7th International Conference on Geoscience Education was flagged off at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on 5 September 2014. More than 50 delegates from different corners of the world and India have registered for the conference. The conference is hosted once in every four years and India won the bid to host the conference back in 2010 in Johannesburg. The conference is being organised by the International Geoscience Education Organisation in association with The International Union of Geological Sciences and The University of Hyderabad (UoH).
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. R Shankar, Vice- Chair, International Geoscience Education Organisation. He deliberated upon earth as a sacred gift which requires deep understanding and respect. According to him, Earth Sciences strive towards achieving this goal. He highlighted the discrepancy in the school curriculum stating that Earth Sciences is not taught to children in schools which makes them oblivious of this subject. The prevalent notion that Earth Sciences is a dangerous subject is deep rooted in India and all over the world. He reiterated that the need of the hour is to promote the subject among younger generation.
The conference was inaugurated by Prof. V.K Gaur, the Chief Guest of the event. In his keynote address, he emphasized the need for introducing Geoscience as the core subject at school level throughout the country. He urged the audience to cast a backward glance on how the Earth came into being. He encouraged the participants to take up endeavours that would help vitalize Earth Science.
The five day conference will witness sessions on themes like Geoscience teaching methodology, experiences in geoscience education and societal education/ awareness.
On this occasion, Prof. E. Haribabu, Pro Vice Chancellor, UoH welcomed the delegates. He accepted the fact that Geoscience education has not received due attention. He said that the subject ought to be introduced at school level in order to ignite young minds.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. A C Narayana, Organising Secretary.
– Saumya Painuli, MA Communication