younger people in order to motivate them to become scientists., Registrar ( in-charge), Alagappa University, handing over learning materials to a participant at the Youth for Leadership in Science programme in Karaikudi

A. Shenbagavalli, Registrar (in-charge), Alagappa University has asked parents and caretakers to develop science culture in the minds of younger people in order to motivate them to become scientists.

Inaugurating the CSIR (Counsil of Scientific and Industrial Research) Programme on Youth for Leadership in Science (CPYLS) at the Central Electrochemical Research Institute at Karaikudi on Thursday, she said parents were always motivating their children by telling them that they should aim for doctors or engineers. Though there was nothing wrong in the trend, they should know that scientist as a profession was not inferior to any other vocation. It was a step ahead in terms of earning or gaining name and fame. Several persons, including Ramakrishnan Venkatraman and others, achieved highest positions in their career simply by choosing science as their profession.

Ms. Shenbagavalli said that contemporary generation could not imagine life without scientific inventions that manifested each and every functions of life. Whether it was electricity, television, information technology, health and medicine, science was ruling the world. Many more inventions had to be waited for discovery. Hence, the students should develop the aim of becoming scientific leaders.

N. Palaniswamy, Scientist, who presided over the function, said it was an era of material science. Opportunities were abundant for students to become leaders in science. Women could contribute much to the development of science. There were many instances where women have brought laurel to the country in science fields. Hence, women should also come forward to engage in research activities.

S. Ramar, Chairman, CPYLS, said the CECRI had been organising CPYLS programme since 1999 for the 50 toppers in CBSE, ICSE, Matriculation and State Board examinations annually and they were given exposure in the CECRI Laboratory and others.

S. Syed Azim, Head, ICP and R. Rajasekar, Coordinator, CPYLS and others took part.