published in prestigious scientific journals, further establishing their credibility and contributing to the scientific community.
On one hand, developing strong writing skills can unlock a world of opportunities for higher education abroad, paving the way for exciting academic journeys. Moreover, engaging in competitions not only hones our presentation skills but also significantly boosts our self-esteem—both crucial attributes for anyone aspiring to become a scientist.
After an enlightening hour-long lecture by the esteemed Sir Omar Khan, we came out from the lab with our confusion completely dissipated.
While our group did manage to participate in the science fair that year, our exhibit fell short of being extraordinary. Yet, instead of feeling disheartened, we were fueled by determination and began eagerly preparing for the next year’s science fair. The following year, we returned with an innovative project focused on robotic motion, brimming with enthusiasm and fresh ideas.
This journey deepened my understanding of mechanics and robotics, and it was during this transformative experience that I realized I wanted to pursue a career in robotic engineering. Now, after seven years filled with challenges, dedication, and relentless hard work, I find myself conducting research with Boston Dynamics, a pioneer in the field of robotics. I am filled with optimism for the future that lies ahead. I owe much of this newfound direction to the science festival that forever changed the course of my life.
Note: All the characters and details in this text are fictional, except for one significant reality: the “Lahore Science Mela (LSM)”. This vibrant event is organized annually in Lahore by the Khwarizmi Science Society, a dedicated organization focused on promoting scientific literacy and enthusiasm.
LSM serves as a dynamic platform to popularize science and technology by making these fields accessible, enjoyable, and engaging for individuals of all ages. Visitors can participate in a variety of hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and captivating demonstrations that spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.
This year’s Lahore Science Mela will be held on October 25-26 at Crescent Model Boys High School, Shadman, Lahore. The tagline for this year is “SEENA ROSHAN HO,” which translates to “Your heart enlightens with the light of knowledge and curiosity”, inspired by the poetry of Allama Iqbal.
This tagline embodies the spirit of the event, encouraging attendees to explore and expand their understanding of the world around them. Expect to see an array of exciting projects and innovative exhibits from both local and international scientists and researchers. They will showcase their groundbreaking inventions and scientific experiments, providing a unique opportunity for the public to engage with and learn from experts in various scientific fields.
The event aims to promote student confidence and scientific exploration, seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the critical role that science plays in our everyday lives and in the future development of society. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of science. Mark your calendars and prepare for a feast of knowledge and discovery at the Lahore Science Mela!
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Saadeqa Khan is the founder, CEO, & Editor-in-Chief of Scientia Pakistan. She’s a member of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network (Second Cohort) and NASW. Saadeqa is a fellow of NPF Washington, The Falling Walls Foundation, and the Science Journalism Forum. Saadeqa has won several international journalism grants and awards for her reports.
