Media Release
Belagavi, Sep 11: St Paul’s High School, Camp, Belagavi, organised its annual science exhibition 'Scientia 2K26' on Friday, September 11, under the theme 'Innovating Young Minds'. The exhibition provided a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate their creativity, scientific thinking, innovation, and understanding of basic sciences through a variety of models and experiments.
The inaugural function commenced at 9 am in the presence of the chief guest, Dr C N Naikar, director and principal of Rabindranath Tagore PU College, Belagavi, along with the school management, staff, and students. Dr Naikar, in his address, highlighted the importance of basic science and innovative thinking, stressing that scientific awareness must begin at the school level.
Addressing the gathering, Rev Fr Eric Mathias SJ, principal of St Paul’s High School, said that science is not merely about learning facts but about developing the right attitude towards life. He highlighted three important values of scientific learning: “Science begins with curiosity, curiosity begins with asking questions, and progress begins when we seek answers.” He encouraged the students to remain curious, to ask questions fearlessly, to observe carefully, and to develop the discipline to search for truthful answers.
Fr Eric reminded the students that curiosity without discipline may remain only an idea, while curiosity combined with hard work, self-discipline, and perseverance can lead to innovation. He also emphasised that true Paulites are expected not only to be knowledgeable and innovative but also to be marked by compassion and humility.
The chief guest recalled the remarkable contributions of Nobel laureates Sir C V Raman and Dr S Chandrasekhar, encouraging the young participants to aspire to excellence in scientific research. He invited the students to participate in INFOSTAV, the annual science exhibition of Rabindranath Tagore PU College, noting that St Paul’s High School has been a four-time general champion.
Following the chief guest’s address, Rev Fr Alendro DaCosta, vice principal, administered the oath to the student exhibitors, inspiring them to uphold curiosity, honesty, and scientific inquiry.
The dignitaries and guests later visited the exhibition and interacted with the young exhibitors. The students confidently explained their projects and demonstrated various scientific concepts through models and experiments.
The programme concluded at 10:20 am after a successful and inspiring presentation of young scientific talent. Scientia 2K26 demonstrated that when young minds are encouraged to be curious, ask questions, and seek solutions, science becomes not just a subject but a way of discovering and improving the world around us.