Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre Explained

Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre
Formation:	1966
Abbreviation:	VASCSC or CSC
Leader Title:	Chairman
Leader Name:	K Kasturirangan
Leader Title2:	Executive Director
Leader Name2:	Dilip Surkar
Founder:	Vikram Sarabhai
Type:	NGO
Status:	Not-for-profit Organization registered as Society
Purpose:	STEM Education
Headquarters:	Ahmedabad
Location:	Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre, commonly known as VASCSC, was established in the 1960s by the eminent space scientist, Vikram Sarabhai in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The centre works towards popularising science and mathematics education among students, teachers and the public.^{[1] [2]} Its mandate is to stimulate interest, encourage and expose the principles of science and scientific method and also to improve and find innovative methods of science education. It is located opposite Gujarat University. VASCSC is open to all members of the community.^[3]

Associated Scientists

• C. V. Raman
• P. C. Vaidya
• Pisharoth Rama Pisharoty
• M. S. Swaminathan
• K. R. Ramanathan
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
• Yash Pal
• M. G. K. Menon
• A. R. Rao

Activities

• Enhancing the capacity of schools to improve quality of STEM education
• Conducting STEM outreach programs for students
• Implementing STEM Hands-on teachers’ training programs
• Establishing STEM labs in schools to promote STEM Hands-on learning,
• Advocating the integration of emerging technologies in school education
• Developing innovative Teaching Learning Material (TLM)

Facilities

• Laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Electronics, Computers, Astronomy, Model Rocketry, Emerging Technologies)
• Library
• Quadrangle (open exhibition area)
• Science Shop
• Vigyan Drashti
• TLM Workshop

Major Projects

• Science Express (2007-17)
• Mobile Science Lab

Awards and Recognitions

• Mahatma Award 2023 for Social Good and Impact^[4]
• HCL Grant 2020 finalist, selected through a competitive nation-wide process, received grant for a project to be carried out in the following year^[5]
• Times of India Social Impact Award 2011 for Education
• National Award for Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India (2008)
• National Award for Best Efforts in Science Popularization among Children’ from Dept. of Science and Technology, NCSTC, Govt. of India (1994)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kids explore new world at science fest - Times of India . The Times of India . 30 Dec 2022.
2. Web site: Recognising Marvels Of Science - AhmedabadMirror . The Ahmedabad Mirror . 30 Dec 2022.
3. https://vascsc.org/about-us/ About
4. Mahatma Award 2023 Winners
5. HCL Grant 2020 Finalist (Education) - Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre . 2020-03-01 . HCL Enterprise . 2024-06-02 . YouTube.