Bhopal, Nov 20: The science exhibition, which is to be held simultaneously with Bharat Vigyan Sammelan, would be thrown open to general public as well as school and college students from November 21. However, it would be formally inaugurated on November 22, 2007 by the Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at 11 am. The exhibition is going to be opened a day earlier so that more and more people could have a glimpse of the progress made by India in the fields of science and technology and Information Technology.

This information was given to journalists by Minister for Science and Technology, Information Technology and Public Works Department Kailash Vijayvargiya at the exhibition venue at Lal Parade Ground after reviewing the preparations. Vijayvargiya is also the president of the welcome committee of the Sammelan. During the inspection, Exhibition Committee's president and Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board's chairman Dr SP Gautam also accompanied Vijayvargiya.

Vijayvargiya informed that the exhibition to be held from November 21 to 26 would be the biggest exhibition held so far in Madhya Pradesh which would be visited by over five lakh people. Here 25 leading departments of Madhya Pradesh government are also erecting their stalls to showcase fast-paced progress being made by the state. The central-level organisations erecting their stalls at the exhibition include Steel Authority of India, Central Council for Science and Technology, Indian Space Research Organisation, National Council for Science and Technology, Rural Development Bank and others. All the participating departments and agencies have arrived with their exhibits to be displayed at the exhibition. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has brought the prototypes of and models of Space Tourism Project, G.S.L.V., PSLV satellite and Chandrayan Project. Similarly, nine research bodies of Defence Ministry are ready to display their latest achievements. The Ayurved, Unani, Homoeopathy and Siddha Department of Union Health Ministry would provide free medicare to the visitors of the exhibition. The nomenclature of this department is 'Ayush'.

Over 100 stalls are being stalled by 50 handicraft experts and artisans at the exhibition. Demonstrations and sales would also be undertaken at these stalls. The exhibition would remain open daily from 11 am to 8 pm. Buses have been arranged so that maximum number of school and college students can conveniently reach the exhibition venue and have more time at their hand to watch and understand the exhibits. Stalls for the recreation and refreshments have also been erected.

With a view to augmenting students' interest and participation, several competitions have also been arranged including quiz, essay competition and painting contest. The different competitions entail first, second and third prizes to the tune of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000. These prizes have been instituted in the memory former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister late Virendra Kumar Sakhlecha and would be given away by VK Sakhecha Memorial Trust on November 23 at Ravindra Bhawan at the inauguration of Science Sammelan there.

Vijayvargiya informed that students would be given a chance for tête-à-tête with renowned and bright scientists of our country at Lal Parade Ground from November 22, 2007. On that very day Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore's director Dr K.I. Vasu would be available for meeting from 12 noon to 1 pm. Dr Vasu has been vice-chancellor of many universities and is also national president of Vigyan Bharti. Students would be able to meet creator of Param supercomputer Padmashree Dr Vijay Bhatkar on November 23. On November 24, famous biotechnology expert Dr Manju Sharma would be among the children.

However, November 25 would be the special day for students and children when they would have a chance to mix up with India's Missile Man and former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who is the brain behind this science exhibition. Dr Kalam would be chief guest at Vigyan Sammelan to be held on November 25, 2007 at Ravindra Bhavan.

Cultural programmes would be held at every evening at Lal Parade Ground. On November 22, a troupe from Arunachal Pradesh would present the folk dance of their state from 7 to 9 pm. Famous Ghazal singer Ms Mitali Bhupindar Singh would seek to enchant the audience on November 23. Indore's famous music troupe of Ms Sarika Singh and Amit Shinde would come out with a sizzling and colourful presentation on November 24.

Vijayvargiya said that the organising committee is receiving the cooperation of famous scientist and director of Indian Space Research Organisation Dr Madhavan Nayar for all round success of the exhibition as well Sammelan.