The first Mumbai Science Conference was successfully organized by the Breakthrough Science Society (BSS) Mumbai Chapter on April 6, 2025, at Savitribai Phule Hall in Dharavi. The conference began with a science exhibition by students of the Science Learning Centres (SLCs), run by BSS. The students showcased a variety of experiments they had learned and explored during the SLC sessions, demonstrating their curiosity, creativity, and growing scientific understanding.
The conference was inaugurated by Prof. B.M. Arora, eminent semiconductor physicist, former professor TIFR Mumbai, and was presided over by Mr. Ravindra Bhandare, President of BSS Mumbai organising committee. Prof. S.G. Dani, former professor TIFR, former chair NBHM, currently in UM-DAE Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CEBS) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his engaging inaugural address, Prof. B.M. Arora traced the evolution of the light bulb, using live demonstrations to illustrate his points, and emphasized the crucial role of science and scientific thinking in everyday life. Prof. S.G. Dani also addressed the audience, urging everyone to adopt a scientific outlook in their approach to life and society.
Mr. Chandan Santra All India secretariat member of BSS, presented the history, aims, and objectives of Breakthrough Science Society, while Prof Manabendra Nath Bera, All India secretariat member of BSS spoke passionately about the need to build a new science movement in the country, especially in Mumbai and the pivotal role BSS can play in it.
During the event, the new committee of the BSS Mumbai Chapter was formally announced. Prof. S.G. Dani was named President, and Mr. Ravindra Bhandare was appointed Working President of the chapter. Saharsh Shanu and Rishabh Nath, both from CEBS appointed as secretary and treasurer respectively. A 16 member executive committee and 32 members council was formed. A 12 member Board of Advisors consisting of eminent professors, doctors, professionals in Mumbai was also formed. The program concluded with a prize distribution ceremony for students from Ambedkar School and Royal City School who had participated in the Science Learning Centre final exam. The conference saw enthusiastic participation from around 130 attendees, including students, parents, teachers, and professors. Representatives from Satara and Kolhapur also attended the conference.
Science Learning Centre – Programs
After completing two years of our Science Learning Centre, we conducted the final exam on 02.03.24 at both SLCs (Ambedkar school and Royal City school) in Dharavi, Mumbai. A total of 48 students appeared for the exam.
The exam focused on testing students’ observation and questioning skills rather than rote learning. During the test, they watched videos and observed experiments, then listed their observations and questions. They were also encouraged to explain the experiments using concepts discussed in SLC sessions and to suggest new experiments to find answers to their questions. All the students participated with great enthusiasm.
Science discussions were conducted in Nej village, Ichalkaranji town, Narande village and Rajarampuri in Kolhapur district (Maharashtra). Ramesh Ghatge, Madhukar Mane, Gautam Kamble, Chandrakant Sanghvi and Nandatai Ghatge conducted the discussions.
